CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois offensive lineman Alex Palczewski will return for the 2022 season, he announced Saturday. Palczewski was granted a sixth year at the University of Illinois by the NCAA.
"Thank you to Coach Bielema and all the people who helped make this opportunity become reality," said Palczewski. "I am grateful that I get to represent the best university in the nation for another year and excited to get back to work with the team. I-L-L"
Palczewski will enter the 2022 season with 52 career starts, more than any other active player in the nation. He started 36 career games at tackle and 16 games at guard to be tied with former teammate Vederian Lowe for the Illinois career record for starts.
Palczewski is a three-time All-Big Ten honoree, earning a third-team selection in 2019 and honorable mention honors in 2018 and 2021. Last season, Palczewski was the #35 rated tackle in the nation by PFF, including the #12 rated run blocker, while starting the first seven games at tackle and the last five games at guard.
In addition to his success on the field, Palczewski has been a leader in the lockerroom and in the classroom at Illinois. He was a captain for Illinois' 2019 bowl team and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology in December 2021.
Palczewski will enroll in a graduate program this spring.
