Bret Bielema is still holding out hope he can get a seventh year of eligibility for Tommy DeVito and maintain some continuity on the offensive end with a returning quarterback in 2023. How that could happen is still unclear, but Bielema's the guy that got Alex Palczewski, Alex Pihlstrom and Michael Marchese a sixth year this fall. Every effort is being made to add DeVito to that list. "There's a hope that's out there that could get him back," Bielema said. "I couldn't be happier with Tommy and the progress he made this year." If Bielema can't make that happen? If the ReliaQuest Bowl is DeVito's last game as an Illini? Adding at least one quarterback in the portal will be a necessity.It's a key part of a busy offseason for Bielema and Co., who are in the midst of bowl game preparation, with Doak Walker Award finalist Chase Brown nearing a decision on if he'll play against Mississippi State or not. Not to mention two new defensive assistants to hire and a roster that could - and probably will - change with more transfers out and in. Quarterback, though, is a priority. Illinois signed Ardmore (Okla.) quarterback Cal Swanson on Wednesday as part of its 21-strong 2023 recruiting class. He'll join Donovan Leary and Kirkland Michaux in the quarterback room next season. - News Gazette Tribune