Illini Pass Rusher Gabe Jacas Demanding More of Himself in 2024
Jacas, a Freshman All-American in 2022, is gaining comfort in his third positional coach in as many seasons in Champaign.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
April 7, 2024
CHAMPAIGN --- Gabe Jacas needed just three words to assess his 2023 season and he’s a tough grader on himself.
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Dual-Threat Athlete Nasir Rankin Balances Football and Basketball Dreams with Illinois Offer
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
April 4, 2024
Nasir Rankin, a multifaceted 6-1, 177-pound athlete hailing from Chicago, IL, has recently found himself getting the wish he wanted. As a standout talent from Whitney Young High School, this young prodigy has captured the eyes of recruiters with his prowess not just in one sport, but two.
The Farrell Files Illinois - 2025 Prospect Notes
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
April 5, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I have notes on a few 2025 prospects.
Andre Lovett Likely In Commit-Recruiter Position for Bielema’s 2025 Recruiting Class
Illinois three-star 2025 commitment Andre Lovett from Eisenhower High School in Blue Island will likely be asked to sway uncommitted targets for the next several months.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
March xx, 2024
Judging from the history of how this Illinois football staff has approached each of its first three full recruiting classes, Andre Lovett is about to become a key component to the upcoming recruiting class.
Lovett, who became the program’s fourth commitment to the 2025 recruiting class, will likely be the poster boy of the latest high school player acquisition of Bret Bielema’s operation.
The Farrell Files Illinois - QB & TE News
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
April 2, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll share some good news regarding a young QB but some bad news regarding a 2026 TE I just mentioned.
Former Illini & NFL Cornerback Vontae Davis Dies at 35
Davis was a two-time All-Big Ten selection and a […]
Illini DB Coach David Gibbs Resigns After Just 70 Days Due to Medical Issue
Just over two months after being hired, David Gibbs […]
The Farrell Files Illinois - Talented Teammates Looking at Illinois
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
April 1, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a couple of teammates in play for the Illini from the 2025 and 2026 classes.
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Chicago Simeon Prep Cornell Conely Awaits Potential Offer from Illinois
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
March 27, 2024
Cornell Conley, a rising star from Simeon High School in Chicago, Illinois 2026, is making waves in the world of high school football. As a dynamic 5-8, 170-pound wide receiver, Conley has caught the attention of Illinois.
The Farrell Files Illinois - Key QB Targets & Illini Making the Cut for a Chicagoland Star
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
March 27, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a couple of key quarterback targets and news regarding each as well as the Illini continuing to make the cut for a local.
Football Recruiting Spotlight on Xanai Scott
Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst
March 25, 2024
Illinois followed up an intense recruiting victory for safety Andre Lovett with a fairly easy recruiting win for another safety: Xanai Scott from Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach. As you might guess from the similar name and hometown, Xanai is the brother of current Illinois nickel safety Xavier Scott. I wrote that this was an easy recruiting win for a couple of reasons:
Bret Bielema Among Six Head Coaches Named to the AFCA Board of Trustees
Courtesy AFCA March 25, 2024 WACO, TEXAS — Ohio […]
The Farrell Files Illinois - 2025 B1G Recruiting Rankings
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
March 25, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois with hoops the focus of the fan base I’ll look at the Illini in the 2025 Big Ten rankings.
Illini Coaches Trying to Find Defensive Back Answers This Spring
Despite finishing 11th in the Big Ten Conference in passing defense, Illinois only acquired one addition to its defensive secondary out of the transfer portal.
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst
March 22, 2024
CHAMPAIGN — Maybe the one consolation to the questions for the Illinois secondary entering this spring season is the coaches have to be somewhat familiar with what and, specifically, who the answers have to be.
After finishing the 2023 season 11th in the Big Ten Conference in passing defense by allowing opponents 228.1 yards per game through the air, Illinois acquired only one addition - sophomore Chase Canada - via the junior college or transfer portal. In his introductory media conference inside the Smith Family Football Complex, new Illini defensive backs coach David Gibbs, who actually gave a rousing defense for the fact that his predecessor, Antonio Fenelus, shouldn’t have been fired.
The Farrell Files Illinois - 2025 and 2026 Updates
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
March 20, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at some younger players ready for unofficial visits this month and a potential sleeper from the 2025 class.
Subscriber Testimonials:
Not a member? Join our mailing list: