Football

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema pointed to redshirt freshman wide receiver Ashton Hollins as somebody who could see a bigger role on Saturday vs. Florida Atlantic. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 21, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — When asked Thursday about some of the youthful players that got more snaps of playing time against Penn State last weekend, one name was on Bret Bielema’s mind. 

September 21, 2023 (Cover photo courtesy Associated Press) Better […]

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

September 21, 2023

Illinois football fans, a name to add to your memory bank is Lincoln-Way East High, Ill., 6-foot-4, 2026 defensive end Jacob Alexander. He recaps his visit to Illinois and what his thoughts were on his unofficial visit this past weekend. 

Illinois offensive coaches are hoping more continuity in practice with this offensive line reshuffle will result in better performance starting with Florida Atlantic.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 20, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Two days of full practice. 

Before practice last Wednesday morning prior to facing No. 7 Penn State, Illinois coaches made the change of Isaiah Adams to right tackle, Zy Crisler at right guard and the combination of Josh Gesky and Jordyn Slaughter at left guard, an established alteration to the lineup for the final two days of full-contact practices. This means prior to facing one of the most aggressive and active pass rushers in the Big Ten Conference, Illinois elected to have just two days of full-contact practice before permanently reshuffling its offensive line from its lineup of the first two games.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

September 20, 2023

The Fighting Illini football team had a great weekend of visitors recently during the Penn State game. Some were players looking at Illinois, others already were commits. 

Demetrius John committed to Illinois this past June. John stands 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, and he is coming to play defensive line from Westerville, Ohio. 

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

September 20, 2023

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll begin comparing teams in the Big Ten by position in the 2024 class and provide a 2026 update from the weekend visits.

The loss of Matthew Bailey and Demetrius Hill to the Illinois secondary is likely to put a strain on the safety depth after just three games into the 2023 season. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 19, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Sunday morning became the living embodiment of why Illinois defensive coaches elect to crosstrain its secondary players at multiple positions. 

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

Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. said he believes the coaching staff already identifying the cause for Luke Altmyer’s turnover-happy game vs. Penn State is half of the battle.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 18, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Barry Lunney Jr. believes identification is the first step to bringing back Luke Altmyer’s confidence. 

Illinois sophomore safety Matthew Bailey will have season-ending surgery to repair damage to his shoulder sustained in the 30-13 loss to No. 7 Penn State on Saturday. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 18, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The 2023 season for Matthew Bailey will consist of no more than 22 snaps of action. 

Illinois tailback Reggie Love has averaged 4.5 yards per carry in each of the first three games of the 2023 season, but early deficits have negated his effectiveness in the second half for the Illini offense.

Matthew Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 18, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Reggie Love III believes he’s one big run away from putting all of his talent and potential together into being the star tailback at Illinois this season. 

And his Illini coaches agree with this assessment from the tailback who will turn 22 years old on Oct. 11. 

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

September 18, 2023

I know that Illinois fans are smarting after suffering through the loss to Penn State on Sunday, but the film review reveals that, aside from the turnovers, the Illini showed out pretty well on Saturday. I know that's a pretty big IF to use, but I also don't think Illinois is likely to be minus 5 on the turnover battle very often and to hang in pretty well against a top 10 team while losing the turnover battle isn't such a bad result.

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

September 18, 2023

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files, I’ll give an update on two committed players who have taken visits and a couple of things I’ve heard about this weekend’s visits.

Penn State defensive coordinator’s Manny Diaz creative blitz and coverage schemes confused, hurried and ultimately defeated Illinois’ inexperienced quarterback on Saturday. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

Cover photo courtesy Steve Snider, IlliniGuys

September 17, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A major tipping point leading into evaluating the result Saturday’s Penn State-Illinois matchup was how Illinois would try to affect Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar in his first career collegiate start on the road. 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

September 17, 2023

The Fighting Illini had a big weekend of recruits on campus, some who have already pledged to Illinois and others who are showing serious interest.