
Bielema Believed Illini Set in 2025 & Rejected Transfer Portal Running Backs
The tailback room will likely be the position group with the most experienced depth on the Illinois offense when they open up preseason camp in August.
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst
January 22, 2025
(NOTE: This analysis is only a review of where the Illinois roster stands in mid-January and should not be served as a preview of what the Illini’s positional depth will look like by the time preseason practice opens in early August.)
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — When asked about his priorities a week before Christmas for the transfer portal as he was gathering players for the 2025 season while also preparing for the upcoming Citrus Bowl, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema detailed exactly what wasn’t on his list.