CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois tight end Luke Ford will return to the Fighting Illini in 2022, he announced Monday. Ford enters his fourth season at Illinois and fifth in college football.
"Thank you, Illini fans, for all the love and support since the day I got here," Ford said in a video posted to Twitter. "Coming home, you guys are the reason this place feels like home. Thank you to my coaches for giving a small town kid a chance. Thank you for always believing in me. With that being said, I'll be declaring for one more year at Illinois. Let's run it back. I-L-L"
Ford has played 19 games at Illinois, totaling 17 receptions for 129 yards and two touchdowns. He had his best year last season with 15 receptions for 114 yards and two touchdowns, while also serving as Illinois' primary blocking tight end.
Ford spent his freshman season in 2018 at Georgia, before transferring to Illinois and sitting out the 2019 season.
Ford was a four-star recruit out of Carterville, Illinois, and ranked the No. 1 tight end in the nation by Rivals. He is majoring in recreation, sport, and tourism at the University of Illinois.
