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By Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst, Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys […]

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert

December 20, 2023

(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at the latest on OT target Kevin Wigenton, more on some other transfer portal targets and if there will be any Signing Day surprises.

Vernon Woodward was the first of the three Illinois signees in this 2024 recruiting class that was flipped from an initial commitment of a Big Ten Conference program.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

December 20, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

Player: Vernon Woodward

Position: Cornerback

Height: 6-foot-2

Weight: 180

Hometown: Winter Park, Fla.

High School: Winter Park

Other offers: UCF, Wisconsin, Boston College, Cincinnati, Florida Atlantic, Louisville, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Maryland, Missouri, Ole Miss, Purdue, and Virginia.

Mark Vernon Woodward down as the first of three verbal pledge flips toward Illinois after the prospect had given a commitment to a Big Ten Conference rival program.

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

December 19, 2023

Illinois continued to hit the JUCO ranks in order to fill key positions next year when Trinity Valley Community College freshman Chase Canada committed to the Illini. 

Just 16 days after giving a verbal pledge to Illinois, Yale graduate transfer defensive lineman Clay Patterson has renounced that commitment to continue his recruitment in the portal. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

December 18, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — Clay Patterson will not be playing his fifth year of college football at the University of Illinois. 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys.com Director of Recruiting

December 18, 2023

Social media is one way to keep up with recruits, but the obvious place is here at IlliniGuys.com. Junior guard Jeremiah Fears is back in the limelight with his two recent X (Twitter) posts that he is planning to visit Providence and Michigan.

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert

December 18, 2023

(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a key 2025 visit from the weekend and some rumors about huge transfer visits over the last few days as well.

Missouri shoots 75 percent from the field in the fourth quarter to escape with a 69-66 victory at State Farm Center as Illinois loses fifth straight game to a power conference opponent. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

December 17, 2023

Illinois head coach Shauna Green isn’t interested in allowing her public mood to be ruined despite a fourth-quarter defensive breakdown resulting in another loss to a power opponent. 

As Illinois dropped its sixth game in its last eight attempts to a power conference opponent dating back to the end of last season, Green is desperately trying to find signs of connectivity in her squad as they were coming off a 36-point home loss to Michigan. 

Illinois doesn’t allow any of Colgate’s All-Patriot League players […]

Brad Sturdy, Co-Host Sports Spectacular and Big Sports Radio

December 17, 2023

Colgate Preview

After a week off, final exams, and multiple recruiting trips, the Illini are finally back in action Sunday as they take on the Colgate Raiders. Colgate is the best team in the Patriot League and are coming off of an NCAA tourney season. They have made the big dance in 4 of the past 5 seasons and are favored to win the league again. 

Illinois is now #16 in the country and look like the 2nd best team in the Big Ten. They have 3 games in the next 2 weeks that are games they need to win heading into Big Ten play. 

Setting the Stage

#16 Illinois (7-2) vs. Colgate (6-4) 

Dec. 17, 2023 // 12 p.m. CT // Champaign, Ill. // State Farm Center 

TV: BTN – Connor Onion (Play-by-Play), Trent Meacham (Analyst) 

Radio: Busey Bank Illini Sports Network – Brian Barnhart (Play-By-Play), Doug Altenberger 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 17, 2023

The Kevin Brown Memorial Tournament of Champions (Washington, Illinois) is one of the best holiday Thanksgiving basketball tournaments in the county. Each year the event continues to bring in teams from all across the country, with several states being represented, including Michigan, Missouri, Kentucky, and Florida.

Illinois tight end Tip Reiman says he’s sticking with a decision to leave college football despite not being a projected draft pick by any major news outlet. 

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyist

December 15, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN  — Tip Reiman has simply not allowed himself a fall-back option to return to college football. 

The 22-year-old Illinois tight end has seen his college career end and says he’s not allowing himself to use his last year of eligibility with the Illini football program to be a safety net option if he’s not projected to be selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

The deadline to submit or remove your name from consideration for this year’s draft is Jan. 15. However, Reiman will be on the list of underclassmen who have been approved for entry into the 2024 NFL Draft to be sent to clubs on Jan. 19. 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 16, 2023

The Fighting Illini and Iowa Hawkeyes did battle on the football field back in November. Iowa squeaked out a victory over Illinois 15-13.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 16, 2023

Coming into the season freshman guard Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn appeared to be a lock in the 2023-24 men's basketball team rotation. 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 15, 2023

Illinois received a commitment from cornerback Chase Canada.