Football

Illini Add WR Zakhari Franklin from Transfer Portal

Illini Add WR Zakhari Franklin from Transfer Portal

Veteran wide receiver Zakhari Franklin reunites with Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. after Franklin was the top receiving option at Texas-San Antonio from 2019-22.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

June 13, 2024

CHAMPAIGN — Barry Lunney Jr. has brought over his top receiver from his days running the offense at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Bret Bielema's Stellar Recruiting

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Bret Bielema's Stellar Recruiting

Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

June 12, 2024

Champaign, Ill. — On December 13, 2020, Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman decided to go in a different direction with the football program, relieving Lovie Smith of his duties. This decision marked a turning point for Illinois football, which had struggled through the Tim Beckman era from 2012-14, resulting in his firing after a dismal 12-25 record.

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The Farrell Files Illinois - 3 Commits & 1 More Possible Commit

The Farrell Files Illinois - 3 Commits & 1 More Possible Commit

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert

June 11, 2024

(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at the three latest commitments and another that could be on the way.

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Sturdy for 30 - June 11 Edition

Sturdy for 30 - June 11 Edition

Brad Sturdy, Illini Uber-Insider & Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular and Big Sports Radio

June 11, 2024

It’s summer, unofficially as we head into a busy June and July. Let’s look at what’s happening in the world of sports and the Illini sports universe.

Dan Hurley stayed at UConn, as he weighed a large offer from the LA Lakers, and solidified his need to get more money from UConn for NIL to continue to compete in the college athletics world that is stacked against teams not in the Big Ten or SEC moving forward. 

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Bielema’s Message on Wrigley Field Game vs. Northwestern: Two Working Sidelines

Bielema’s Message on Wrigley Field Game vs. Northwestern: Two Working Sidelines

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema would love to coach a football game at Wrigley Field but he and Ohio State head coach Ryan Day are in sync that the contest must have two working sidelines.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

June 10, 2024

CHAMPAIGN — Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema would like everybody to know and was quick to point out the reason not one single ticket to a Northwestern University home football game has been sold.

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Back-to-Back Days: Illinois Football Stays Hot on the Recruiting Trail

Back-to-Back Days: Illinois Football Stays Hot on the Recruiting Trail

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

June 10, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — After making a visit to Illinois this weekend, Isaiah White, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound defensive lineman from Indianapolis, committed to the Illini this morning. Illinois head coach Bret Bielema sent out his usual announcement that something special was happening. It was White’s commitment coming. 

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Matt Brown Breaks Down NCAA Settlement, New EA Sports CFB Game

Matt Brown Breaks Down NCAA Settlement, New EA Sports CFB Game

(Editor's Note: Matt Brown recently appeared on the IlliniGuys' […]

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June Continues Strong for Illinois Football with Another Commit

June Continues Strong for Illinois Football with Another Commit

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

June 9, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Cameron Brooks, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound edge rusher from Homewood-Flossmoor, has committed to Illinois, becoming the eighth recruit for the class of 2025.

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Illinois Football Wins Big-Time Recruiting Battle for Wide Receiver

Illinois Football Wins Big-Time Recruiting Battle for Wide Receiver

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

June 9, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois football has made significant strides in recruiting, both from the transfer portal and at the high school level. Today, the Illini secured a commitment from three-star wide receiver Davion Chandler.

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Illinois Poised for Another Great Football Recruiting Weekend

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Illinois Poised for Another Great Football Recruiting Weekend

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

June 9, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — During football coach Bret Bielema's tenure at Illinois, he and his staff have excelled in recruiting during the month of June, a period when players visit campus.

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Ked's Keys - Illinois Athletics Recruitments in June

Ked's Keys - Illinois Athletics Recruitments in June

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

June 8, 2024

Champaign, Ill. – June is always an intriguing month for Illinois recruiting. The Illinois football and men’s and women’s basketball programs may still have some roster moves in store.

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The Farrell Files Illinois - Good News & Bad News

The Farrell Files Illinois - Good News & Bad News

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert

June 7, 2024

(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I have really good news and really bad news.

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Illini’s Bret Bielema Hopeful for College Football Player Salary Cap Structure

Illini’s Bret Bielema Hopeful for College Football Player Salary Cap Structure

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema remains steadfast in his hope and belief the future legislation fallout from the House vs. NCAA settlement will be a player salary cap structure. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

June 6, 2024

CHAMPAIGN — The head football coach at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign currently sounds like a man who believes a salary cap structure for players is headed to his sport.

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Small Named GCAA Midwest Region Coach of the Year

Small Named GCAA Midwest Region Coach of the Year

Illinois Athletics June 4, 2024 NORMAN, Okla. – Fighting Illini […]

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The Farrell Files Illinois - Update on Last Weekend's Visitors & Preview of This Weekend

The Farrell Files Illinois - Update on Last Weekend's Visitors & Preview of This Weekend

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert

June 4, 2024

(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at the two official visitors from this past weekend and where things stand with Ole Miss transfer WR Zakhari Franklin.

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