Trench Report: Northwestern

By Steve Sturm - IlliniGuys Football Analyst

December 1, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

Mother Nature made Illinois' last game of the 2025 regular season a little more interesting that we would have liked, but the Illini managed to turn tough weather conditions into a memorable final game at Memorial Stadium for a final 8-4 record and the first consecutive 8-win seasons since 1989 and 1990. While it was a letdown from initial expectations on the season, this was a bigger win for the program than anyone in the Smith Center wanted to admit coming off a stinker . . .

 

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

588 Illini Football & Hoops Update with Ayo, Andrej & the NFL Draft

Listen

4.24.26 - Illini Hoops Update & Illini in the NFL Draft

Listen

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Divine & Family

Listen

4.17.26 - Impressive Illini Roster Building for Next Season

Listen

587 Mirk, Ivisic Twins & Davis Are Back

Listen

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Kate McDougall

Listen

586 - Portal Kombat - Vaaks Commits to Illini

Listen

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

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.