Football

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Griffin Rousseau Knew After Watching Illinois This Spring They Would Be Good

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Griffin Rousseau Knew After Watching Illinois This Spring They Would Be Good

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

September 25, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Griffin Rousseau knew back in January where he wanted to take his talents at the next level. Head coach Bret Bielema and offensive line coach Bart Miller from Illinois did what they needed to land him.

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The Matt Stevens Top 25

The Matt Stevens Top 25

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer September 25, 2024 My […]

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Illinois Football Recruits Taking Notice of Illinois’ Success

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Illinois Football Recruits Taking Notice of Illinois’ Success

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

September 24, 2024

Champaign, IL — Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema knows when momentum is on your side, it’s time to capitalize — especially when it comes to recruiting. After big wins, he’s mentioned more than once that it’s time to get on the phone and talk to recruits.

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The Farrell Files Illinois - Impact of the Nebraska Win & 2026 Target Updates

The Farrell Files Illinois - Impact of the Nebraska Win & 2026 Target Updates

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

September 24, 2024

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at the impact of the win against Nebraska, rank DB Desmond Straughton against the industry and a few updates on some top targets in 2026.

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Illini Film Review: Illinois 31, Nebraska 24 (OT) - Welcome to a Very Different Luke Altmyer in 2024

Illini Film Review: Illinois 31, Nebraska 24 (OT) - Welcome to a Very Different Luke Altmyer in 2024

Illinois second year starting quarterback Luke Altmyer’s obvious and subtle body language was so different Friday night in Lincoln, Nebraska leading to his best performance in an Illini jersey. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 23, 2024

LINCOLN, Neb. — Luke Altmyer went into a different mental and emotional mode on Friday night inside Memorial Stadium at Nebraska.

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Sturdy's Soliloquy: Flying High at 4-0, and more….

Sturdy's Soliloquy: Flying High at 4-0, and more….

By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Insider/Analyst

September 23, ,2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

The Ilini went into Lincoln and pulled out the overtime win against the star Freshman Quarterback with the veteran offensive line that left the nation thinking….’This team might be pretty good?’

In the aftermath of the 31-24 win in overtime, the Illini moved up to #19 and #21 in the national polls and are the only team in the nation with 2 ranked wins. They will get another shot on Saturday night in Happy Valley against #9 Penn State. A win there and more people will jump on the bandwagon, but right now let’s focus on what this team has done and where they are. 

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The Trench Report: Nebraska

The Trench Report: Nebraska

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

September 23, 2024

That was great, wasn't it? Not only did Illinois have a big win on Friday in a tough environment, but they also played really, really well.

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Illini Ranked in Both Polls

Illini Ranked in Both Polls

After a 4-0 start to the 2024 season, Illinois […]

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Heat Checks and Hail Marys – Results Versus the Process & Excitement of a 4-0 Start

Heat Checks and Hail Marys – Results Versus the Process & Excitement of a 4-0 Start

Mike Cagley, Co-Host Sports Spectacular and Big Sports Radio […]

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Brandon Henderson’s Big Man TD Marks Historic Moment For Sophomore Lineman

Brandon Henderson’s Big Man TD Marks Historic Moment For Sophomore Lineman

Brandon Henderson’s first ever touchdown in his life of playing football came in a fourth-down trick call in a Big Ten Conference opener on the road in front 86,936 screaming fans. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 21, 2024

LINCOLN, Neb. — For however long into the future that he played football, Brandon Henderson had already come to grips with the idea that he’d never score a touchdown. 

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‘Let’s pressure this guy’: How Aaron Henry’s Halftime Adjustment Lifted Illini

‘Let’s pressure this guy’: How Aaron Henry’s Halftime Adjustment Lifted Illini

Illinois spent the first half trying to contain and confuse Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola. In the second half, it was all about putting somebody in his face. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 21, 2024

LINCOLN, Neb. — In the simplest of terms, Illinois arrived at Memorial Stadium in Nebraska with two distinct plans for a talented freshman quarterback who had yet to be fully tested.

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Illini Run Game Finds Itself Late in OT Win at No. 22 Nebraska

Illini Run Game Finds Itself Late in OT Win at No. 22 Nebraska

The solution to the problem of the Illinois run game in a 31-24 overtime win at Nebraska: If at first, second, third you don’t succeed, just keep trying. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 21, 2024

LINCOLN, Neb. — Maybe somebody put the Illinois run game on milk cartons at halftime so it could be quickly found and returned to its home.

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#24 Illini Top Nebraska 31-24 in OT

#24 Illini Top Nebraska 31-24 in OT

By IlliniGuys Staff September 20, 2024 (Cover photo courtesy […]

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IlliniGuys Predictions - Illinois at Nebraska

IlliniGuys Predictions - Illinois at Nebraska

September 20, 2024 The Illini move to a perfect […]

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Michigan Tackle Jacob Timmer Checks Out Illinois

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Michigan Tackle Jacob Timmer Checks Out Illinois

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

September 20, 2024

Champaign, IL. – Illini fans met Jacob Timmer, an offensive tackle prospect from Grand Rapids, Michigan, who stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 310 pounds. Illinois made an impression while visiting on gameday.

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