Brandon Henderson named Illinois right guard

Brandon Henderson will start at right guard for Illinois when the Fighting Illini open the 2024 season on August 31 against Nebraska.

The move caps Henderson’s rise from backup lineman to a critical role on head coach Bret Bielema’s rebuilt offensive line. Illinois ranked 118th nationally in sacks allowed in 2023, and Bielema made overhauling the line a priority this offseason. Henderson beat out sophomore Zy Crisler for the starting spot after Crisler entered camp as the projected starter. Crisler now projects as the primary backup at both guard positions.

Henderson, a 6-foot-5, 315-pound junior from East St. Louis, spent his freshman year moving between all five offensive line spots. He played nine games in 2023, mostly at tackle and guard, showing enough versatility to earn Bielema’s trust. Offensive line coach Greg Frey called Henderson “a rock in the middle” during spring drills, praising his footwork and ability to handle power rushes. The Illini return only one starter from last year’s line—center Isaiah Adams—and need Henderson to anchor a unit that must improve pass protection for quarterback Luke Altmyer.

The Illini open with Nebraska on the road before hosting Western Michigan and Texas Tech at home. If Henderson holds the starting job, it could stabilize an offensive line that allowed 47 sacks last season, tied for the worst mark in the Big Ten. Illinois also ranked last in the conference in rushing yards and third-to-last in scoring offense. A strong start by the line in 2024 could ease pressure on Altmyer and help Illinois compete in a tough Big Ten West schedule that includes road trips to Wisconsin and Iowa. Bielema has made clear: the line must be better, and Henderson is now the face of that push.