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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.

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. 

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

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Kedric Prince, Director of Recruiting 

July 27, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Amidst the buzz surrounding the new faces on the Illinois basketball team, one notable addition has largely gone unnoticed. Jason Jakstys, a 6-foot-10 stretch forward from Yorkville, is quietly making his mark.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

July 26, 2024

Champaign, IL - Mercer transfer guard Jake Davis was the first prospect to commit to Illinois after their Elite Eight run this past season. Illinois head coach Brad Underwood and assistant coach Tyler Underwood saw the interest from Davis, reviewed extensive game footage, and promptly offered him a scholarship.

Brooks, arguably the most significant acquisition out of the transfer portal for Illinois in the Bret Bielema era, arrives in Champaign after needing a push from his NFL alum father. 

Matthew Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

July 25, 2024

CHAMPAIGN — Terrance Brooks didn’t just imply or hint that he took less of a pay-for-play salary to sign with Illinois out of the transfer portal, he said the perceived quiet part out loud.