Illinois AD Josh Whitman Getting Contract Extension With Pay Raise
In its next meeting on Nov. 16, the University […]
Illinois AD Josh Whitman Getting Contract Extension With Pay Raise
In its next meeting on Nov. 16, the University […]
Around the Big Ten - November 2nd
November 2, 2023 (Cover photo courtesy Chicago Sun-Times) It […]
Heat Checks and Hail Marys – Big Ten Football Predictions
Mike Cagley, Co-Host Sports Spectacular and Big Sports Radio […]
"I think they’ll be with us": Bielema Suggests DL Randolph & RB Love III Likely Active at Minnesota
Illinois is likely to get back two veteran pieces from the injured reserve list as defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. and tailback Reggie Love III are expected to be active at Minnesota.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff writer
October 31, 2023
CHAMPAIGN — Illinois coaches gave hints that both sides of the football could see a return from a veteran leader for the following game.
The Farrell Files Illinois - Key 2025 Offer & Petty Update
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
October 30, 2023
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a new key offer in the 2025 class and have more on QB commit Trey Petty.
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Angelo McCullom
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
October 29, 2023
Illinois has one very loyal committed prep entering the class of 2024, Angelo McCullom, a defensive lineman from Lewis Center, Ohio. He has made the 276-mile trip to Champaign over four times now.
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Zayne Schellenger
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
Cover Photo Courtesy Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys
October 28, 2023
Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema told the media on the day he was hired that he plans to stay in Champaign, build a house, and raise his kids in the community.
"I wanted to show them the real Trey Petty": 2024 Illini QB Commit Impresses with Bielema & Lunney Watching
With Illinois head coach Bret Bielema and Illini offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. on the sidelines Friday night, the program’s 2024 class verbal commitment at quarterback was more than impressive.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
October 28, 2023
STARKVILLE, Miss. — With a live audience including the two Illinois coaches who primarily recruited him, Trey Petty displayed all the physical qualities that led him to be the program’s 2024 class verbal pledge at quarterback.
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Myson Johnson-Cook
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
October 28, 2023
Freshman Myson Johnson-Cook visited Illinois once again for the Wisconsin game. Each time the 6'3", 205 pound, Decatur, Illinois, youngster visits the campus, the more and more he learns and becomes in awe of his home state university.
Barry Lunney’s Recruiting Victories Include Rare Pipeline Build From Starkville, Mississippi
Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. built a fruitful pipeline in Starkville, Mississippi as the Illini plan to enroll the last two starting quarterbacks from that town’s high school.
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst
October 27, 2023
(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)
STARKVILLE, Miss. — Barry Lunney Jr.’s two big recruiting wins since arriving at Illinois have both come from building a pipeline in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi.
In late December, three days before the Illini would play in the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl, Luke Altmyer announced his intention to transfer to Illinois from Ole Miss. The Illinois offensive coordinator was the host of Altmyer’s recruiting visit to the campus earlier in Dec. 2022 to make an impact with his southern roots, family and his promise to development Altmyer, who was a former four-star prospect coming out of Starkville High School, on the football field after the quarterback’s less than enjoyable experience in two seasons at Ole Miss under head coach Lane Kiffin.
After securing the Illini’s present (and future because of Altmyer’s three years of eligibility), Lunney secured his first significant recruiting victory of a high school prospect at the quarterback position in the form of a verbal pledge of current Starkville High’s Trey Petty.
“He’s an outside linebacker”: No Position Change For Gabe Jacas
Despite playing a significant amount of his 66 snaps Saturday with his hand in the ground, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema insists Gabe Jacas isn’t moving to a new position.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
October 26, 2023
CHAMPAIGN — Bret Bielema doesn’t want to hear more talk that Gabe Jacas is changing positions.
Bielema On Michigan Sign Stealing Accusations: “Whatever is going forward, we just believe that people are doing things right.’
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema has lobbied new Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti on developing NFL-style audio communication from coach to player through the helmet to avoid further sign stealing issues.
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst
October 26, 2023
(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)
CHAMPAIGN — The head football coach at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana would like the current investigation into Michigan to give further motivation for audio technology in college football should be voted into play.
Bret Bielema said Wednesday he isn’t familiar with the details of the scandal that has led to Connor Stalions, the currently suspended Michigan football analyst being the focus of a sign-stealing investigation. The Big Ten Conference has confirmed Michigan was under investigation by the NCAA for allegedly scouting future opponents in person, which would be a violation of NCAA rules.
What Bielema says he is familiar with is the idea that sign stealing happens throughout the television copy of game tape on opponents and during the 60 minutes of a game while he and his staff are on the sideline of a college football game.
Wisconsin 25, Illinois 21 - Illini Film Review - The Collapse & Bielema Clapping Back
IlliniGuys.com will dissect the 18-0 collapse in the fourth quarter of Illinois’ 25-21 loss to Wisconsin on Saturday.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
October 25, 2023
CHAMPAIGN — There is one major problem Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry has after reviewing the final two Wisconsin drives on Saturday resulting in 15 unanswered points in a 25-21 loss is that his squad’s future on the defensive line and secondary were on the field.
Denied: Jer'Zhan Newton’s Targeting Suspension Appeal Denied
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema confirms Wednesday that the first half suspension for Illini defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton was upheld by the NCAA.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
October 25, 2023
CHAMPAIGN — Jer'Zhan Newton will not be permitted to be on the field for the first 30 minutes of Illinois’ next game.