#54
Demetrius John
Returning to Illinois for 2026
Fr. · Columbus, Ohio → Dublin Coffman
via fightingillini.com ↗This season's coverage starts August 26 — check back once kickoff hits.
Demetrius John
Limited signal — not enough coverage for a story yet.
Career Arc
HS
Recruit
★★★
CFB
College
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NFL
NFL Draft
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How he plays
2026 Outlook
Illinois
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Defensive line · Illinois
Returning around him
- 52% of 2024 offensive production back (Solid continuity)
- 3 Illinois players drafted to NFL
- Transfer portal: -8 net (19 in / 27 out)
2026 Award watch
No preseason watch lists yet (most drop June 15 – July 15)
Illinois · Last season: 9-4 (AP #23) · Talent rank #64 · 2026 recruiting class #24
Heisman trajectory
Heisman Trajectory · 2025
Peak #11665
Peaked at #11665 this season.
Background
Pronunciation: DUH-me-TREE-us 2025 Redshirt Freshman Academic All-Big Ten Played in six games 2024 Freshman Did not play in a game and redshirted the season. High School Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals Defensive lineman ranks: #49 (On3), #60 (ESPN), #98 (247Sports) State of...