Illinois offensive line facing a tough act to follow

Apr. 21—CHAMPAIGN — Ready or not — and he appeared more than capable during the Music City Bowl — Nathan Knapik will be needed by the Illinois football team in 2026.

And beyond.

The 6-foot-7, 300-pound sophomore is expected to fill one of four vacated positions on the Illinois offensive line. Center Josh Kreutz, guard Josh Gesky and tackles Melvin Priestley and J.C. Davis are out of eligibility and waiting to hear if they'll land a spot with an NFL team later this week.

Knapik joined Bret Bielema's team at Illinois ahead of the 2025 after starting his career at FCS school Idaho. Yes, he was a Vandal (one of best nicknames in college sports).

Knapik, a native of Kennewick, Wash., played in a handful of games during the regular season as a backup. When Davis opted out of the Music City Bowl, Knapik moved into the starting lineup at left tackle when the Illini played Tennessee.

What did it mean for Knapik to have such an important role during a 30-28 walk-off win against the Volunteers?

"I think it provided me a lot of confidence knowing that I can play at this level, knowing I can play against Top 25 teams and hold my own," Knapik said. "I was surprised that I wasn't nervous. I felt extremely prepared for the moment."

In his first season at Illinois, Knapik learned the value of patience by working with an experienced offensive line.

"Take it one day at a time," he said.

He paid attention to the work habits of the veterans.

"J.C. taught me everything he knows, how he approaches the game," Knapik said. "Melvin was a big mentality guy. I learned a lot from him."

Of course, when Davis said "No" to the bowl, Knapik's role changed. Or did it?

"As weird as it is, I always prepared like I was a starter just to try to get in that mindset," Knapik said. "So, it didn't feel like anything new."

He was lighter, too, in the bowl game. He lost 20 pounds because of an illness and was down to around 270 pounds.

"I couldn't eat for like two weeks," Knapik said.

Sorting it out

Illinois will have four new starters on the offensive line when the 2026 season kicks off Sept. 5 against UAB. Jake Renfro, who is missing spring drills as he recovers from an injury, is the likely starter at center. He transferred from Wisconsin.

The guards are expected to be returning starter Brandon Henderson and Brandon Hansen. Knapik will work at right tackle with transfer Christian Martin on the left side. Martin came to Illinois from Colorado State.

Of all the positions in football, none are more connected than the five starters on an offensive line. If one makes a mistake, they all suffer. And the play can fail.

Knapik is getting used to his new linemates while going against a revamped Illinois defense since new coordinator Bobby Hauck is bringing a 3-3-5 scheme to the Illini.