Bielema provides updates on injuries, roster makeup, position changes

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) - Illinois football held its 2026 media day in Champaign on Friday.

The Illini are entering the 2026 season having won 19 combined games in the last two years. Now, they're tasked with replacing an impressive senior class from last fall.

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema opened up the local media day with a press conference. He provided an update on several things, including some injuries.

Tight end BJ Thurman is expected to have undergo surgery on his foot and miss the majority, if not all, of the 2026 season. Thurman is in his first fall in Champaign, coming in from College of San Mateo at the JUCO level.

Plus, FIU wide receiver transfer Alex Perry is set to have shoulder surgery. He will also miss most, if not all, of the season.

Coach Bielema also told reporters that freshman Landen Von Seggern is switching positions, from offensive line to tight end. Von Seggern, an Omaha, Neb. native, is listed as 6-foot-4, 280 pounds on the roster.

Finally, Bielema says the Illini made a late roster addition with Josh Lorick. Lorick is a rising fifth-year senior wide receiver, transferring to Illinois from Incarnate Word. He spent two years there, 1,023 receiving yards.

Bielema says the Illini believe Lorick will be granted the fifth-year of eligibility, after a judge ruled the high school class of 2022 should be eligible for the NCAA's new eligibility policy.

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