Football

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

February 11, 2022

The Fighting Illini coaching staff continues to recruit the rich state of Florida.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

February 10, 2022

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Bret Bielema certainly came prepared for the home visit of the quarterback he was recruiting out of the transfer portal. 

The Illinois head coach, along with offensive line coach Bart Miller, arrived at the home of former Syracuse quarterback Tommy DeVito ready to go through the normal process with his parents, Tom Sr. and Alexandra and Tom, and sell everything that the Illini program could provide for the quarterback for his final year of eligibility. 

What Tommy DeVito, his parents and everybody in the Cedar Grove, N.J. home (a 25-minute drive from the home of MetLife Stadium, the location of the Illini coach’s last gig with the New York Giants) possibly didn’t expect was has been quickly learned around Champaign-Urbana as a classic Bret Bielema film session. 

“So, yeah, he just sits in this chair right next to me, pulls out this tablet and says ‘Okay, I want to show you something’,” DeVito said to IlliniGuys.com following his first media availability in Champaign since signing with Illinois. “I was immediately blown away.” 

The Big Ten Conference announced Wednesday afternoon that the […]

Illinois announced the return of five-year offensive line starter Alex Palczewski for another year of college football where he’ll bring stability to a critical position for Illini head coach Bret Bielema.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

February 5, 2022

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Less than three days after Illinois head coach Bret Bielema said he and his staff had a “trick up his sleeve” regarding the return of a veteran player, we now know that move involved bringing back five-year starter Alex Palczewski for a sixth season. 

Courtesy of Illinois Athletics February 4, 2022 Look for […]

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

February 4, 2022

Illinois was able to save on travel costs with its two most recent additions as 5'11, 180-pound Xavier Scott from Dwyer High School in Palm Beach Gardens

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema continues to preach that “sustained success” will come from high school recruiting and not with several transfer portal players. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

February 2, 2022

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- If Illinois is going to have several consecutive years of successful seasons, Bret Bielema doesn’t believe the transfer portal is the route to get there.

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

February 1, 2022

Illinois added Naivyan "the Spider" Cargill from Palm Beach Gardens High School

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting 

January 30, 2022

Naivyan Cargill is a 6-6, 215-pound Tight End from Palm Beach Gardens (FL.), is now a member of the exciting class of 2023.

U of I Athletic Department Press Release Five Illini […]

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting 

January 26, 2022

Illinois assistant football coach George McDonald is fast becoming one of Illinois's best recruiters on staff.

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

January 24, 2022

Cover photo courtesy Quad City Times

Illinois added another versatile defender to its '22 recruiting class when Matthew Bailey pledged to the Illini on Sunday.

Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 23, 2022

There is an old saying in recruiting: the best coaches have an eye, and rankings do not matter.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting 

January 23, 2022

Cover photo courtesy of Quad City Times

Matthew Bailey Courtesy of the Quad City Times

The Illinois Football Program added another commitment for the Class of 2022

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

January 23, 2022

Illinois added another big body to its stable of incoming offensive linemen on Thursday when Zylon Crisler committed to the Illini.