3 Illinois Stock Risers the Illini Will Need to Produce vs. Duke in Week 2

A few Illini shined in Week 1 vs. UAB. Here are three of them - and what Illinois needs out of each against Duke on Saturday. Sep 3, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Collin Dixon celebrates his touchdown with teammate wide receiver Brayden Trimble during the first half at Gies Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Illinois' first game of the 2026 campaign wasn't perfect – but it was far from a dud. There were plenty of, and focusing in on individual performances, a few Illini even had excellent nights. Here are three Illinois stock risers heading into Duke – and what the team needs from each on Saturday. Sep 3, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema during the second half against the UAB Blazers at Gies Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectAfter one week, Illinois' decision to slide Holmes from linebacker to defensive line this offseason appears to have been a fantastic call. Holmes registered five total tackles – including 0.5 tackles for loss – along with a game-high three quarterback hurries. Without a doubt, Holmes was the Illini's most unexpected Week 1 standout . The Illini need Holmes to do what he does best in Week 2: get after the quarterback. If he can consistently create pressure against Duke's Walker Eget, who will often run for the hills at the first sign of a pass rusher nearby, the Blue Devils' passing attack will struggle to take pressure off running back Nate Sheppard. The stat line – one catch for 11 yards – wasn't eye-popping for Trimble in Week 1. But on that lone reception, which was a screen pass, Trimble showcased his speed, vision and ability to break tackles. More importantly, though, Trimble played his role to a T. With all of the buzz surrounding him – he was another of the Illini's fall camp standout – he may have expected a healthier share of targets. Instead, he was the primary decoy on a pair of plays that led toIn Week 2, the Illini may need more than just decoy duty out of Trimble. Clearly, Dixon is WR1 and we knowSep 6, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils cornerback Kimari Robinson is tackled by Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Jojo Hayden , linebacker Kenenna Odeluga , linebacker Ismael Kante and defensive lineman Gentle Hunt during the fourth quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe pick-six – which stemmed from Holmes' pressure – was the highlight of the game for Kante, and the Illini defense as a whole. Kante was in the right place at the right time, but it was nevertheless a heads-up play that he was able to finish for the score. Also, he was second on the squad with six total tackles coming to Champaign on Saturday, the Illini can't afford to let any more ball carriers – or opportunities – slip through their fingers. Kante recognizes that: 'Clean up some tackling issues that – I feel like I missed some tackles today, too,' Kante said in his postgame press conference after the UAB win. 'Just moving forward, I have got to be better with that. We'll get there. 'Primarily covers Illinois football and basketball, and Kansas basketball, with an emphasis on analysis, features and recruiting. Langendorf, a third-generation University of Illinois alum, has been watching Illini basketball and football for as long as he can remember. An advertising student and journalism devotee, he has been writing for On SI since October 2024. He can be followed and reached on X @jglangendorf.