Football

Illini Bringing Back Thad Ward as Running Backs Coach

Illini Bringing Back Thad Ward as Running Backs Coach

According to ESPN.com’s college football senior writer Pete Thamel, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema has an agreement to bring Thad Ward back for his second stint as RB coach in Champaign.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

January 30, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Bret Bielema has reportedly filled out his 2023 on-field coaching positions with a former assistant on Lovie Smith’s Illinois staff. 

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The Farrell Files - 4-Star O-Lineman in Iowa is Listening to the Illini

The Farrell Files - 4-Star O-Lineman in Iowa is Listening to the Illini

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert

January 30, 2023

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

In this Farrell Files Illinois, I look at a key 2024 target and some important NIL information.

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Longtime NFL Assistant Coach Charlie Bullen Hired as Illini’s Outside Linebacker Coach

Longtime NFL Assistant Coach Charlie Bullen Hired as Illini’s Outside Linebacker Coach

Bullen brings 11 years of experience in the National Football League and the Palantine, Ill. native started his coaching career as a student assistant under Kirk Ferentz at Iowa. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

January 28, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Bret Bielema said he was looking at experienced people in the three-letter league, NFL, for his assistant coaching vacancies

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Illinois Offers Florida WR Speedster Lawayne McCoy

Illinois Offers Florida WR Speedster Lawayne McCoy

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 28, 2023

Illinois football is building something special here

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The Farrell Files - Big Ten Decommit Adds Name to Illini Mix

The Farrell Files - Big Ten Decommit Adds Name to Illini Mix

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert

January 27, 2023

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

In the Farrell Files Illinois, I look at an interesting new name to watch and break down the linebackers in the 2023 class.

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Football Recruiting Spotlight on John Paddock

Football Recruiting Spotlight on John Paddock

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

January 27, 2023

While it makes all kinds of sense, I don't think many Illinois observers expected the addition of quarterback John Paddock to the 2023 roster. 

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“A wild time and a wild transition”: How Luke Altmyer Took a Unique But Important Transfer Portal Path To Illinois

“A wild time and a wild transition”: How Luke Altmyer Took a Unique But Important Transfer Portal Path To Illinois

Whether he likes it or not, Luke Altmyer’s month of December […]

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Wisconsin Prep Jace Gilbert Honored to Receive Illinois Offer

Wisconsin Prep Jace Gilbert Honored to Receive Illinois Offer

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 25, 2023

The Fighting Illini football program appears to finally look like a Division I team.

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The Farrell Files - QB info & Defensive Line Breakdown

The Farrell Files - QB info & Defensive Line Breakdown

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert

January 26, 2023

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

The latest in the Farrell Files Illinois has info on the new QB, some preferred walk on info for 2023 and my breakdown of the 2023 DL class.

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Bielema’s New Contract Includes Automatic Renewal Incentive Clause For Bowl Seasons

Bielema’s New Contract Includes Automatic Renewal Incentive Clause For Bowl Seasons

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema can see his new six-year contract automatically turn into as much as a 10-year deal simply by simply finishing four of the next six seasons with a bowl game. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

January 25, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Bret Bielema’s new contract extension at Illinois has automatic one-year renewals if his football team qualifies for a bowl game.

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Quarterback Belay Brummel was Thrilled to Receive an Illinois Offer

Quarterback Belay Brummel was Thrilled to Receive an Illinois Offer

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 24, 2023

IlliniGuys caught up with quarterback Belay Brummel in April of 2022

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Fmr. Ball State QB John Paddock Transferring to Illinois to Continue Family’s Illini Legacy 

Fmr. Ball State QB John Paddock Transferring to Illinois to Continue Family’s Illini Legacy 

Illinois adds to the depth of its quarterback room for the 2023 season by adding a former FBS starter as a walk-on. John Paddock has deep family ties to the Illini football and athletics department. 

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

January 23  2023

(Cover photo courtesy Randy Sartin/USA Today Sports)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- John Paddock has agreed to continue his family legacy connected to the University of Illinois football program. 

The former Ball State starting quarterback will be transferring to Bret Bielema’s Illini roster as a walk-on and will be eligible for spring practices set to begin in a few months. The Athletic was the first to report this news.

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The Farrell Files - Big Unofficial WR Visit & Coaching Nugget

The Farrell Files - Big Unofficial WR Visit & Coaching Nugget

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert

January 23, 2023

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

The Farrell Files Illinois is here with some 2024 and even 2023 recruiting news as well as perhaps a coaching nugget.

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Illinois Football Once Again Sees Talent not Stars

Illinois Football Once Again Sees Talent not Stars

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 21, 2023

Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema has an eye for talent

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The Farrell Files - the Illini Offensive Line

The Farrell Files - the Illini Offensive Line

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert

January 20, 2023

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

The Illini continue to be picky in the portal while they work on the 2024 class, and I continue my breakdown of the 2023 class with a look at the offensive line.

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