Nathan Knapik - 2026 - Football - University of Illinois Athletics

CHAMPAIGN, IL - October 11, 2025 - Offensive Lineman Nathan Knapik (#71) during the game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IL. Photo By Quinten A. Truitt

Photo by: Quinten Truitt/Fighting Illini

NASHVILLE, TN - December 30, 2025 - Offensive Lineman Nathan Knapik (#71) during the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Aaron Quinn/Fighting Illini

Photo by: Aaron Quinn/Fighting Illini

NASHVILLE, TN - December 30, 2025 - Offensive Lineman Nathan Knapik (#71) during the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Quinten Truitt/Fighting Illini

Photo by: Quinten Truitt/Fighting Illini

BLOOMINGTON, IL - September 20, 2025 - Offensive Lineman Nathan Knapik (#71) before the game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, IL. Photo by Ashley Ray/Fighting Illini

Photo by: Ashley Ray/Fighting Illini

Nathan Knapik

71

Nathan Knapik

Position:
OL
Class:
Sophomore
Height:
6-7
Weight:
300
Major:
Recreation, Sport, & Tourism
Hometown:
Kennewick, Wash.
High School:
Kennewick
Prev School:
Idaho

Pronunciation: kuh-NAP-ick

2025 Redshirt Freshman

Played in four games with one start at left tackle
First career start at left tackle in the Music City Bowl victory over #23 Tennessee (12/30/25)
Transferred to Illinois with four years of eligibility remaining

2024 Freshman (Idaho)

Played in five games and redshirted the season

High School

Two-time all-conference first team offensive lineman
Idaho Lineman of the Year as a senior
Led Kennewick to a 3A state title in 2021
Honor Roll

Personal

Son of Bryan and Melissa
Two siblings, Bryson and Ayden
Majoring in recreation, sport, & tourism

Thursday, March 05

Thursday, February 12

Thursday, February 05

Wednesday, January 21

2026 FB FamILLy Flex Plan_16x9

Illini Football FamILLy Flex Plan on Sale June 18

Thursday, June 11

Chicago to Champaign

Illinois Releases Chicago to Champaign Collection

Tuesday, June 02

Simeon Rice and Kevin Hardy - 2026 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot

Rice, Hardy on College Football Hall of Fame Ballot

Monday, June 01

Bielema Cubs Wrigley

Bielema, Bailey to Guest Conduct Seventh-Inning Stretch at Wrigley Field on June 2

Thursday, May 28