The Illinois football team had players spread throughout the NFL heading into the 2026 campaign.
There is always the dangerous 53-man roster cut, though. That is a hurdle a lot of players need to avoid, but there were some casualties for the Illini.
This list will be updated as news comes in.
QB Luke Altmyer - Detroit Lions
Sadly, Luke Altmyer was waived by the Lions. This gives him the chance to be claimed by another team. If he clears waivers, Tom Pelissero reports that Altmyer will be back with Detroit on their practice squad .
C Josh Kreutz - Indianapolis Colts
I am going to assume Josh Kreutz lands on the Colts' practice squad. He had a good preseason, and he is someone who will have a long career in the NFL.
WR Hank Beatty - Tennessee Titans
Hank Beatty was used a lot on special teams for the Titans. It wouldn't surprise me to see him land somewhere and make a play or two in the regular season.
G Josh Gesky - Green Bay Packers
S Miles Scott - Denver Broncos
OL Doug Kramer Jr. - San Francisco 49ers
WR Malik Turner - San Francisco 49ers
DT James Thompson Jr - San Francisco 49ers
This was a big shocker. Illinois rookie James Thompson Jr. made the 49ers' 53-man roster. That is a great sign for the former Illini and what his future holds in the NFL.
S Tony Adams - Tennessee Titans
This doesn't come as a surprise. Tony Adams is entering his fifth season in the NFL, and he started 35 games in the past three seasons. He is a seasoned veteran who is great for the Titans.
S Sydney Brown - Atlanta Falcons
C Ted Karras - Cincinnati Bengals
WR Pat Bryant - Denver Broncos
OL Alex Palczewski - Denver Broncos
OL JC Davis - New York Giants
OL Vederian Lowe - San Francisco 49ers
CB Nate Hobbs - San Francisco 49ers
S Quan Martin - Washington Commanders
DT Jer'Zhan Newton - Washington Commanders
TE Tanner Arkin - New England Patriots
LB Gabe Jacas - New England Patriots
DT TeRah Edwards - Los Angeles Chargers
Former Illini defensive tackle TeRah Edwards is on the move. In a last-second trade, the Chargers are sending Edwards to the opposite coast, as he is heading to the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers are sending a sixth-round pick back.
S Kerby Joseph - Detroit Lions
LB Milo Eifler - Tennessee Titans
This article was originally published on www.writingillini.com as Mapping out Illinois football movement during the NFL 53-man roster cuts .
