Illini Head Coach Bret Bielema: ‘We don’t pay high school players, some teams do’

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema answered a question at Big Ten Media Days on how his program was able to afford a 38-player signing class from high school and junior college prospects by saying his program doesn’t offer immediate salary to high school prospects. 

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

August 10., 2026

CHICAGO — When asked about the cost of recruiting high school players continually getting more expensive every year, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema said his program doesn’t have that problem. 

“Well, we’re not paying any high school players. Some teams are but we . . .

 

Premium Members Only. Please Subscribe To View The Full Article

  • One-stop destination for Illini sports news, analysis and interactive contents.
  • Weekly podcasts including "Sturdy for 30" and "I on the Illini"
  • Illini Guys Zoom Calls" during games and special events
  • Special appearances by "Illini Legends" and other national sports personalities
  • Video breakdowns and game analysis
  • Owned, managed and run by diehard Illini fans for Illini fans everywhere

Podcasts

Mirković Injury Update + Illinois Hoops Talk, Illini Football Questions & World Cup Fallout 8.7.26

Listen

Illinois Football & Basketball 2026 Breakdown | QB Importance, Defensive Line Concerns & Hoops Hype #603

Listen

B1G Media Days, Illini Football & Illini Hoops Hype 7.31.26

Listen

Illini Football & Basketball Updates: Bielema, Underwood, NIL & Big Ten Buzz #602

Listen

Big Ten Media Days, Whitman Extension, Bret Bielema & Illini Football Buzz 7.24.26

Listen

Illinois Basketball Update: The Illini Could Be LOADED This Season #601

Listen

Illinois Basketball Top 5 Hype, Big Ten Schedule & Illini Women’s Rise | IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular 7.17.26

Listen

Illini Football Depth Chart Talk #600

Listen

Wagler Debut, Illini Hoops Update & Bielema on Dodd Watch List

Listen

599 - Illini Basketball & Football Expectation Setting

Listen

7.3.26 Illini Becoming NBA Guard U, Who's "Replacing" Keaton & Illini Football Update

Listen

598 Illini Basketball Update – Summer Ball & Recruiting

Listen

6.26.26 Illini Stand Tall in NBA, State of Illini Athletics & Hoops and Football Updates

Listen

Wagler #5 in NBA Draft & Ayo Signs Biggest Illini NBA Contract Ever

Listen

6.19.26 Illini Basketball & Football Recruiting Updates

Listen

Subscriber Testimonials:

"I am a member of three different paid sites, [but] I wanted to tell you that the collective insight from the leadership of this place is second to none.  
 
It is remarkable how often I feel like I know what is going to happen before it happens. I am so appreciative of the obvious hard work that you guys are giving ....
 
You guys, in a short time, have shown me that you are the best at what you do."
Join the conversation here!

Not a member? Join our mailing list:

© 2025 LMBC Sports, LLC. All rights reserved. 

Use of any part of this site constitutes express acceptance of the Site Terms. LMBC Sports, LLC, including its Illini Guys website, is an independent media organization, and is not affiliated with the University of Illinois.