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Former Illinois WR waived by Jacksonville Jaguars

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

A former Illinois wide receiver has been waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Josh Imatorbhebhe, an undrafted free agent, was released by the team this week. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on the news on Tuesday morning.

Imatorbhebhe, a native of Suwanee, Georgia, spent two seasons at Illinois before leaving for the NFL Draft after the 2020 campaign. He started his career at USC before transferring to play for the Fighting Illini.

The Jaguars signed Imatorbhebhe as an undrafted free agent in May. The news of his release comes a few days after Jacksonville played in its first preseason game, losing 23-13 to the Cleveland Browns.

Imatorbhebhe did not register any statistics.

During his two seasons in Champaign, Imatorbhebhe appeared in 17 games and totaled 931 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 55 catches. He was a major factor in Illinois’ passing attack during the team’s bowl run in 2019, hauling in 33 receptions for 634 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Illinois finished the regular season 6-6 but fell in the Redbox Bowl to Cal. It was the only bowl game the Illini played in under former head coach Lovie Smith.

Although the NCAA granted every player a waiver for an additional year of eligibility, Imatorbhebhe decided to pursue a career in the NFL rather than make a return to Champaign.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB