Gies Memorial Stadium

Photo from University of Illinois athletics. Gies Memorial Stadium sell-out "Orange Out" crowd. Illinois vs. Ohio State. Oct. 11, 2025.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - The Fighting Illini have named their six captains for the upcoming season. 

According to Illinois Athletics, defensive back Matthew Bailey, wide receiver Collin Dixon, quarterback Katin Houser, running back Aiden Laughery, offensive lineman Jake Renfro and defensive back Xavier Scott are the team's captains for the 2026 campaign. 

Bailey, Dixon, Laughery and Scott are returning starters, while Houser and Renfro transferred to the Champaign-Urbana area this offseason. 

Houser transferred to Illinois after two seasons at East Carolina and replaces former starter Luke Altmyer under center.

U of I Athletics said Renfro was named to the Rimington Trophy preseason watchlist for the second straight season and previously helped lead Cincinnati to the College Football Playoff in 2021. 

The Illini kick off the season against UAB Sept. 3. 

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