The Farrell Files Illinois - Key 2026 Updates & 2025 B1G DB Rankings
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
August 9, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll have a couple of key 2026 updates and look at how the Illini rank at DB in the 2025 class versus the rest of the Big Ten.
Cole Rusk’s Injury Leaves Significant Hole in Illini Tight End Room
The dream of Cole Rusk playing in a game for Illinois will need to wait another year as the transfer tight end suffers a knee injury before the first preseason scrimmage.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
August 9, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The most impactful element of Cole Rusk’s severely injured knee is likely to be felt by the people in his tight end meeting room that are still healthy for the upcoming 2024 season.
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Illinois Offers Simeon Basketball Star
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
August 8, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, IL – The Illinois men's basketball program has a long history of connections with two areas in the state: Peoria and Simeon in Chicago.
Injury Bug Strikes Illinois TE Cole Rusk
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Recruiting Director
August 8, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, IL — Illinois football suffered a significant blow with the news that tight end Cole Rusk, a highly anticipated transfer from Murray State, will miss the entire upcoming season due to a knee injury. The former Rock Island standout, who was expected to compete for a starting role, confirmed the unfortunate news on his social media page on Tuesday.
Illinois Reveals Throwback Uniforms for Red Grange Dedication Game vs. Michigan
Illinois unveiled the uniforms and helmets that will be […]
For Justin Stepp’s Illini Wide Receivers, Knowledge is Power
Illinois trying to find more positional flexibility in their wide receiver room as they look to replace two departing starters from the 2023 squad.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
August 7, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — When Justin Stepp goes to the whiteboard in his wide receiver meeting room, there’s a particular reason he’s drawing two or three circles depending on the particular formation.
The Farrell Files Illinois - A Top 2026 Target & Potential 2025 Flip
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
August 6, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a top 2026 target and 2025 potential flip.
Illinois Men's Basketball Program in for a Treat with Incoming Freshman Kasparas Jakucionis
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
August 6, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, IL – As the college football season gets underway, Illinois fans are already buzzing about the upcoming basketball season, thanks to an exciting new addition to the team. The Illinois basketball program has a roster of many new stars, many of whom are yet to play a single game. Among these rising talents is Kasparas Jakucionis, a 6-foot-6 combo guard from Vilnius, Lithuania.
Bielema’s Illini Will Re-Establish Program Identity in 2024
The concept of ‘complimentary football’ is about as unsexy a term in the sport but Bret Bielema is determined to bring that concept to the forefront of what the Illini program is and will be.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
August 5, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Just like every offseason, which truthfully gets shorter and shorter due to the recruiting realities of the sport, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema conducts a vigorous self-scout of his football program.
What Does Having Matthew Bailey Back Mean For Illinois? We’re All About to Find Out
Illinois third-year safety Matthew Bailey doesn’t have the playing experience to account for the talk of his importance to the Illini’s defense but don’t tell that to his coaches and teammates.
August 5, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The responsibility being hoisted upon Matthew Bailey inside and outside the Smith Family Football Complex is not parallel to a player who has experienced just one start, missed nearly the entire 2023 season and has only one start in his college football career.
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Spencer Ahrens Updates Recent Official Visit at Illinois
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
August 5, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Late last week, Illinois hosted 6-foot-9 wing Spencer Ahrens, a promising prospect from Canada. Although the Illini did not secure a commitment, they made significant progress in their recruitment efforts.
Illinois Women's Basketball Newcomers Making Their Presence Felt
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
August 4, 2024
Champaign, IL – The Illinois women's basketball team is preparing for a foreign tour of Italy and Greece from August 2-12. This is the first overseas trip for Illinois since head coach Shauna Green took over three years ago.
Illinois Men's Tennis Alum Rajeev Ram Secures Silver Medal at 2024 Paris Olympics
Illinois Athletics August 3, 2024 PARIS – Illinois men's tennis […]
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Jerimy Finch Jr. Discusses His Unofficial Visit at Illinois
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
August 3, 2024
Champaign, Ill. – Jerimy Finch Jr., one of the nation's top football prospects for 2026, visited Illinois on Wednesday. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound defensive lineman from Warren Central High School in Indianapolis is drawing interest from numerous prestigious programs.
Zy Crisler Back Home at Guard and Feeling Good Heading into 2024
Zy Crisler, a two-time All-Big Ten honorable mention selection, has rode the emotional roller coaster ride in his first two years at Illinois but has a comfort being placed back at guard.
Matthew Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
August 2, 2024
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — For what might be the first time since he’s arrived at the University of Illinois, Zylon Crisler has made it back home.
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