Pretty much the only choice the staff had after a bad prep signing period was to wade deep into the transfer portal. Honestly probably not the worst strategy in the world after seeing transfers transform the team this year. But not the best long term program building strategy that pretty much belies the continuing inability to connect with enough quality prep recruits.
I just took a look at the 247 recruiting rankings (B1G Ten) for several recent years. I was surprised to see Illinois signed only 13 prospects for 2020 (excluding transfers). In 2019, it was 15 signings. Before that, it was 26 in 2018; 27 in 2017; and, 26 in 2016. Lovie Smith was hired in March 2016, so the 2016 recruiting class basically isn't on him though it has undoubtedly affected Smith's recruiting in subsequent seasons. Attrition (graduation, loss of eligibility, transfer, quit the team, medical hardship waiver) and additions (new HS/JC recruits, transfers) impact the roster every season, as does the cap of 85 football scholarships. As a result, roster management is a very important part of a successful college football program. Those from the recruiting class of 2016 who still remain a part of the Illinois football program will be entering their final season this fall (barring medical redshirt & grant of 6th year eligibility). Not sure how many key contributors for 2020 are from that group.
At this point, the roster is largely filled with players Coach Smith and his current/former assistants have recruited. The good news is last year Illinois proved it could beat a quality opponent (Wisconsin, albeit a trap game for the Badgers). Definitely something for the program to build on. The bad news for Illini football fans (but good for Buckeye alums like me, lol) is Ohio State will be loaded when it visits Champaign on November 21, assuming the 2020 college football season is a go. Hopefully things will have sufficiently improved by that time so that college football can be safely played and enjoyed by all.
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