Malachi Hood

2025 JUNIOR Academic All-Big Ten 39 tackles (26 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, one pass breakup, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery Tied for fourth on the team with 26 solo stops during the regular season Career-high six tackles in wins vs. Western Michigan (9/13/25) and Northwestern (11/29/25) Five taclkes (three solo) vs. #1 Ohio State (10/11/25) Four tackles (one solo) with a forced fumble in win at Duke (9/6/25) Four total tackles (all solo), including one tackle for loss in win vs. Western Illinois (8/29/25) Attended the Black Student Athlete Summit in Chicago in May 2025 2024 SOPHOMORE Academic All-Big Ten Played in 12 games 14 tackles (eight solo) with 2.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one pass breakup 2.0 sacks and two forced fumbles, first of career, against Northwestern (11/30/24) Recovered first-career fumble recovery against #24 Michigan (10/19/24) 2023 REDSHIRT FRESHMAN Season-ending injury during training camp 2022 REDSHIRT Played in one game and redshirted the season Made his Illinois debut against Northwestern HIGH SCHOOL Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals Position ranks: #51 (On3), #75 (247), #96 (ESPN) State ranks: #14 (On3), #25 (ESPN), #26 (247) Played for head coach Jake Jaworski at Joliet Catholic Three-year letterwinner Led Joliet Catholic to the 2021 IHSA 4A state championship PERSONAL Born December 30, 2003 Son of Josephine and Michael Hood One brother, Michael Jr., and one sister, Michala Cousin, Marcus Hood, played linebacker at Illinois from 1997-2000 Chose Illinois because, “The ‘famILLy’ atmosphere felt like home to me. I have a long line of family legacy at this school as well.” Plans to start a clothing business in the future Graduated from the University of Illinois in August 2025 with a degree in political science Majoring in strategic leadership & management RELATED CONTENT There is no related content available.