The Illinois Fighting Illini football team is seeking its third consecutive winning season under head coach Bret Bielema and relying on an intriguing mix of holdovers and newcomers to lead the way.

On Saturday, the Illini coach's choices for July 28-30th's Big Ten Football Media Days at the Hilton Chicago were revealed, providing a clue as to who has impressed most in offseason activities. 

The group includes a transfer quarterback from East Carolina, a dependable defensive stopper with three years under his belt in Champaign, and another defensive player heading into his fifth season with the team.

Nov 30, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Matthew Bailey (7) holds the “Land of Lincoln” trophy after a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The three players chosen are Katin Houser, the Illini's expected starting quarterback, Juice Clarke, a fourth-year defensive back, and Matthew Bailey, heading into what is expected to be his final season on campus.

Houser started his college career in East Lansing, Michigan where he played two years with the Michigan State Spartans.

Houser had 1,130 yards in his sophomore season but blossomed after transferring to East Carolina where he threw for over 5,000 yards his past two seasons.

The former Spartans and Pirates quarterback has big shoes to fill with last year's starter Luke Altmyer in the NFL and a talented offense in need of his leadership.

Clarke helped lead the Illini to back-to-back bowl appearances and is a key part of one of the Big Ten's better secondaries.

Bailey finished fifth among all Big Ten players in solo tackles last season and eighth in interceptions with the Illini in 2022. 

Houser, Clarke and Bailey give the Illini three veteran leaders expected to carry the torch from Altmyer and others heading into a pivotal season for Bielema's program. 

The Illini's season opener is scheduled for September 3 at Gies Memorial Stadium against the UAB Blazers giving Bielema's team a chance to start off on the right foot. 

The following weeks include a home matchup vs. Duke and a home matchup vs. Southern Illinois before a major road test at Ohio State on Sept. 26. 

Illinois doesn't have the five-star talent that the Buckeyes possess but they do have a distinguished core of leadership and experience that will give them a fighting chance against every team on their schedule. 

The preparation for another strong season has begun and Bielema has sent a clear signal about the players he trusts to lead his team going forward.