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Key Illinois Pass Catcher Doubtful for Ohio State Game
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- Key Illinois Pass Catcher Doubtful for Ohio State Game
The Illinois Fighting Illini are big underdogs heading into Saturday night's game in Columbus, Ohio, and will need all the help they can get on both sides of the ball.
Unfortunately for Bret Bielema's group, the wide receiver room is expected to be lacking in depth, judging by the latest injury report.
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The Illini went out and signed former Florida Atlantic Owls star Jayshon Platt this offseason to assist in big games, but Platt's latest injury update is far from encouraging for Saturday's matchup.
Oct 18, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Atlantic Owls wide receiver Jayshon Platt (3) returns a kick during the second half against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium. Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
Platt Doubtful for Saturday's Game
Platt is doubtful for Saturday's game according to Glenn Kinley , who broke the news earlier this week. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound fifth-year wideout out of North Port, Fla. was expected to start alongside Collin Dixon this season, who currently ranks seventh nationally in receiving yards.
Platt did not come to Illinois as a run-of-the-mill small school transfer. He was named to watch lists for the Jet Award, given to college football's best return specialist at the end of the season, and the Biletnikoff Award, given to the best receiver in college football.
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The former Florida Atlantic star has NFL size, great hands, and speed, drawing positive buzz throughout training camp heading into the season. Illinois fans will now have to wait longer for him to make his debut as he continues to rehab an undisclosed injury behind the scenes.
Passing Game Limited Without Platt
Illinois fans and media could sense the hope in Bielema's voice whenever he brought up the possibility of Platt returning, but now he and his team will be forced to make a go of it without their rising star.
The Fighting Illini passing game looks limited without Platt as only two players have caught more than 10 passes so far this season, wide receivers Dixon and Hudson Clement.
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Third on the list is Brayden Trimble , who has nine catches for 85 yards, followed by tight end Davin Stoffel with just two catches. Offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. could be forced to get creative against Matt Patricia's Buckeye defense this coming Saturday as the receiving room is starting to look a little thin.
One player who could factor into the gameplan is Kaden Feagin, a running back turned tight end who impressed his position coach recently . Feagin has grown by leaps and bounds from week-to-week and could cause headaches for an Ohio State defense that is younger and more inexperienced than it has been in recent years.
Saturday's kickoff is set for noon ET Saturday, as Illinois looks to snap a ten-game losing streak in the series and hoist the coveted Illibuck Trophy.
