Doug Kramer to return to Illinois in 2021

Senior center Doug Kramer announced Wednesday that he will return for the 2021 season at Illinois.

A two-time captain, Kramer has started 37 games at Illinois, including five of the Illini’s eight in 2020.

As a reminder, ANYONE can choose to return next year due to the pandemic — even if they have exhausted all four years of eligibility.

Kramer might be the first of many, which would be a good sign for Bret Bielema’s ability to sell the program immediately. Wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe announced prior to Bielema’s hire that he plans on heading to the NFL Draft.