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Illini Football: Year In Review

Illini Football: Year In Review

January 8, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

2024 was one of the best years in Illini football history. A team that even the most optimistic fan thought might break even and win as many games as they would lose exceeded all expectations, taking advantage of marquee appearances on national TV, and setting up the program for what could be an unprecedented 2025...double-digit wins in consecutive years for the first time and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Let's take a look back:

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Illini Freshman Jakucionis Named to Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 List

Illini Freshman Jakucionis Named to Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 List

(From Illinois Sports Information Office) Wooden Award Website CHAMPAIGN, […]

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup: Illinois' Freshman Phenom Will Riley Is Right Where He Should Be

Ked's Recruiting Roundup: Illinois' Freshman Phenom Will Riley Is Right Where He Should Be

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 7, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois basketball team has a roster filled with potential NBA draft prospects this season; guard Kasparas Jakucionis, center Tomislav Ivisic, wing Ben Humrichous, and standout freshman guard Will Riley.

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup: Illinois' Bret Bielema's 'Tough, Smart, Dependable' Philosophy Drives Success

Ked's Recruiting Roundup: Illinois' Bret Bielema's 'Tough, Smart, Dependable' Philosophy Drives Success

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 7, 2025

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Recruiting at the Division I level often depends on rankings, scouting reports, and offers from other programs. However, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema takes a different approach—one rooted in hard work, personal evaluations, and a hands-on recruiting philosophy.

Bielema, known for his "Tough, Smart, Dependable" (TSD) approach within his program, emphasizes old-school methods over analytics and external opinions. Unlike many head coaches who delegate recruiting trips to assistants, Bielema personally evaluates potential players.

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Football Recruiting Spotlight on Kingston Shaw

Football Recruiting Spotlight on Kingston Shaw

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

December 7, 2024

Lost among all the news of Illinois players transferring to Champaign or returning for another year in 2025 was the second orange and blue commit of 2026: Edge rusher Kingston Shaw of Apopka (Florida).

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Jakucionis Named Big Ten's Top Freshman Again

Jakucionis Named Big Ten's Top Freshman Again

(From Illinois Sports Information Office) CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis is […]

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Illinois 2024 Sack Leader Gabe Jacas Elects to Return to Bielema’s Illini for 2025 Season

Illinois 2024 Sack Leader Gabe Jacas Elects to Return to Bielema’s Illini for 2025 Season

Illinois outside linebacker/pass rusher Gabe Jacas has decided to […]

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Sturdy's Rewind: Pacific Sweep

Sturdy's Rewind: Pacific Sweep

By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Insider/Analyst & Co-Host, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

January 6, 2025

The Illini struggled at times coming off of their domination of Oregon, but they came away with the Pacific Sweep over Washington 81-77 to move to 3-1 in Big Ten play and 11-3 overall. Kasparas Jakucionis led the way with 18 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds, while Tre White had 17 and 7 and Kylan Boswell added 14, all in the second half to lead the way. Illinois led by as many as 17 points in the first half and never trailed in the game.

Here’s a look back.

These 3 Things

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Column: Enjoy KJ While You Have Him, Illini Nation

Column: Enjoy KJ While You Have Him, Illini Nation

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 6, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – During the 2024 NCAA transfer portal season, some Illinois fans grew restless as the Illini seemed to miss on key targets. But did they really?

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#22 Illini Hold Off Huskies to Complete Pacific Sweep, 81-77

#22 Illini Hold Off Huskies to Complete Pacific Sweep, 81-77

By IlliniGuys Stafff January 5, 2025 (Cover photo courtesy […]

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Illini See Double-Digit Lead Disappear in 68-61 Defeat at Minnesota

Illini See Double-Digit Lead Disappear in 68-61 Defeat at Minnesota

By IlliniGuys Staff January 5, 2025 (Cover photo courtesy […]

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Xavier Scott Elects to Return to Illinois For 2025 Season

Xavier Scott Elects to Return to Illinois For 2025 Season

Illinois two-year starter and 2024 first-team All-Big Ten defensive back Xavier Scott has decided to return to the Illini for his final season of college football.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

January 5, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Xavier Scott has decided to play one season of college football with his younger brother.

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Sturdy's Game Preview: Washington Provides an Illini Maturity Test

Sturdy's Game Preview: Washington Provides an Illini Maturity Test

By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Insider/Analyst & Co-Host, IlliniGuys […]

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Game Preview: Illini at Minnesota

Game Preview: Illini at Minnesota

From Illinois Sports Information Office: Illinois at Minnesota Date […]

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Heat Checks & Hail Marys - Two Questions: Was This the Greatest Week for Illini Fans & Was 2024 the Greatest Illini Football Season & Three Bold 2025 Illini Predictions

Heat Checks & Hail Marys - Two Questions: Was This the Greatest Week for Illini Fans & Was 2024 the Greatest Illini Football Season & Three Bold 2025 Illini Predictions

Mike Cagley, Co-Host of the IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular & […]

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