Football

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

December 6, 2023 

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

The defensive line depth issue on the Illinois 2024 roster became even more critical on Wednesday morning. 

Sedarius McConnell, who was projected to compete this coming spring for a starting position next season, announced via social media his intention to enter the transfer portal. The 280-pound defensive linemen, who has value at both end and tackle depending on the scheme, played in all 12 games last season with seven tackles. According to Pro Football Focus data, McConnell played 183 snaps of action in the 2023 campaign and with the loss of projected NFL draft picks Jer'Zhan Newton and Keith Randolph Jr. along with starting nose tackle Denzel Daxson and backup defensive linemen Bryce Barnes, McConnell’s role would’ve likely grown starting this spring. 

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

December 6, 2023

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a huge portal commitment and update the 2024 QB situation for the last time.

 Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 5, 2023

The Illinois football staff appears to be locked in with Tyrane Stewart, a cornerback from Magnolia, Mississippi. Now the 6-foot-1, 180-pound cornerback attends East Mississippi C.C. and received an offer from Illinois last week.

By Steve Sturm - IlliniGuys Football Analyst

December 4, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Yale Athletics)

Its no surprise that Illinois was going to go after mature and experienced players to make up for the loss of Jer'Zhan Newton, Keith Randolph and Denzel Daxon, their starting three defensive lineman from last year.  However, I have to say I was surprised to see the commitment from Yale lineman Clay Patterson to Illinois just as the conference championship games were starting and the college football playoff match-ups weren't even set.  Patterson reported offers from several high major schools after only a few days in the transfer portal, and more would likely have been on the way had he waited for more interest.  So, this is a big get for Illinois both literally for the 6'3, 290 pounder and figuratively given the state of the defensive line depth chart.

What does he bring to the Orange and Blue?

Patterson's best asset is his pass rushing ability, and though he's a bigger guy, I have to say

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

December 4, 2023

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at the most recent commitment (a huge one) and name a few key portal targets that may not be sexy but will certainly help.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 3, 2023

The NCAA Transfer Portal might become Illinois head coach Bret Bielema's best friend this offseason. He made his feelings known about the portal and how it is run but will use it when it is needed; it appears this coming year several positions are key. 

Here is the list of transfers the IlliniGuys can confirm that offers have been made or that players have reached out to the staff showing their interest in the program. 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting December 2, 2023 […]

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 2, 2023

Illinois prep Jack Anderson had an unofficial visit to Illinois last weekend. According to Anderson, it was everything he thought it would be.

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

December 1, 2023

For those of you who were excited about Illinois' flip of offensive lineman Andrew Dennis from Michigan State to Illinois despite Dennis having a Penn State offer, I have good news and bad news for you. First the bad news: Dennis isn't any better than Illinois' other two offensive line recruits: Brandon Hansen and Zafir Stewart.  Then the good news: Hansen and Stewart are awfully good too.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

December 1, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — An offensive lineman who was an integral part of Bret Bielema’s ‘Barge’ package in the nine-overtime victory at Penn State in 2021 has elected to enter the transfer portal.

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema hinted in his end-of-season media conference that he doesn’t anticipate making any assistant coach changes for the upcoming 2024 season. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

December 1, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — Following a 5-7 campaign, Bret Bielema wanted to make clear that he plans to “double down” on his philosophy and program building mentality.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

November 30, 2023

There is an old saying that coaches are only as good as the players on the field. In Illinois' case, this was evident this past football season. The Illini football team finished the season with a disappointing 5-7 record, leaving a fanbase confused and angry, and some expected it. Illinois lost 12 players to the NFL, some drafted and others signed as undrafted free agents and camp invites. 

Illinois senior-to-be tailback Reggie Love III announces his intention to enter the transfer portal and Illini head coach Bret Bielema claims he wasn’t surprised by the decision after a Sunday meeting with the 2023 leading rusher.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 30, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — Illinois’ leading rusher for the 2023 season has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

November 30, 2023

Former Illinois prep Landyn Colyer, originally from Crystal Lake South High School, recently moved to Florida last August, where he now attends North Tampa Christian.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

November 29, 2023

Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema has made it on the recruiting trail. When you can get a recruit from the state of Iowa to visit and have serious interest, you are doing something special.