Illinois added a big piece to its 2024 offense on Friday evening.

The Fighting Illini earned a commitment from transfer tight end Cole Rusk. An Illinois native, Rusk arrives in Champaign via Murray State.

Here’s his announcement:

Last season for the Racers, Rusk caught 39 passes for 512 yards and 5 touchdowns. At 6-foot-6, 245 pounds, Rusk has the skill and physicality to contribute for the Illini in the Big Ten next season.

For his efforts in 2023, Rusk was a FCS All-American. He spent just 1 season at Murray State after transferring in from Eastern Michigan. Rusk redshirted at Eastern Michigan in 2021 and then played sparingly in 2022.

Illinois was in search of a top tight end to help replace the out-going Tip Reiman. Last season, Reiman caught 19 passes for 203 yards and 3 touchdowns. Reiman has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Rusk is originally from Rock Island, Illinois and attended Rock Island High School. He will have 2 seasons of eligibility remaining.