Football

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:

Courtesy AFCA March 25, 2024 WACO, TEXAS — Ohio […]

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.

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. 

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.

Illinois coaches are pushing Luke Altmyer, their projected starting quarterback for the 2024 starting quarterback, to find more urgency this spring in his play and approach to the position. 

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

March 18, 2024

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athlletics)

CHAMPAIGN — If the Illinois football coaches could set a password code for Luke Altmyer to enter the Smith Family Football Complex, urgent would absolutely be that word. 

As the Illini begin the first of its 15 spring practices that includes the Orange-Blue Game on April 20 inside Memorial Stadium, the coaching staff is desperately trying to find ways to get their projected starting quarterback to do everything quicker, faster and with more assertion. 

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

March 14, 2024

Illinois made its biggest defensive back recruiting win of the Bielema era when Blue Island Eisenhower's Andre Lovett committed to the Illini. Lovett has played numerous skill positions on offense and defense for Blue Island, but most of this time this past season was at a sort of corner/safety hybrid position which should fit well with the Illini's use of multiple safeties. Lovett is rated as a high three-star player as I write this, but recruiting sites tend to increase the ratings of quality prospects as the Spring and Summer progress, so I think it's fair to say that he's going to be a 4-star player on at least one site before too long.

What does he bring to the Orange and Blue?

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

March 13, 2024

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at not one, but two surprise commitments as Bret Bielema and staff are cooking in March.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

March 12, 2024

Illinois football continues to build a promising future as head coach Bret Bielema proudly announced, "Let's keep the good news coming... just feel like more is better for the #famILLy #ILL" on the social media platform X formerly known as Twitter, hinting at an imminent commitment.

Illinois Athletics March 12, 2024 Probable Starting Pitchers Day  […]

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

March 11, 2024

Blue Island Eisenhower defensive back Andre Lovett has officially committed to the University of Illinois, choosing the Illini over several Power Five offers from esteemed programs such as Iowa, Arizona State, Louisville, Missouri, Purdue, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and Wisconsin. 

The 2025 recruit's decision is a significant victory for the Illini, and his commitment adds depth and talent to their upcoming roster.

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

March 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 new hire at OLB and look at an impending commitment who could be under ranked.

Clint Sintim has been hired to be Illinois’ third […]

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

March 9, 2024

The Fighting Illini have found a new spark with the arrival of new football coach Justin Stepp. Emerging talents like wide receiver Michael Thomas III are also making waves, particularly with the recent revelation of his top five college choices.

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

March 8, 2024

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at something odd with one 2025 in state target and an out of state prospect who will be visiting Illinois and another Big Ten school.