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Ex-Illini Golfers Once Again Flying Belgiun Flag in Olympics

Ex-Illini Golfers Once Again Flying Belgiun Flag in Olympics

For the third straight time since golf returned to […]

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Welcome to the Advanced Class of Illini’s 2024 Offense Installation

Welcome to the Advanced Class of Illini’s 2024 Offense Installation

The return of a multi-year offensive coordinator, experienced starting quarterback and returning starter at center signals a shorter and more extensive offensive installation for Illinois this August. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 1, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Just for a single moment imagine the comfort level of Josh Kreutz in these first few preseason meetings, walk-throughs and practices. 

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Illini Football 2024 Preseason Camp Practice Report #2: No More Flu Bug for Dennis Briggs Jr./Say Hello to Hank Beatty...Punt Returner

Illini Football 2024 Preseason Camp Practice Report #2: No More Flu Bug for Dennis Briggs Jr./Say Hello to Hank Beatty...Punt Returner

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 1, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Good morning and welcome to the third preseason camp practice (practice No. 2 was closed to the public/media) for the Illinois program for the 2023 season in the fourth campaign of Illini head coach Bret Bielema that begins under lights in Memorial Stadium.

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The Farrell Files Illinois - 2026 Recruitments to Watch

The Farrell Files Illinois - 2026 Recruitments to Watch

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

July 31, 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 a few 2026 recruitments to watch and break down how the Illini compare with the rest of the Big Ten when it comes to offensive line recruiting in 2025.

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Altmyer Details Offseason Mental Improvement Work With Counselors & Sports Psychologists

Altmyer Details Offseason Mental Improvement Work With Counselors & Sports Psychologists

Illinois starting quarterback Luke Altmyer quickly embraced the idea his offseason training work needed to involve a confidence overhaul while talking to sports psychologists and the team pastor. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

July 31, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Whether Luke Altmyer knew it at the time or not, some of his Illini teammates were paying just as much attention to him late in the 2023 season as the backup quarterback as when he began as the starter. 

When it was determined by Illini head coach Bret Bielema that John Paddock would be the starting quarterback for the Illini when they played at Iowa and in the season finale against Northwestern, Patrick Bryant knew the next few days of closed practices were going to be worth monitoring. 

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Big Ten Conference Announces 2025-28 Basketball Tournament Sites

Big Ten Conference Announces 2025-28 Basketball Tournament Sites

Big Ten Conference Press Release July 31, 2024 ROSEMONT, […]

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Canada Prep Spencer Ahrens to Visit Illinois Thursday

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Canada Prep Spencer Ahrens to Visit Illinois Thursday

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

July 31, 2024

Champaign, Ill. — Spencer Ahrens, a 6-foot-9 forward from Oakville, Ontario, will begin his official visits this fall, starting with Illinois. The Class of 2025 prospect is scheduled to visit the Fighting Illini’s campus on Thursday.

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Illini Safeties Will Start with New Radio Communication in Helmet During 2024 Season

Illini Safeties Will Start with New Radio Communication in Helmet During 2024 Season

All Football Bowl Subdivision teams will be given the option of using coach-to-player communications through the helmet of one player on both sides of scrimmage in the 2024 season. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

July 30, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — So far, in a classic 2024 response, the only early public mistake with Illinois’ transition to a new radio technology in the player helmets has been with a supply chain delivery issue. 

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Confidence in Illini OC Barry Lunney Jr. Revolves Around Returning Experience

Confidence in Illini OC Barry Lunney Jr. Revolves Around Returning Experience

Illinois returns a third-year offensive coordinator, second-year quarterback with 18 games of experience and depth at offensive line to attack defenses in the 2024 season.  

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

July 30, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- With preseason talk turns to the offense, the message being sent out of the Smith Family Football Center is one of quiet confidence. 

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Illini Head Coach Bret Bielema: ‘In 2021, 2022, 2023 our defenses were under me and the 2024 defense is under me.’

Illini Head Coach Bret Bielema: ‘In 2021, 2022, 2023 our defenses were under me and the 2024 defense is under me.’

While not wanting to undercut his coordinators on either side of the ball, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema made it clear at Big Ten Football Media Days that if the defense fails, blame him. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

July 30, 2024

CHAMPAIGN — It’s pretty clear that Brett Bielema is sick and tired of hearing public criticism about the Illinois defensive coordinator spot when he feels those folks have missed the target. 

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Illini Football 2024 Preseason Camp Practice Report #1 - Zakhari Franklin Fully Active For Individual Drills During Media Viewing

Illini Football 2024 Preseason Camp Practice Report #1 - Zakhari Franklin Fully Active For Individual Drills During Media Viewing

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

July 29, 2024

Good evening and welcome to the first preseason camp practice for the Illinois program for the 2023 season in the fourth campaign of Illini head coach Bret Bielema that begins under lights in Memorial Stadium.

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Bielema Loves Talent in Illini Running Back Room

Bielema Loves Talent in Illini Running Back Room

As preseason practice begins Monday evening, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema sees the personnel talent to get the Illinois running game back on track for success.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

July 29, 2024

CHAMPAIGN — As Bret Bielema enters his 16th preseason camp as the head coach of a power conference program, the first consistency is always that the highest priority will always revolve around the running game. 

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Illinois One of Six Early Visits for Mikel Brown Jr.

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Illinois One of Six Early Visits for Mikel Brown Jr.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

July 29, 2024

Champaign, IL - Illini Nation has its eyes set on Mikel Brown Jr., one of the nation's top playmakers, as he announces the first six schools he plans to visit.

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup - The Fighting Illini Women Already Pursuing Top Prep in 2026

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - The Fighting Illini Women Already Pursuing Top Prep in 2026

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

July 28, 2024

Champaign, IL. - Shauna Green and her coaching staff are making significant strides in recruiting, positioning themselves to potentially land one of the nation's top five recruiting classes next year. The Illinois women's basketball program is in a strong position with three top 25 players in the 2025 class: guards Divine Bourrage from Davenport North, Destiny Jackson from Whitney Young, and 6-foot wing Taliyah Henderson from Salpointe Catholic High School in Arizona.

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Update on Illinois Men's Basketball Recruiting

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Update on Illinois Men's Basketball Recruiting

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

July 27, 2024

Champaign, IL. - When it comes to Illinois basketball recruiting, all eyes are on head coach Brad Underwood and his staff. With another outstanding team secured for the 2024-25 season, let's take a closer look at a couple of recruits involving Illinois.

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