Ryan Meed is Illinois’ dependable, high-motor linebacker with special-teams edge and real closing speed
In the 2024 season, Meed emerged as a steady, coach-trusted presence for Illinois, finishing with 50 tackles, a career-high 10 stops against Northwestern, and a clutch end-zone pass breakup in the Citrus Bowl win over South Carolina. What makes him interesting isn’t just production: he was a former walk-on who became a scholarship player, a team captain, and a Campbell Trophy semifinalist, which points to leadership, football IQ, and buy-in. He looks like a fit for teams that value discipline, effort, and special-teams value as much as pure size or hype.
