University of Illinois Graduate

2024 Senior

• Played in all 13 games
• Campbell Trophy semifinalist, as one of the top candidates for the nation's "Academic Heisman"
• Hampshire Honor Society
• Seventh on the team in tackles (50)
• Eight tackles and a key fourth-down pass breakup in the end zone to prevent a touchdown in Illinois' 21-17 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl win over #14 South Carolina (12/31/24)
• Career-high 10 tackles (four solo) against Northwestern (11/30/24)
• Named team captain and recorded eight tackles (four solo) at Rutgers (11/23/24)
• Seven tackles (three solo, four assisted) against #9 Penn State (9/28/24)

2023 Junior

• Academic All-Big Ten
• Played in all 12 games, primarily on special teams, with one start at linebacker
• Starter on all four special teams units
• Forced the first fumble of his career on the opening kickoff in a win at Minnesota (11/4/23), which led to a Illini TD on the ensuing drive
• First career start vs. Nebraska (10/6/23)
• Posted a career-high two tackles, including the game-ending stop on final play of the game vs. Toledo (9/2/23)
• Block punt against Penn State (9/16/2023)

2022 Sophomore

• Academic All-Big Ten
• Played in all 13 games, primarily on special teams
• Three tackles on the season

2021 Redshirt Freshman

• Academic All-Big Ten
• Played in seven games
• Award scholarship by head coach Bret Bielema 9/8/21

2020 Redshirt Freshman

• Played in four games, primarily on special teams 

2019 Freshman

• Played in final four games and redshirted the season
• Made Illinois debut on special teams against Michigan State to help Illinois win 37-34 in the biggest comeback in program history 

High School

• Played for head coach Brian Ellis at Canarsie
• 70 tackles, 10 TFLs, five sacks as a senior
• 2018 All-City Conference
• 2018 All-City
• 2018 Defensive Player of the Year
• Also participated in track and field in high school

Personal

• Born Sept. 30, 2001
• Son of Regina and Tony McWilliams
• Two sisters, Raina and Madison, and one brother, Christopher
• Picked Illinois because, “from my first contact with Coach Ligashesky to my visit, it felt like family. That in addition to the academic prestige and the great school community, it was a no brainer.”
• Majoring in strategic brand communication
• Graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in kinesiology (May 2023) and a graduate certificate in strategic leadership and management (May 2024)