Football

By Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst, Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys […]

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

December 20, 2023

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at the latest on OT target Kevin Wigenton, more on some other transfer portal targets and if there will be any Signing Day surprises.

Vernon Woodward was the first of the three Illinois signees in this 2024 recruiting class that was flipped from an initial commitment of a Big Ten Conference program.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

December 20, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

Player: Vernon Woodward

Position: Cornerback

Height: 6-foot-2

Weight: 180

Hometown: Winter Park, Fla.

High School: Winter Park

Other offers: UCF, Wisconsin, Boston College, Cincinnati, Florida Atlantic, Louisville, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Maryland, Missouri, Ole Miss, Purdue, and Virginia.

Mark Vernon Woodward down as the first of three verbal pledge flips toward Illinois after the prospect had given a commitment to a Big Ten Conference rival program.

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

December 19, 2023

Illinois continued to hit the JUCO ranks in order to fill key positions next year when Trinity Valley Community College freshman Chase Canada committed to the Illini. 

Just 16 days after giving a verbal pledge to Illinois, Yale graduate transfer defensive lineman Clay Patterson has renounced that commitment to continue his recruitment in the portal. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

December 18, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — Clay Patterson will not be playing his fifth year of college football at the University of Illinois. 

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

December 18, 2023

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a key 2025 visit from the weekend and some rumors about huge transfer visits over the last few days as well.

Illinois tight end Tip Reiman says he’s sticking with a decision to leave college football despite not being a projected draft pick by any major news outlet. 

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyist

December 15, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN  — Tip Reiman has simply not allowed himself a fall-back option to return to college football. 

The 22-year-old Illinois tight end has seen his college career end and says he’s not allowing himself to use his last year of eligibility with the Illini football program to be a safety net option if he’s not projected to be selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

The deadline to submit or remove your name from consideration for this year’s draft is Jan. 15. However, Reiman will be on the list of underclassmen who have been approved for entry into the 2024 NFL Draft to be sent to clubs on Jan. 19. 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 16, 2023

The Fighting Illini and Iowa Hawkeyes did battle on the football field back in November. Iowa squeaked out a victory over Illinois 15-13.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 15, 2023

Illinois received a commitment from cornerback Chase Canada.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 15, 2023

Once again, the Fighting Illini have been active in the transfer portal today. Youngstown State defensive lineman Anthony Johnson committed via his X (Twitter) page with the statement "Last one, best one."

Illinois defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton played more snaps as a defensive tackle than anybody at his position in a power conference since 2018. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

December 15, 2023

CHAMPAIGN - Jer'Zhan Newton certainly got nearly everything possible out of his final year of college football. 

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

December 15, 2023

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at the sudden need at tight end, the impact of Tommy DeVito in the NFL and a new offer for a key position in the portal.

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

December 13, 2023

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a recent decommitment and if it matters as well as a big potential visitor this weekend who could help in the trenches.

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer has only done one on-the-record interview since being demoted to the backup quarterback spot in the final month of the 2023 season. 

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

December 12, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athetics)

CHAMPAIGN  — If Bret Bielema is to be believed, the Illini head coach is claiming he learned more about Luke Altmyer in the final three weeks where he wasn’t the starting quarterback. 

After starting the first nine games of the 2023 season following his arrival as a transfer from the University of Mississippi, Altmyer found himself back in a situation he didn’t want for himself again at the college level - a quarterback debate. 

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

Cover photo courtesy of Auburn Wire

December 11, 2023

Illinois' coaches have been working hard to address their clear need on the defensive line and the made another quality addition when former Auburn Defensive Tackle Enyce Sledge decided to switch orange and blue uniforms by committing to the Illini. Sledge was "on the plains" as they say at Auburn, for two years but he only saw the field for 15 snaps in his two years. That means figuring out where Sledge will fit in with the Illini involves a lot of guesswork.