CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Illinois wide receiver Justin Bowick doesn’t lead the team in receptions or receiving yards.

In both categories, he outperformed Hank Beatty, Collin Dixon, and Hudson Clement. Nonetheless, nobody else on the team, not even the running backs, has scored more touchdowns than the 6-foot-4 transfer from Ball State.

Bowick has managed only nine receptions this season, with four resulting in touchdowns. Additionally, there was a catch against Duke that was initially called a touchdown on the field but was overturned upon review, placing him out at the one-yard line.

What makes the former Cardinal and EIU Panther such a threat in the red zone?

Illinois wide receivers coach Justin Stepp commented, “It’s his size. He possesses a lot of agility for someone of his stature, which is beneficial in crucial moments. The key thing is that Luke [Altmyer] trusts throwing to him down there. We all do. So it’s definitely great having such a substantial target.”

Although four games are a relatively small sample size, the Illini QB appreciates the tall receiver as Illinois nears the goal line. Indeed, when Stepp asked Altmyer which receivers he wanted on the field late in the game against USC as Illinois approached the red zone, the senior quarterback insisted that Bowick be present.

“I can afford to make mistakes with him on the field because he makes up for them,” Altmyer explained. “[Bowick is] an extraordinary player, and it’s only going to improve, and I’ve enjoyed every moment playing with him.”

Bowick scored a touchdown against USC, another one against Duke, and two against Western Illinois. The only games without touchdowns were against Western Michigan and Duke, where his playtime was limited due to injuries.

This isn’t new for the Powder Springs, Ga. native. He had three touchdowns in just four games for Ball State in 2024, and eight touchdowns across two seasons with EIU before that.

Bowick, Altmyer and the Illini hope to keep the momentum rolling as they visit Purdue for an 11 a.m. kickoff on Saturday, Oct. 4