#56
JJ Hirdes
Returning to Illinois for 2026
Coopersville, Mich. → Coopersville
via fightingillini.com ↗JJ Hirdes
Limited signal — not enough coverage for a story yet.
Career Arc
HS
Recruit
★★★
CFB
College
—
NFL
NFL Draft
—
Splits & context
Supporting Cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Bret Bielema
How he plays
2026 Outlook
Illinois
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Offensive 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
Background
Pronunciation: HURDS 2025 Freshman Did not play in a game and redshirted the season High School Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, and On3 Position ranks: #76 (247Sports), #96 (ESPN), #120 (On3) State of Michigan ranks: #18 (247Sports), #21 (ESPN), #40 (On3) Played for head coach Ed Kaman at...
Stats from CFBD · ESPN · fan discourse. Every figure computed from source tables — not invented. Methodology