JJ Hirdes
Freshman offensive lineman on Illinois's 2026 roster. No game stats recorded yet.
6′6″ · 295 lb · Coopersville, MI · Coopersville
Recruiting
OT recruit
No. 2030 nationally · Signed with Illinois
No college snaps yet.
His full recruiting profileThe story
1 offensive lineman on Illinois's roster. No game stats recorded yet.
- Signed as a 3-star recruit to Illinois in 2025.
JJ Hirdes
Limited signal — not enough coverage for a story yet.
His career
2025
- Signed with Illinois3-star out of Coopersville
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 offensive line for Illinois -- now graded to hold down a real starting-caliber role.
Offensive line play doesn't show up in a box score. Here's what actually tells you whether he's good.
Illinois has produced 5 All-Conference offensive linemen and 1 All-American. 7 have gone on to the NFL Draft since 2016. Alex Palczewski was one of them, an All-American.
How he plays
2026 Outlook
Illinois
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Offensive line · 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
Pronunciation: HURDS 2025 - Illinois 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 a...