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The Farrell Files Illinois - Portal Loss, Potential Staff Additions and Carlos Orr Breakdown

The Farrell Files Illinois - Portal Loss, Potential Staff Additions and Carlos Orr Breakdown

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

January 18, 2024

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a portal loss (for the second time) that could be concerning, a couple of old Jersey guys who have been mentioned as possible new staff additions and a 2024 WR Carlos Orr breakdown in four key categories.

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Illini Easily Take Care of Rutgers In First Game Without Jada Peebles

Illini Easily Take Care of Rutgers In First Game Without Jada Peebles

In the first game since Jada Peebles’ season-ending Achilles injury, Illinois picked up a 28-point home win over Rutgers thanks to six players in double figures. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

January 17, 2024

CHAMPAIGN — The perfect formula for another Illinois blowout wins in Big Ten Conference play was executed for the second consecutive time.

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup - 2025's Jeremiah Fears Nears A Decision

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - 2025's Jeremiah Fears Nears A Decision

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys.com Director of Recruiting

January 17, 2024

(Cover photo courtesy player's page on X)

IlliniGuys received news from Jeremy Fears Sr. that his son Jeremiah has had enough. 

"He called me and woke me up this morning and told me he's ready to be done with his recruitment, but this time, I don't know," Fears said. 

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Illini’s New Hobby Energizing Offensive Effort

Illini’s New Hobby Energizing Offensive Effort

The injection of North Carolina State graduate transfer center Camille Hobby into the starting lineup resulted in 11 first-quarter points and an immediate boost in a blowout win. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

January 17, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — One tweak to the playing lineup and Shauna Green hopes she’s unlocked her team’s offense. 

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Illini Sack Leader Seth Coleman Returning to College Football in 2024

Illini Sack Leader Seth Coleman Returning to College Football in 2024

Illinois’ 23-year-old pass rusher Seth Coleman announces his intention to return to the Illini program for his sixth season of college football. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

January 17, 2024

CHAMPAIGN — Seth Coleman will be playing a sixth season of college football for the University of Illinois. 

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Football Recruiting Spotlight on Melvin Priestly

Football Recruiting Spotlight on Melvin Priestly

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

January 15, 2024

What if I told you that Illinois just added an athletic left tackle with two years of Division I starting experience and roots at a local power program who had an excellent 77 PFF grade in pass blocking? You'd be excited right?

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Bryce Dixon Unofficial Visit

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Bryce Dixon Unofficial Visit

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

Cover photo courtesy of player family

January 16, 2024

Texas prep Bryce Dixon was on an unofficial visit Sunday while Illinois battled Maryland and ultimately lost 76-67.

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The Farrell Files Illinois - OL Commit & Possible Upcoming Commitment

The Farrell Files Illinois - OL Commit & Possible Upcoming Commitment

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

January 15, 2024

(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at the new offensive line commitment from the portal and a possible junior day commitment coming up. Don’t get too excited about the commitment from Grambling state OL Melvin Priestly. The 6-4, 295 pounder is more of a depth player and should start as a backup at first. 

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Underwood Questions Illini’s Toughness & Defensive Effort in Frustrating Home Loss

Underwood Questions Illini’s Toughness & Defensive Effort in Frustrating Home Loss

In a 76-67 home loss to unranked Maryland, Illinois head coach Brad Underwood saw his team’s ‘Everyday Guys’ mentality challenged during a disastrous second-half performance. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

January 14, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — On some level, Illinois players and coaches have admitted to a temporary version of false advertising. 

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Illini Ride Hobby To First Big Ten Win

Illini Ride Hobby To First Big Ten Win

By IlliniGuys Staff January 14, 2024 (Cover photo courtesy […]

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Frigid Second Half Shooting Puts 10th Ranked Illini In Deep Freeze Against Maryland

Frigid Second Half Shooting Puts 10th Ranked Illini In Deep Freeze Against Maryland

By IlliniGuys Staff January 14, 2024 (Cover photo courtesy […]

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Sturdy's Illini Men's BB Preview - Maryland

Sturdy's Illini Men's BB Preview - Maryland

Brad Sturdy, Co-Host Sports Spectacular & Big Sports Radio, Illini Insider

January 14, 2023

The Illini will host Maryland on Sunday at 1PM on a bitterly cold afternoon. The Illini have won 5 of their last 6 and are 3-1 since losing Star Guard Terrence Shannon. Maryland comes in off of a home win against Michigan. The Terps have been good defensively, but have struggled on offense this season, shooting just 27.7% from 3 thus far. The Illini are on a roll offensively and will have a tough battle against the stingy MAryland defense. 

Here are our keys and a pick.

Setting the Stage

#10 Illinois (12-3, 3-1 B1G) vs. Maryland (10-6, 2-3 B1G) 

Jan. 14, 2024 // 1 p.m. CT // Champaign, Ill. // State Farm Center 

TV: BTN – Kevin Kugler (Play-by-Play), Robbie Hummel (Analyst) 

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

Notables

Illinois welcomes Maryland to State Farm Center on Sunday afternoon (1 p.m. CT, BTN) for the second game of back-to-back Big Ten home contests, following Thursday night’s thrilling 71-68 victory over Michigan State.  The Illini are No. 10 in the latest AP ranking, marking the team’s seventh consecutive week inside the top 25. 

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Heat Checks and Hail Marys – Don’t Tell Bret Bielema that Complementary Football Doesn’t Win Championships

Heat Checks and Hail Marys – Don’t Tell Bret Bielema that Complementary Football Doesn’t Win Championships

Mike Cagley, Co-Host Sports Spectacular & Big Sports Radio […]

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‘He was a monster’: A Confident Ty Rodgers Introduced His Skills Early vs. Michigan State

‘He was a monster’: A Confident Ty Rodgers Introduced His Skills Early vs. Michigan State

In the tradition of Ayo Dosunmu, Kofi Cockburn, Jacob Grandison and Giorgi Bezhanishvili, it’s possible Thursday night was another Illini formal introduction to Michigan State by a heralded addition. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

January 13, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — Whether it’s in State Farm Center or East Lansing, the coming out introduction party game for an Illinois player typically comes in a game against Michigan State. Welcome Ty Rodgers, make yourself at home.

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Hayven Smith

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Hayven Smith

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 13, 2024

Illinois women's basketball recruit Hayven Smith, the class of 2024, is just 64 points shy of reaching a milestone of the 1,000-point club. Just last month Smith was on campus to watch her future teammates take on the Missouri Tigers. Tuesday night against Stagg, she finished with 16 points and was under the weather. 

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