Ked's Recruiting Roundup: Illinois' Freshman Phenom Will Riley Is Right Where He Should Be
By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
January 7, 2025
(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois basketball team has a roster filled with potential NBA draft prospects this season; guard Kasparas Jakucionis, center Tomislav Ivisic, wing Ben Humrichous, and standout freshman guard Will Riley.
Ked's Recruiting Roundup: Illinois' Bret Bielema's 'Tough, Smart, Dependable' Philosophy Drives Success
By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
January 7, 2025
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Recruiting at the Division I level often depends on rankings, scouting reports, and offers from other programs. However, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema takes a different approach—one rooted in hard work, personal evaluations, and a hands-on recruiting philosophy.
Bielema, known for his "Tough, Smart, Dependable" (TSD) approach within his program, emphasizes old-school methods over analytics and external opinions. Unlike many head coaches who delegate recruiting trips to assistants, Bielema personally evaluates potential players.
Football Recruiting Spotlight on Kingston Shaw
Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst
December 7, 2024
Lost among all the news of Illinois players transferring to Champaign or returning for another year in 2025 was the second orange and blue commit of 2026: Edge rusher Kingston Shaw of Apopka (Florida).
Jakucionis Named Big Ten's Top Freshman Again
(From Illinois Sports Information Office) CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis is […]
Illinois 2024 Sack Leader Gabe Jacas Elects to Return to Bielema’s Illini for 2025 Season
Illinois outside linebacker/pass rusher Gabe Jacas has decided to […]
Sturdy's Rewind: Pacific Sweep
By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Insider/Analyst & Co-Host, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular
January 6, 2025
The Illini struggled at times coming off of their domination of Oregon, but they came away with the Pacific Sweep over Washington 81-77 to move to 3-1 in Big Ten play and 11-3 overall. Kasparas Jakucionis led the way with 18 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds, while Tre White had 17 and 7 and Kylan Boswell added 14, all in the second half to lead the way. Illinois led by as many as 17 points in the first half and never trailed in the game.
Here’s a look back.
These 3 Things
Column: Enjoy KJ While You Have Him, Illini Nation
By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
January 6, 2025
(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – During the 2024 NCAA transfer portal season, some Illinois fans grew restless as the Illini seemed to miss on key targets. But did they really?
#22 Illini Hold Off Huskies to Complete Pacific Sweep, 81-77
By IlliniGuys Stafff January 5, 2025 (Cover photo courtesy […]
Illini See Double-Digit Lead Disappear in 68-61 Defeat at Minnesota
By IlliniGuys Staff January 5, 2025 (Cover photo courtesy […]
Xavier Scott Elects to Return to Illinois For 2025 Season
Illinois two-year starter and 2024 first-team All-Big Ten defensive back Xavier Scott has decided to return to the Illini for his final season of college football.
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst
January 5, 2025
(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Xavier Scott has decided to play one season of college football with his younger brother.
Sturdy's Game Preview: Washington Provides an Illini Maturity Test
By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Insider/Analyst & Co-Host, IlliniGuys […]
Game Preview: Illini at Minnesota
From Illinois Sports Information Office: Illinois at Minnesota Date […]
Heat Checks & Hail Marys - Two Questions: Was This the Greatest Week for Illini Fans & Was 2024 the Greatest Illini Football Season & Three Bold 2025 Illini Predictions
Mike Cagley, Co-Host of the IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular & […]
Sturdy's Rewind - Oregon
By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Insider/Analyst & Co-Host, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular
January 4, 2025
(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)
I’m going to be a wet blanket on our Final Four projections and San Antonio reservations. The Illini are not as good as they looked on Friday night. Nobody is, at least every night. The Illini shot 16-29 from 3 point range and dominated #9 Oregon 109-77. They moved up to 5th in the NCAA NET and 8th on KenPom and the hype is over the top for now. But I will say this, and I have said this for 7 months. The upside, or ceiling, of this team is the Final Four and a potential national title, but the floor is still lower.
Illini Left Tackle J.C. Davis Announces Return For 2025 Season
After an NCAA ruling and a Christmas Eve visit from Illinois head coach Bret Bielema, Illini offensive tackle J.C. Davis has elected to return to Champaign for the 2025 season.
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst
January 4, 2025
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Thanks to a late NCAA ruling and a Christmas Eve visit from Illinois head coach Bret Bielema, J.C. Davis has elected to pass on the National Football League in exchange for one more season of college football.
Davis, who started all 12 games at left tackle after his arrival from the University of New Mexico and was a All-Big Ten selection this past season, announced his decision on Instagram and X/Twitter Saturday evening.
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