Football

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.

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

December 11, 2023

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a few visitors and an important one coming up as well as break down the latest commitment from the portal.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 10, 2023

The Illinois football staff offered Zach Barrett, 6-foot-3, 270-pound offensive line from Orland Park, Illinois, to join the program as a preferred walk-on.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 9, 2023

It's commitment Saturday for the Fighting Illini men's football team.

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys.com Director of Recruiting

December. 8, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

It is December and college basketball season, right? Well, yes, but it also means it is the month when football teams can go out to recruit and bring potential prospects on campus. 

The National Signing Day is only a couple of weeks away and the Illinois staff is trying to secure the players already committed and also to lock up a few more potential prospects.

These are the recruits expected to be on campus this weekend, but according to a source, there might be a few late additions:

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 7, 2023

Yale football transfer Clay Patterson updated his commitment to Illinois with IlliniGuys today. Clay Patterson is a 6-foot-3 defensive lineman from Frisco, Texas. Patterson committed to Illinois last Saturday via his X page.

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

December 8, 2023

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a few more key portal targets and a few JUCO players to keep an eye on as Illinois continues to try to upgrade in the trenches.