#35
Grayson Griffin
Returning to Illinois for 2026
This season's coverage starts August 26 — check back once kickoff hits.
Grayson Griffin
Limited signal — not enough coverage for a story yet.
Career Arc
HS
Recruit
—
CFB
College
Illinois
NFL
NFL Draft
—
Coaching Lineage · 2023–2025
1 coachPlayed his entire career under Bret Bielema.
2025 snapshot
Season context · Team result + system
2023Illinois5-7HC: Bret Bielema · Balanced
2024Illinois10-3HC: Bret Bielema · Run-leaning
2025Illinois9-4HC: Bret Bielema · Run-leaning
Career stats
Signature game
SIGNATURE GAME · Week 5 · 2025
W 34–32
vs USC
1 TOT
Edged out USC at home in a shootout.
How he plays
2026 Outlook
Illinois
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Defensive back · 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 #11086
Peaked at #11086 this season.