Football

By Steve Sturm - IlliniGuys Football Analyst

January 17, 2025

I have to admit this addition really surprised me.  Like most Illini football scribes, I could see that Illinois was going to need an experienced wideout who could get open reliably (Hudson Clement).  They were going to need at least two experienced defensive linemen, and they added three (James Thompson, Curt Neal and Tomiwa Durojaiye).  They needed to bring in some competition at punter (Keelan Crimmins).  An experienced edge rusher and a tight end with more than one year of eligibility were also on my secondary list, and Leon Lowery and Davin Stoffel agreed to come to Champaign to fill those minor holes. 

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 15, 2025

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Nebraska's lack of interest in three-star offensive lineman Landen Von Seggern turned out to be Illinois' gain. The 6-foot-3, 280-pound standout from Millard South High School in Omaha, Nebraska, made an official visit to Champaign last weekend, where he also attended the USC-Illinois basketball game and felt it was the place for him as he gave his verbal commitment Wednesday morning.

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

January 14, 2025

Davin Stoffel of South Dakota State became the latest key addition to the Illini portal recruiting class when he joined the Illini tight end corps with three years of eligibility remaining to add key depth for the coming year as well as an important building block for 2025.

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

January 13, 2025

Illinois checked the final item off its offseason shopping list when Purdue punter Keelan Crimmins transferred for the second time in two years. Crimmins is an Australian who learned the American game at the Australian kicking academy.

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 12, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy player's Hudl page)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois head coach Bret Bielema discussed his unique recruiting strategy during a recent press conference, on how his staff identifies talent overlooked by other programs. The Illini carefully assess players before extending offers, knowing their evaluations often prompt other schools to follow suit within 24 hours.

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 10, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy player's page on X)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Are you surprised that Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema landed one of the state’s top prospects from the Class of 2026? After an early-week meeting with Bielema, 6-foot-4, 200-pound junior wide receiver Davon Grant of DeKalb made his decision: he would stay home and play for his state university.

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 9, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy South Dakota State Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois has added more to next year's roster with the addition of tight end Davin Stoffel, a 6-foot-6, 250-pound sophomore from Mosinee, Wisconsin. Stoffel, who will have three years of eligibility remaining, comes to the Illini from South Dakota State.

Stoffel is set to join Tanner Arkin and Cole Rusk in Illinois’ tight end group next fall. His arrival adds much-needed depth to a position that saw the departure of Henry Boyer, who transferred to Kentucky earlier this year.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 9, 2025

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Illinois football program has been actively working to fine tune its offensive line with not just added depth but also high-caliber talent. Their efforts paid off with the addition of Idaho Vandals standout Ayden Knapik, a 6-foot-6, 295-pound senior from Kennewick, Washington.

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting January […]

Former Purdue and Mississippi State punter Keelan Crimmins has reportedly agreed to join Illinois for his third season of college football.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

January 8, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Alex Martin/Journal and Courier)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Bret Bielema’s extensive search of the punter market in the transfer portal has concluded with the acquisition of a player who had one of the best kicking seasons among power four conference players.

Former Purdue punter Keelan Crimmins has reportedly agreed to transfer to Illinois and will be available for the 2025 season. CBS Sports.com and 247Sports.com were the first to report this news on Wednesday evening.

Bielema, who just finished his fourth season as the Illinois head coach, said on Dec. 28 in a media session following a Citrus Bowl practice in Orlando, the position of punter would be a priority search in the transfer portal this offseason.

January 8, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

2024 was one of the best years in Illini football history. A team that even the most optimistic fan thought might break even and win as many games as they would lose exceeded all expectations, taking advantage of marquee appearances on national TV, and setting up the program for what could be an unprecedented 2025...double-digit wins in consecutive years for the first time and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Let's take a look back:

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 7, 2025

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Recruiting at the Division I level often depends on rankings, scouting reports, and offers from other programs. However, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema takes a different approach—one rooted in hard work, personal evaluations, and a hands-on recruiting philosophy.

Bielema, known for his "Tough, Smart, Dependable" (TSD) approach within his program, emphasizes old-school methods over analytics and external opinions. Unlike many head coaches who delegate recruiting trips to assistants, Bielema personally evaluates potential players.

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

December 7, 2024

Lost among all the news of Illinois players transferring to Champaign or returning for another year in 2025 was the second orange and blue commit of 2026: Edge rusher Kingston Shaw of Apopka (Florida).

Illinois outside linebacker/pass rusher Gabe Jacas has decided to […]

Illinois two-year starter and 2024 first-team All-Big Ten defensive back Xavier Scott has decided to return to the Illini for his final season of college football.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

January 5, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Xavier Scott has decided to play one season of college football with his younger brother.