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

71

Nathan Knapik

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

Pronunciation: kuh-NAP-ick

2025 - Illinois

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)

2024 - 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

Born Oct. 26, 2005
Son of Bryan and Melissa
Two siblings, Bryson and Ayden
Majoring in recreation, sport, & tourism

Friday, August 07

Thursday, August 06

Wednesday, August 05

Wednesday, August 05

Jake Renfro - 2026 Fall Camp (Aaron Quinn)

Renfro Named to Rimington Trophy Watch List

Thursday, August 06

Illini Script podcast 16x9

Illinois Launches The Illinois Script Podcast

Wednesday, August 05

Press Conference - Bret Bielema_Fall Camp Day 1_080320226

WATCH: Bret Bielema Press Conference - Fall Camp Day 1

Monday, August 03

FamILLy First Backpack Drive 2026

Bielema Announces Third Annual FamILLy First Backpack and School Supply Drive

Thursday, July 30