BJ Thurman
Sophomore tight end on Illinois's 2026 roster. No game stats recorded yet.
6′4″ · 225 lb · Berkeley, CA · Berkeley
Recruiting
TE recruit
No. 6 nationally · Joined Illinois
No college snaps yet.
His full recruiting profileThe story
2 tight end on Illinois's roster. No game stats recorded yet.
- Signed as a 3-star recruit to Illinois in 2026.
BJ Thurman
Limited signal — not enough coverage for a story yet.
His career
2026
- Signed with Illinois3-star out of College of San Mateo
Career arc
Splits & context
Supporting cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Bret Bielema
Scheme reads (pass share, tempo, sack rate) need at least 3 team games — 2 games in so far.
Awards
A three-star recruit at tight end for Illinois -- now projected as a quality contributor in the tight end room.
He hasn't recorded a college stat yet. Here's what we know about him.
1 have gone on to the NFL Draft since 2024. Tip Reiman went on to the NFL out of this room (2024).
How he plays
2026 Outlook
Illinois
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Tight end · Illinois
Returning around him
- 21% of 2024 offensive production back (Heavy turnover)
- 3 Illinois players drafted to NFL
- Transfer portal: -7 net (20 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 #51 · 2026 recruiting class #24
Background
2025 - College of San Mateo Played in 11 games at tight end 16 receptions for 322 yards and six touchdowns Helped the College of San Mateo to a 12-1 record and 3C2A State Championship No. 1-ranked junior college tight end in the nation, according to 247Sports High School Three-star recruit by 247...
The tight end room · Illinois
- #83Kaden Feagin188 receiving yards · 2025
- #88Davin Stoffel24 receiving yards · 2025
- #86Christian Abney12 receiving yards · 2025
- #14Maurice Smithno box-score line yet
- #87BJ Thurmanno box-score line yet
4 more on the roster · Illinois team page