Football

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Corey Patterson says he has the best problem any football coach could ever dream of.

Patterson’s task in this 2021 season as the Illinois running backs coach is keeping five talented tailbacks happy with their playing time and production levels despite the logical assumption that not all of them will receive an equal share of opportunities. 

“It’s a great problem to have and I’m excited about that problem,” Patterson said. “I’m looking forward to that problem.” 

As they enter the first game of the Bret Bielema era in the 2021 season vs. Nebraska this Saturday (Noon, FOX), Illinois has four defensive coaches with previous experience as a play-caller. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- During each of the first two preseason scrimmages, Illinois defensive coordinator Ryan Walters was partially amazed at the real-time feedback he was getting from his fellow defensive staff members. 

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Rivals,com Huskeronline writer Robin Washut joins us to give […]

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- The first pass rusher for Illinois’ 2022 class has verbally pledged his services. 

Brian Allen Jr., who is a 6-foot-3, 230-pound defensive lineman from Woodstock but elected to finish his high school career in Connecticut, became the 16th verbal commitment to Illinois’ 2022 recruiting class. 

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- If there’s a positional group more wrought with secrecy in the University of Illinois football program, it’s outside linebacker.

During the spring, when the Illini coaching staff was still trying to play it coy what head coach Bret Bielema said on ESPN’s ‘College Gameday’ about playing a 3-4 base defense and an odd-man front defensive line, Illinois’ roster construction said otherwise. At least five veteran returning players had seen their positions change from defensive end to the title of outside linebacker.

The Illini football team lifted up Colton Rahn, resulting […]

Kirkland Chappell, IlliniGuys Football Analyst August 22, 2021 At […]

Until his junior season of high school, Keith Randolph was known for his basketball skills but it hasn’t taken long for the potential d-line starter at Illinois to fall in love with football.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 20, 2021

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Even at his listed weight at 300 pounds, Keith Randolph reminds folks every chance he can get what he can still do on the hardwood with a basketball in his hands. 

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.