CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – The wide receiver position has likely garnered the most inquiries when Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema has addressed the media ahead of the 2025 season.

It’s no secret Illinois lost a lot there from 2024.

The Illini look to replace a bulk of production from graduates Zakhari Franklin and Pat Bryant.

Who could fill those big shoes?

Bret Bielema was questioned about that group on Monday, prior to his team’s third fall camp practice. Before delving into the names of players who have impressed early in the fall, Coach B paused to commend his coach at that spot.

“I love watching [wide receivers coach Justin] Stepp work,” Bielema noted. “[I’ve] been around numerous skilled coaches and Stepp, just the way he interacts…”

Bielema mentions that NFL wideouts Courtland Sutton and Pat Bryant, both with the Broncos, openly acknowledge Stepp’s influence on their careers. Stepp, entering his second year with the Illini in 2025, coached Sutton at SMU from 2015-2017.

As for the group he’s working with now, quarterback Luke Altmyer has raved about the depth there.

Bielema dove into some specifics on Monday.

“Malik Elzy has looked exceptional,” Bielema remarked. “I’m very excited… I observed him do some things in Saturday’s practice that I’ve seen occasionally, but now he’s doing it with more consistency.”

Elzy enters his junior year after catching four passes for 77 yards and one touchdown as a sophomore.

The Illini head coach also called Hank Beatty and Collin Dixon impressive.

He says Hudson Clement, a transfer from West Virginia, and Alexander Capka-Jones, have taken big jumps since the spring.

Bielema also gave recognition to Mario Sanders. Sanders redshirted his initial year with Illinois in 2024 after a remarkable junior college career. In 2023, he was named to the NJCAA All-American First Team after amassing 12 touchdowns and 942 receiving yards.

Another Illinois receiver likely worth keeping an eye on would be Justin Bowick.

Bowick comes to Champaign after tallying 20 receptions for 383 yards and three touchdowns in just four games at Ball State in 2024.