Illinois entered 2026 searching for a go-to target for new quarterback Katin Houser. Two games later, Collin Dixon may have answered the question emphatically, exploding for 17 catches, 236 yards and five touchdowns while emerging as one of the Big Ten’s most productive receivers.
After losing Pat Bryant, Isaiah Williams, Casey Washington and Hank Beatty to the NFL in recent years, it feels like every season, Illinois is looking to see who the latest player is to step up and assume the WR1 role. This year, the answer seems clear.
Two games into the season, Collin Dixon has shown to be ready for that role.
The senior wide receiver has opened up the season with 17 receptions for 236 yards and a nation-leading 5 touchdowns through the first two games of the season.
In Illinois' season-opening 42-23 victory over UAB, Dixon arrived on the scene with two touchdowns and caught all six of his targets. It was also the first multi-touchdown game of his career.
One week later, Dixon surpassed his production from the week prior and really established himself as one of the best wide receivers in the Big Ten Conference. He caught three touchdowns in the first half against the Duke Blue Devils, showing he has developed real chemistry with new quarterback Katin Houser.
Sep 12, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Katin Houser (4) passes the ball to wide receiver Collin Dixon (17) during the second half against the Duke Blue Devils at Gies Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images Despite a disappointing 1-1 start to the year, the Houser and Dixon connection has been one of the best parts of the 2026 season thus far. Of Houser's 37 pass completions, 453 yards, and six touchdowns through the season, Dixon has been a big part of the quarterback's return to the Big Ten Conference.
Dixon came into the season named as one of the six captains of the team, and earned All-Big Ten fourth team projections from Athlon.
Dixon's pace will be hard to maintain, particularly his touchdown rate, but just having him as a threat on the field at all times will potentially open up opportunities for the offense beyond just their senior wide receiver.
With Dixon's emergence, defenses will have to shift their attention more to him, which could open up opportunities to other wide receivers like Hudson Clement, Brayden Trimble and potentially Jayshon Platt, when he returns from injury.
Last season, the receiver caught 35 passes for 548 yards for the Illini. He spent his offseason hard at work to be one of Illinois' most productive wide receivers. It turns out his hard work has paid off, and he has done even better, becoming one of the Big Ten's most productive wide receivers.
Illinois will look to wrap up its three-game homestand with a victory against Southern Illinois on Saturday, before opening up the Big Ten season vs. Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio.
