Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) scrambles for a first down during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Western Illinois on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Craig Pessman) (AP Photo/Craig Pessman)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Hank Beatty returned a punt 69 yards for a third-quarter touchdown and broke Red Grange’s 102-year-old Illinois record for yards on punt returns to help the No. 11 Illini rout Western Illinois 52-3 on Friday night to open the season.

Beatty had four returns for 133 yards to break Grange's mark of 125 set against Nebraska on Oct. 6, 1923. The TD return was Illini’s first since D’Angelo Bailey did it against Ohio State in 2013.

Beatty also led Illinois in receiving with 108 yards on five catches, with a 59-yarder for a touchdow

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