Citrus Bowl Notebook: Bielema Makes Christmas Eve Recruiting Pitch to OT J.C. Davis 

Former Alabama head coach Mike Shula will call plays for South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl in his debut as Gamecocks new offensive coordinator hire. 

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

December 28, 2024

ORLANDO, Fla. — When the NCAA Division I Board of Directors officially agreed to a waiver for former junior college players, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema knew exactly where he was spending Christmas Eve. 

Immediately following the NCAA Division I Board of Directors, composed of university presidents, announcing a waiver had been granted for former junior college players who had exhausted their eligibility with this 2024 . . .

 

Premium Members Only. Please Subscribe To View The Full Article

  • One-stop destination for Illini sports news, analysis and interactive contents.
  • Weekly podcasts including "Sturdy for 30" and "I on the Illini"
  • Illini Guys Zoom Calls" during games and special events
  • Special appearances by "Illini Legends" and other national sports personalities
  • Video breakdowns and game analysis
  • Owned, managed and run by diehard Illini fans for Illini fans everywhere

Podcasts

4.10.26 - Final Four Reflections & Portal Kombat Tips Off

Listen

585 Breaking down UConn Game & Looking Forward to Portal Kombat

Listen

584 IlliniGuys with the Illini at the Final Four

Listen

4.3.26 - Final Four Show

Listen

583 - Jay Price & Brian Barnhart Talk Illini Final Four

Listen

582 - Illini Assistant Coach Geoff Alexander

Listen

581 Illini Legend Eddie Johnson Talks Illini Final Four

Listen

580 Illini Getting Ready for Final Four

Listen

579 Illini are Final Four Bound

Listen

578 Illini vs Iowa Preview

Listen

3.27.26 - Illini 2nd EE in 3 Years & IlliniGal CeCe Parchment

Listen

576 - Illini Earn 2nd Elite 8 Appearance in 3 Years

Listen

575 Sweet 16 - Illini Bust Up VCU 76-55

Listen

3.20.26 March Madness and Matt Brown on NIL

Listen

574 Mirk & the Illini Roll Over Penn 105-70

Listen

Subscriber Testimonials:

"I am a member of three different paid sites, [but] I wanted to tell you that the collective insight from the leadership of this place is second to none.  
 
It is remarkable how often I feel like I know what is going to happen before it happens. I am so appreciative of the obvious hard work that you guys are giving ....
 
You guys, in a short time, have shown me that you are the best at what you do."
Join the conversation here!

Not a member? Join our mailing list:

© 2025 LMBC Sports, LLC. All rights reserved. 

Use of any part of this site constitutes express acceptance of the Site Terms. LMBC Sports, LLC, including its Illini Guys website, is an independent media organization, and is not affiliated with the University of Illinois.