JJ Hirdes
JJ Hirdes is a three-star recruit from Coopersville, MI (No. 2,030 in the 2025 class) who has not played in Illinois's 8 games this season.
Where Hirdes comes from
- Coopersville, MI
- Coopersville
- Three-star, No. 2,030 in the 2025 class.
- On the Illinois roster since 2025
Where Hirdes fits
Illinois lists 20 offensive linemen this season.
The team’s line is 9th in the country in stuff rate allowed this season (a team number).
Illinois is 5-3. Next: vs Nebraska, Fri Nov 6.
Similar players
Same class and position
Also from Coopersville, MI
Where to follow
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.
The unit he anchors ranks 9th nationally in stuff rate allowed this season. See the full unit breakdown →
Illinois has produced 7 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.
Two seasons at Illinois
- 2026 Illinois BielemaYear 2 · Games –
- 2025 Illinois BielemaYear 1 · Games –
- High school CoopersvilleCoopersville, MI · Class of 2025Three-star, No. 2,030 in the 2025 class. Signed with Illinois.
2025
- Signed with IllinoisThree-star, out of Coopersville