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Illinois opens training camp next month. Orange and Blue News is counting down our top 25 most important Illini for 2023. Next up are No's 1-5.

The list is topped by All-American defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton, who is back for another season after flirting with the NFL Draft.

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ILLINI FOOTBALL 2023 PREVIEW SERIES

POSITION PREVIEWS: Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Offensive line | Tight end | Defensive line | Outside linebacker | Linebacker | Defensive back | Special teams

TOP 25 ILLINI FOR 2023: 1-5 | 6-10 | 11-15 | 16-20 | 21-25

MORE: The 3-21: Two burning questions about Illinois football in 2023 | Big Ten scheduling model raises the bar for Illinois

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