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

January 19, 2024

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll take a look at some names for the upcoming junior day and break down 2024 WR Mario Sanders from JUCO.

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys.com Director of Recruiting

January 19, 2024

(Cover photo courtesy Chicago Tribune)

Illinois secured its first 2025 football commitment on Friday, as in-state prospect Michael McDonough made his official announcement on X (formerly Twitter). McDonough is a 6-foot-3, 275-pound offensive lineman from Tinley Park, Illinois.

In what he and his head coach agreed was the best all-around performance of his college career, Coleman Hawkins’ excellent play on both ends of the floor lifted No. 14 Illinois to a road win.  

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

January 19, 2023

ANN ARBOR, Michigan — Mark it down - January 18, 2024, was the night Coleman Hawkins showcased every one of the vast amounts of skills he was recruited to display at Illinois.

By IlliniGuys Staff January 18, 2024 (Cover photo courtesy […]

By IlliniGuys Staff January 18, 2024 As expected, Illinois […]

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

January 18, 2024

Illinois Road Test at Michigan

Illinois travels to Michigan on Thursday night to take on the disappointing Michigan Wolverines. The Wolverines have been on the struggle bus through coaching health issues, player suspensions and just an odd season thus far that has led to a 7-10 start. The Wolverines did get a win over Ohio State in their last outing but have lost 5 of 6 and 8 of 11 in the last six weeks. 

Illinois is licking their wounds a bit after a loss to another underachiever in Maryland on Sunday at home. Illinois has been a different team on the defensive end without Terrence Shannon and will need that defense to step it up against a quality Michigan offense. 

Here are our keys and a pick:

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

January 18, 2023

The Illini laid an egg on Sunday against a Maryland team that had underachieved relative to their talent level this season. The Terps were clicking on Sunday and the Illini were on the struggle bus, shooting 9-40 in the second half and repeatedly forcing Maryland into shots in the paint. 

Is it the start of a disturbing trend or a one-off bad day at work? 

It’s a question we will learn the answer to over the next few games at Michigan and Rutgers at home, but looking at it now, how does Illinois make the necessary adjustments? 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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?

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.

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.