Graduate right-hander Liam McKillop brings veteran relief value to Illinois
McKillop is a seasoned bullpen piece for Illinois in the 2026 season, a 6-foot-1 graduate right-hander who has already shown he can handle meaningful late-game innings and give the Illini strike-throwing depth. In 2025 at SIUE, he went 2-0 with two saves and a 3.19 ERA over 31.0 innings with 37 strikeouts, and he entered Illinois with a reputation as a reliable high-leverage arm. He’s the kind of fit teams want when they need poise, experience, and a right-handed reliever who can steady the game without needing the spotlight.
