The Illinois Fighting Illini football program has taken some massive hits in the last 24 hours. Redshirt freshman offensive lineman Blaise Sparks entered his name into the NCAA Transfer Portal on Tuesday morning, becoming the sixth Illinois player to hit the portal in the last 24 hours.
Sparks followed offensive lineman Brevyn Jones, defensive lineman Anthony Shipton, wide receiver James Frenchie, defensive lineman Tre'von Riggins and running back/wide receiver Kyron Cumby as Illinois players to hit the portal. All players were three-star prospects in the class.
Per Jeremy Werner of Illini Inquirer on the 247Sports network, Bielema pointed out that no players had asked to transfer after spring football concluded. But now that more time has passed since the end of spring ball, things have changed. Players have until this Thursday, July 1, to hit the portal and receive immediate eligibility this year.