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Jim Leonhard has completed his first game week as an Illinois senior football analyst and IlliniGuys.com looks at what he might do and can do to help Bret Bielema’s program.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

Cover photo courtesy Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

September 2, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — At the point this piece is published, Jim Leonhard has already started his first three-day weekend in Madison, Wisconsin following his first game week as a University of Illinois employee. 

September 2, 2023 The Illini open against a defending […]

Bush will start at strong safety Saturday in Illinois’ season opener Saturday night vs. Toledo, marking the 23-year-old’s 35th career start at the college level. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 2, 2023

Toledo at Illinois

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

September 1, 2023

The Illini football team kicks off on Saturday against Toledo. I’m predicting a 27-17 win for the Illini over defending MAC champions Toledo as they open the 3rd season of the Bret Bielema, but it’s always basketball season here at IlliniGuys so every week we will look at the hoops visitors and breakdown what’s going on with the team heading into the weekend. 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

September 1, 2023

We are in the year 2023, but the Fighting Illini men's basketball team has put together a massive list of offers for the class of 2025.

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

September 1, 2023

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, 

(Editor's Note: IlliniGuy Mike Cagley talked with Kyle Roland […]

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema confirmed the winners of the two preseason camp positional battles less than 48 hours before the 2023 season opener vs. Toledo. 

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

August 31, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The final starting positional battles have become set for Illinois’ season opener this weekend. 

Following his team’s practice session on Thursday afternoon, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema confirmed two offensive and two defensive starters for the game Saturday against Toledo (6:30 p.m. CST, Big Ten Network).

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

August 31, 2023

Amani Hansberry, one of Illinois' outstanding freshmen, has gotten the attention of his coaches.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

August 31, 2023

With the Illinois football staff heading into year three, they are making waves in the recruiting world.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

August 30, 2023

There is this one guy that plays football for the University of Illinois; he is very popular and really good.

Illinois secondary pieces still learning the art of communication with basically four new starters heading into 2023 season opener vs. Toledo. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 30, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Beyond the obvious of the scoreboard, one way to know Saturday whether the Illinois secondary is having success might be an issue of sound volume. 

August 30, 2023 (Cover photo courtesy Purdue Athletics) All […]

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

August 30, 2023

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll rank DB Vernon Woodward vs. the industry and update the visitors list for Toledo including a few very familiar names.

Reggie Love didn’t want things to change with his new position coach in 2023 and Josh McCray wanted a clean, fresh start to his college career. They both got what they wanted in Thad Ward.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 29, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The top two returning running backs on the Illinois roster have seen the hiring of Thad Ward as their new positional coach as exactly what they were looking for despite the fact they were seeking different things.