Illinois sophomore linebacker Jake Hansen will miss the 2017 season due to a serious knee injury that occurred on Saturday during training camp.

Head coach Lovie Smith reported the disappointing news on Tuesday.

According to multiple reports, Hansen was expected to be the starter at weakside linebacker this fall. He played in all 12 games as a freshman last season. He accounted for eight tackles and one QB hurry in 2016.

Smith went on to say that Hansen “is going to be an outstanding football player.”

Illinois opens the season on Sept. 2 against Ball State.