Hank Beatty
Buzz vs Tape
Fans warmer than rivals
His own fans are far more bullish than the rival fanbase.
Also worth knowing:
Hank Beatty
Wins underneath on volume and route precision. He has spent four seasons in the Illinois receiving corps. He has been named All-Big Ten two seasons running, most recently in 2025. One game to point at: 186 rec yds, 5 receptions against Purdue — Week 6, 2025.
Low coverage — composed from the verified record.
- positional archetype classification
- seasons on the roster
- recognition record
- game log
Career Arc
Trophy Case · Confirmed honors
What the selectors said
ALL-CONFERENCE
All-Conf mention (2025)
All-Big Ten
Coaching Lineage · 2022–2025
1 coachPlayed his entire career under Bret Bielema.
2025 snapshot
Season context · Team result + system
Splits & context
Supporting Cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Bret Bielema
Awards
Player Standing · 17 rungs
Tier 3 · RecognizedR09 · All-Conference HM / 2nd team
All-Conference HM / 2nd team. Conference recognition has started.
Recognition
Production
Trophy Case · Confirmed honors
What the selectors said
ALL-CONFERENCE
All-Conf mention (2025)
All-Big Ten
Career stats
Signature game
SIGNATURE GAME · Week 5 · 2025
W 34–32
vs USC
3 yds · 1 TD · 0 INT · QBR 100.0
Edged out USC at home in a shootout.
How he plays
Play style
Runs precise routes in tight quarters. Volume player who keeps chains moving.
CFB Index positional classification
2026 Outlook
Illinois
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Wide receiver · 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
DNA match
Player DNA
Slot Technician
Runs precise routes in tight quarters. Volume player who keeps chains moving.
His 2025 production profile sits closest to Lewis Bond’s 2025 season.
Matches Lewis on
Differs from Lewis on
Through 3 college seasons, his career arc tracks closest to Courtney Jackson’s path through Arkansas State.
Dazz Newsome
DeVontres Dukes
Kobe Clark
Matches Courtney on
As a senior, his production profile tracks closest to Jordan Watkins's senior season at Ole Miss (2023).
Matches Jordan on
Differs from Jordan on
Player DNA
Players who play like Hank Beatty
Heisman trajectory
Heisman Trajectory · 2025
Peak #161
Peaked at #161 this season.
Development
Development Trajectory · receiving yards
2022–2025+3356%
Up 3356% from first season to most-recent.