Illinois sophomore JJ Hirdes brings big-frame tackle upside and depth to the Illini line
JJ Hirdes is a 6-foot-6, 290-pound sophomore offensive lineman for Illinois who arrived as a three-star tackle prospect and has the frame to keep adding power. In his 2024 prep profile, he was praised as an all-conference, all-region blocker with multi-sport athleticism, and Illinois’ own roster notes he redshirted without game action, which points to a developmental path rather than instant impact. If you want a long-term trench piece with size, upside, and room to grow into Big Ten football, he’s exactly the kind of player to watch.
