Football

Reggie Love didn’t want things to change with his new position coach in 2023 and Josh McCray wanted a clean, fresh start to his college career. They both got what they wanted in Thad Ward.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 29, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The top two returning running backs on the Illinois roster have seen the hiring of Thad Ward as their new positional coach as exactly what they were looking for despite the fact they were seeking different things. 

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema did not provide local media with a projected depth chart for the season-opening game vs. Toledo. So, IlliniGuys.com decided to do one anyway.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 29, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Since he’s not required to do so by the Big Ten Conference or university administration, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema did not submit a depth chart prior to his weekly media conference on Monday afternoon inside Memorial Stadium. 

Mike Cagley, Co-Host Sports Spectacular and Big Sports Radio […]

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys.com Director of Recruiting

August 29, 2023

Illinois has put a lot of emphasis on the entire state of Illinois; however, Bret Bielema mentioned several key areas where he would really like to home in on and develop a pipeline for his football program the way Illinois basketball did with Peoria.

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema believes this third-year roster he has in Champaign is his best ever as he focuses on Toledo. Eight years ago, he felt the same way at Arkansas. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 28, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Bret Bielema does not need to be reminded how dangerous Toledo can be as a non-conference opponent. He has experienced that hazard in a first-hand way.  

Illini head coach confirms to local media the two former three-star prospects from Joliet Catholic’s state championship team are out with season-ending injuries 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 28, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — For the second consecutive season, Hugh Robertson will be starting punter at Illinois. 

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert

August 28, 2023

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll talk more about the threat to Illinois from in state schools for QB Trey Petty.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

August 27, 2023

The class of 2025 is starting to gain some traction in terms of football recruiting.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

August 26, 2023

Illinois has not landed many recruits from the state of Kentucky, but the staff feels it is an area they can make some waves in and bring to Big Ten country.

Illini head coach tells local media that he expects Casey Washington and Zy Crisler to be full speed by the time game week preparations begin on Sunday evening. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 26, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois head coach Bret Bielema still insists only one scholarship player on his roster expected to get playing time in the 2023 season will be inactive for the season opener. 

(Editor's Note:  Illini sophomore linebacker Gabe Jacas will appear […]

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert

August 25, 2023

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll rank DB Chase Green versus the industry and see where Illinois stacks up at linebacker vs the rest of the Big Ten.

Illinois third-year sophomore Miles Scott not only has found a home in a transition to defense but could find himself in a starting safety role in the 2023 season opener vs. Toledo. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 24, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The common coaching cliche saying which will eventually present itself at some point near the end of preseason football camp of ‘we probably need to play somebody else’ might apply perfectly to Illinois safety Miles Scott. 

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert

August 23, 2023

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll rank LB Easton Baker versus the industry, break down some scheduled visits and rate Illinois against the Big Ten along the defensive line.

Just like the entire spring season, third-year sophomore Josh Gesky spent the final preseason scrimmage on Friday night as the starting right tackle. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 23, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Josh Gesky may be a poster child for how athletes at any level are certainly allowed and in practically every scenario are encouraged to improve. It’s more than unclear if the 2021 version of Bret Bielema would’ve remained confident in a then-freshman Gesky’s ability to help the football program he had inherited.