Bret Bielema has quietly - and now not-so-quietly - turned Illinois football into a program that matters again. Not just on Saturdays, but in the recruiting wars, in the transfer portal, and in the broader conversation of Big Ten football. The Illini have won eight games in three of the last four seasons, and now they’re starting to see that success reflected in the talent they’re bringing to Champaign.
The 2026 recruiting class is a milestone moment. Illinois has landed a top-25 class - a significant jump from the string of top-50 finishes in recent years. And that’s before the transfer portal even opens.
That window swings wide on January 2 and closes two weeks later, on January 16. And while Illinois already has momentum, there’s a chance to supercharge this roster with the right additions - especially at cornerback, a position that could use an infusion of talent.
One name to watch? Donovan Starr.
The Auburn cornerback officially entered the transfer portal on Tuesday, just weeks after the Tigers parted ways with head coach Hugh Freeze. Starr was a four-star recruit in the 2025 class, ranked No. 136 nationally, No. 18 among all cornerbacks, and the top overall player out of Tennessee. But here’s where it gets interesting for Illinois fans: Starr is originally from Bloomington, Illinois, and the Illini were firmly in the mix during his high school recruitment.
Back then, Illinois managed to land an official visit from Starr while he was starring at Ravenwood High School. But when decision time came, he chose Auburn.
Now? Illinois might have a second chance.
Starr didn’t log any defensive snaps as a freshman at Auburn, contributing only on special teams. But that’s not unusual for a first-year corner in the SEC.
What matters is the upside - and Starr still has plenty of it. He’s long, athletic, and physical - the kind of corner who could step into a starting role in Champaign right away.
And the Illini need that kind of player.
Torrie Cox Jr. is out of eligibility. Juice Clarke is entering his senior year.
Tanner Heckel will be a junior. All three saw playing time in 2025, but none ranked inside the top 440 cornerbacks nationally.
That’s not a knock on effort - it’s just a reflection of where Illinois stands right now at the position.
But help is on the way.
Illinois already has two big additions in the secondary. Nick Hankins, a four-star recruit ranked No. 124 nationally in the 2026 class, is the top-rated player in the Illini’s incoming class. And from the JUCO ranks, they’ve landed Jakwon Morris - the top junior college cornerback available.
Now imagine pairing those two with Donovan Starr.
That trio would represent a massive talent upgrade for a secondary that struggled to keep pace in 2025. Hankins brings length and versatility.
Morris is experienced and battle-tested. Starr has the pedigree and potential to be a lockdown presence on the outside.
Together, they could anchor a revamped defensive backfield - one that could turn a weakness into a strength in 2026.
Of course, Illinois still has to close the deal. Starr is in the portal, but he’ll have options. The key will be Bielema and his staff making the most of their prior relationship with the former four-star and selling the vision of what he could become in orange and blue.
There’s no guarantee. But if Illinois can land Starr the second time around, it could be a game-changer - not just for the secondary, but for a program that continues to rise under Bret Bielema’s watch.