Illinois Football’s top needs in the transfer portal

Illinois Football has put up a puzzling, inconsistent, occasionally baffling on-field product.

The passing offense has been marred by turnovers. The running game has been harmed by injuries. Both have been diminished by talent departures, playcalling, and an occasional matador-style offensive line. There isn’t any one solution for the offense.

In terms of the Illinois defense, there is some optimism. Johnny Newton had a tremendous game against Penn State and appears to be living up to his high-level NFL prospect pedigree. Keith Randolph has been a disruptive force and is in the process of cementing his own Sunday dreams.

Gabe Jacas and Seth Coleman have been inconsistent in the absence of Kevin Kane, but confidence in both players as well as their new position coach Charlie Bullen remain high.

The linebackers and defensive backs are young and largely untested. And the most tested of the bunch, Taz Nicholson and Tarique Barnes have been guilty of stupid penalties. Veteran…