Quick hits Daniel Brown could return at MIKE linebacker
- Story byThe News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.
- Quick hits Daniel Brown could return at MIKE linebacker
Sep. 18—Illinois coach Bret Bielema had his final pregame media availability of the week on Thursday. Here's some of what he said before his team
faces Southern Illinois on Saturday, courtesy beat writer Scott Richey:
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Checking in on linebacker depth
Daniel Brown has played in 11 games across his two-plus seasons at Illinois, as injuries have derailed the former junior college All-American and sacks leader since his arrival in Champaign ahead of the 2024 season. Brown missed 11 games in 2024, four in 2025 and has sat out the first two this season against UAB and Duke after receiving platelet-rich plasma therapy to treat a soft tissue injury. Mason Muragin and Ean Rhea have filled in during Brown's absence, but the 6-foot-1, 255-pound fifth-year linebacker could get on the field on Saturday when the Illini host the Salukis.
"Both those guys have done some good things for us, but Daniel is an experienced player we're excited to get back out," Illinois coach Bret Bielema said. Brown practiced Wednesday and Thursday. "If he plays at all Saturday, it would be in a limited role. I do think there's a very good chance of him being back for Ohio State."
Starting right guard a question
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Brandon Hansen will start at left guard Saturday against Southern Illinois for the second straight game in place of Maika Matelau. Who replaces injured right guard Brandon Henderson still remains in flux even after a week's worth of practice. While Bielema mentioned "a chance of Eddie Tuerk" and "a chance of Dez Schuster," the first option he discussed was freshman Champ Smith.
"He had a shoulder injury that caused him to miss several weeks," Bielema said of his four-star freshman. "We got him back last week at the start of practice. He wasn't really ready to play for our first game (against UAB), but last week he worked in there a little bit. He's worked tackle and guard. Obviously, a very talented player out of Vero Beach, Fla., that I've known for a long time. Super excited about his makeup, but, certainly he's a freshman and he's coming off an injury. His conditioning is a factor."
Underwood in a new role
Bielema has typically used the honorary captain role for home games to bring in a former Illinois football standout. Former Illini linebacker Brit Miller had that honor in Week 1, and Brandon Lloyd followed up his induction into the Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame by serving as honorary captain last weekend. This week, though, will see Illinois men's basketball coach Brad Underwood in that role.
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"I don't know," Bielema said with a laugh about what Underwood might say to his team before the game. "I'm sure he's going to have a couple good, choice words, and I'm excited to hear them. He loves what we do. Same thing for me not only with Brad, but with (women's basketball coach Shauna Green). Anything to support. I think that's so unique. Bo (Ryan) was a guy I shared the stage with at Wisconsin. When I was at Iowa, I learned the value of having a head football coach and a head basketball coach that really appreciate one another. I think that it's all about Illinois."
