Football

Sophomore Owen Strebig Enjoys his Visit

Sophomore Owen Strebig Enjoys his Visit

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 18, 2023

It is never too early to start the recruiting process; not since the Ron Zook era has Illinois been this active in its recruiting.

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The Farrell Files - Portal Addition and HS Recruiting Frenzy

The Farrell Files - Portal Addition and HS Recruiting Frenzy

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert

January 18, 2023

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

An interesting portal addition

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Recruiting: Glenbrook North Star Mahoney Commits To Illini As Preferred Walk-On

Recruiting: Glenbrook North Star Mahoney Commits To Illini As Preferred Walk-On

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys.com Director of Recruiting

January 17th, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Patrick Mahoney's Twitter page)

Illinois received a commitment today from Patrick Mahoney via his Twitter page as a preferred walk-on.

The Glenbrook North High School is a 6-foot-2, 225 pound prospect who is an excellent student in the classroom. He scored a 29 on his ACT and currently has a 3.97 GPA.

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BREAKING NEWS: Newton & Randolph Both Elect To Return to Illinois For 2023 Season

BREAKING NEWS: Newton & Randolph Both Elect To Return to Illinois For 2023 Season

With the return of Jer'Zhan Newton and Keith Randolph, […]

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The Farrell Files - 2023 Prep Recruiting Isn't Over, Yet

The Farrell Files - 2023 Prep Recruiting Isn't Over, Yet

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert

January 16, 2023

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

Well would you look at this, 2023 prep recruiting isn’t over after all,

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Bret Bielema Says Possibility of Hiring NFL Assistants with Open Staff Vacancies; The Illini Coach Has Done This Before

Bret Bielema Says Possibility of Hiring NFL Assistants with Open Staff Vacancies; The Illini Coach Has Done This Before

In the back half of his five-year tenure at Arkansas, Bret Bielema hired assistants straight from the National Football League and in 2023, he says he’s interested in doing so again. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

January 14, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois still hasn’t filled the assistant coach openings at the positions of outside linebacker and running backs and the Illini leader says he’s looking at the three-letter professional league for candidates.

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The Farrell Files: Bielema and the Games Coaches Play

The Farrell Files: Bielema and the Games Coaches Play

By Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert

January 13, 2023

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

It’s been kind of quiet on the portal front since ECU OL transfer Avery Jones flipped his commitment from Illinois to Auburn and Bret Bielema flipped out on social media. Could this mean less work in the portal? And a couple more names have emerged as visitors this weekend.

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Move-In Week for David Olano

Move-In Week for David Olano

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 13, 2023

David Olano, a 5-foot-10, 160-pound kicker from Naperville, Illinois, committed to Illinois in June of 2022. 

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Football Recruiting Spotlight on Nicario Harper

Football Recruiting Spotlight on Nicario Harper

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

January 12, 2023

Illinois made its first 2023 addition via the transfer portal when safety Nicario Harper decided to transfer from Louisville to Illinois for his last year of eligibility.

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The Farrell Files - WRs and Transfer Portal Hijinks

The Farrell Files - WRs and Transfer Portal Hijinks

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert

January 11, 2023

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

The Illini continue to stalk the portal quietly and I continue to break down the 2023 class with the wide receivers in this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois.

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Avery Jones Renounces Verbal Pledge to Illinois to Attend Auburn

Avery Jones Renounces Verbal Pledge to Illinois to Attend Auburn

Former East Carolina center Avery Jones has renounced his verbal pledge to Illinois to attend Auburn. Illinois head coach Bret Bielema tweets “College football is changing everyday. #NIL”.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

Cover Photo Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

January 10, 2023

Seven days from being scheduled to attend his first class at the University of Illinois, Avery Jones has decided to be at another place other than Champaign for the 2023 season. 

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Malik Elzy Updates His Decision with the IlliniGuys

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Malik Elzy Updates His Decision with the IlliniGuys

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 10, 2023

Saturday on national television (NBC), the Fighting Illini received some great news in regard to their continued recruiting success.

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The Trench Report: Mississippi State

The Trench Report: Mississippi State

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

January 9, 2022

I'm sure Illinois fans would have liked to finish the season with a win

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The Farrell Files - Running Back Rumors

The Farrell Files - Running Back Rumors

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert

January 9, 2023

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

In this Farrell Files Illinois edition

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Illini Veteran LT Julian Pearl Elects to Return For Sixth Season of College Football

Illini Veteran LT Julian Pearl Elects to Return For Sixth Season of College Football

Illinois left tackle Julian Pearl was named All-Big Ten honorable mention selection last month by both the coaches and media contingent inside the league.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

January 8, 2023

A multi-year starter at one of the most important offensive line positions has elected to return to Illinois for next season. 

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