Football

Kramer, Hansen and Hayes - first three-time captains in […]

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

8/19/2021

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois head coach Bret Bielema joined reporters for approximately 20 minutes following Thursday's practice session inside Memorial Stadium.

Without a perceived or established superstar at the position, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema may have to roll with a tailback-by-committee approach early in this 2021 season.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 19, 2021

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Bret Bielema can, with relative ease, and has more than once this preseason listed off his featured tailbacks in head coaching tenure. 

With less than 10 days remaining until the season opener, Illinois players and coaches confirming they’re beginning the transition from preseason camp to preparing for the game against Nebraska.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 18, 2021

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Goodbye preseason camp and hello Nebraska preparation. 

Illinois wide receiver Marquez Beason, who began his conversion from defensive back this spring, is out for at least a few weeks into the 2021 season. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Marquez Beason will need to wait until

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema said he was impressed with the Illini’s running game in the second closed preseason scrimmage. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 16, 2021

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Bret Bielema says he saw the beginning of his classic running game get started in Illinois’ second preseason scrimmage. 

Illinois defensive backs coach Aaron Henry is not only reshaping the cornerback room with new personnel but also a new attitude.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 16, 2021

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Aaron Henry was already aware the personnel of his cornerbacks positional room at Illinois was going to look different.

Art Sitkowski needed what he calls “a change of scenery” after struggling at Rutgers and an Illinois program, willing to forget the past, needed a talented quarterback. The two situations were made for a transfer portal marriage. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 15, 2021

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- When asked about his transfer portal decision and process, Artur Sitkowski constantly uses the phrase ‘fresh start’ to describe exactly what he was looking for. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 15, 2021

Depth is a major concern on the defensive end spot for the Illini as they convert from a four-man front to a 3-4 scheme.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 14, 2021

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Today marked another practice session (the 12th of the preseason for the Illini this month) on the grass fields just outside the Smith Family Football building where the players were in just helmets, shoulder pads, jerseys and shorts today.

Illinois returns three offensive starters and Wofford graduate transfer Blake Jersaty but it’s former walk-on tight Alex Pihlstrom who is garnering attention for a potential starting spot. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 13, 2021

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Bret Bielema knows something about offensive linemen in the Big Ten Conference.

By Kedric Prince – IlliniGuys.com Director of Recruiting August […]

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

August 11, 2021

Traditionally in the state of Iowa, it is very tough for anyone to come in to get recruits of any kind, especially football.

The Illini have at least four players currently working at inside linebacker who have started a game for a Power Five Conference program. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 11, 2021

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- It’s pretty safe to assume Andy Buh has seen a lot of change in his nomadic coaching career as he enters his 24th season and eighth different stop at a Power Five Conference school coaching the linebacker position.

Illinois has added its first transfer portal piece to […]