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Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

September 13, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, IL. – If you follow recruiting at the Division I level, fall is one of the most exciting times to keep an eye on your phone or computer. The Fighting Illini football and men's basketball team is gearing up to welcome some of the top high school talent to campus.

This weekend, the football program will kick off early as they celebrate homecoming against Central Michigan. The game begins at 11 a.m. CT and will stream on Peacock.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Recruiting Director

September 13, 2024

Champaign, IL — One thing is certain when talking to Owen Fors, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound offensive lineman: his time at Illinois has been memorable, both before and after the game.

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

September 13, 2024

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files, I’ll talk an interesting new offer and rank DB Xanai Scott vs the industry.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

September 12, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, IL – Casey Thomann, a 6-foot-7, 280-pound offensive tackle from Olney, Illinois, is back on Illinois' campus once again.

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema suggests he and his staff are getting more intense looks from recruits either in high school or possibly entering the transfer portal that had previously rejected the Illini.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 12, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Following a huge win over then-No. 19 Kansas, Bret Bielema’s phone exploded with calls, text messages and instant messages on social media from all corners of the nation.

From a newfound confident returning quarterback to a veteran group of receivers, Illinois has one of the more efficient deep passing games just two weeks into the 2024 season. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 12, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — In less than a calendar year, Illinois has gone from one of the worst at a deep passing game to one of the most efficient in the same statistical category. 

So, the question that is begged is: What changed? The answer is well, everything. 

Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting September 11, […]

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

September 11, 2024

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll give my thoughts on how the Kansas win impacts recruiting and rank DB Andre Lovett vs the industry.

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

September 11, 2024

It’s not very often that the Illini start a season 2-0 in football, and even more rare for them to do it while beating a ranked opponent. The Illini have done just that and sit at #26 in the AP Poll this week after their win over #19 Kansas. Here are some deep thoughts:

Despite not being the talk of preseason camp, Illinois freshman tailback Ca'Lil Valentine proved to be a big factor in the Illini’s 23-17 victory over then-No. 19 Kansas last weekend. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 10, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — In a blowout victory over Eastern Illinois in his college football debut, Ca'Lil Valentine had just six snaps of action and four carries to run out the clock while the score was already 45-0.

Josh Whitman and Bret Bielema are both in sync on the idea that Illinois should have among its program goals to be in the mix for a 12-team College Football Playoff berth. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 10, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — According to both men, there is rarely a day that goes by where Illinois athletics director Josh Whitman and Illini head football coach Bret Bielema don’t talk. 

Illinois Athletics September 10, 2024 CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois cornerback Xavier […]

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

September 10, 2024

Champaign, IL. – JJ Finch, a three-star recruit from Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, was one of several high-profile recruits visiting Illinois this past weekend. Although Finch’s current rankings may not fully reflect his talent and offer list, he is the top-ranked player in Indiana for the Class of 2026.

Illinois third-year defensive back Xavier Scott’s development may properly define the Illini’s mentality as a developmental program. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 10, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — For Xavier Scott, seeing really is believing. 

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

September 9, 2024

This one will always be known as the "Xavier Scott game". Illinois got a huge win on Saturday in Illinois' first sellout win in the last 8 attempts.