CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Illinois transfer wide receiver Hudson Clement is getting praise from his coaches ahead of the team’s season opener.

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema recently praised Clement’s growth from the spring to the fall.

Clement transferred to the Illini from West Virginia after leading the Mountaineers with 741 receiving yards in 2024.

“I believe his most valuable trait is his ability to get open,” stated Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. “While it may sound basic, it’s a crucial skill. I’ve encountered fast players who struggle to get open, and slower ones who manage to do so. He is athletic and runs well, but his greatest strength is consistently finding a way to get open and capitalizing on opportunities. This is evident in the footage we’ve reviewed, and now we’re witnessing that player come to life on our team.”

Clement is one of several wide receivers on the Illini roster hoping to play a big role in the 2025 season.

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