ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILINI NEWS

Bret Bielema reveals huge lesson Bill Belichick taught him in New England

Soon-to-be fifth-year Illinois coach Bret Bielema has remained close with his former colleague Bill Belichick. During a recent episode of "Pardon My Take," Bielema revealed a story about Belichick he'll never forget.

Bret Bielema reveals where he stands with Shane Beamer amid incident

Although Illinois beat South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl, it wasn't without controversy. Bret Bielema and Shane Beamer have appeared to settle their differences since.

Bret Bielema clarifies whether Illinois coaching job is long-term home

Bret Bielema cleared the air about his future as an Illinois football coach, answering the pivotal question about other opportunities around the sport. Bielema's alma mater could use a Kirk Ferentz replacement, but whether it's the 55-year-old was revealed.

Bret Bielema remains brutally honest about Jim Harbaugh-Michigan beef

Illinois' Bret Bielema has left the Jim Harbaugh beef alone. He explained his reasoning on "Pardon My Take."

4-star 2026 defensive back's college decision gets assist from Bret Bielema

Illinois was in the running to continue its historic 2026 recruiting cycle. Thursday night, the next chapter of that story was written thanks to Bret Bielema.

Bret Bielema makes suggestion for 16-team College Football Playoff

The Illinois football coach's previous SEC ties didn't influence his latest answer on the College Football Playoff and whether the SEC should play the Big Ten.

Bret Bielema keeps rolling with Illinois recruiting, even with a bit of luck

The Illini secured a huge pledge from New Jersey interior offensive lineman Kai Pritchard, a four-star recruit. But, according to the computers, their odds were the furthest thing from favorable.

Ranking Big Ten football schedules, from hardest (Wisconsin) to easiest (Illinois)

Illinois faces just one team ranked in the Sporting News preseason Top 25 next season.

Bret Bielema nearly lost Illinois football's most important player to portal

Did Altmyer ever consider leaving Illinois? Although Bret Bielema said no, Luke Altmyer says it was a possibility.

Bret Bielema receives good news about Illinois' CFB video game prominence

Bret Bielema took to social media to congratulate himself on a major EA Sports development.

Bret Bielema's Illinois football turnaround gets love in TSN rankings

Bret Bielema attempts to build off Illinois' best season in over two decades.

Illinois football predicted to 'burst' in Week 2, miss CFP altogether

One CBS Sports analyst doesn't fully buy into the Illinois football hype.

Illinois lands star football, basketball two-sport recruit, beating out ACC power

Huge win for the Fighting Illini.

Illinois football makes history-defining season-ticket announcement

The Illinois football program took a massive step toward continuous national recognition Wednesday.

Illinois football sent 3-word message with cautionary CFP projection

The narrative around Illinois qualifying for the CFP may happen this year, but it may get treated the same as a fellow Big Ten sleeper from this past season.

Bret Bielema reveals Illinois football budget, discrepancy with other programs

Bret Bielema kept a no-nonsense approach regarding the current state of NIL.

Bret Bielema's Illinois football coaching future gets major update

Bret Bielema isn't leaving Champaign anytime soon.

Bret Bielema given chip on shoulder after eight-win team gets rankings nod

The Illini will have much to prove this season once again despite winning 10 games last year.

Ranking the Big Ten QBs - Penn State' Drew Allar is the head of the class

Drew Allar will take center stage in 2024 while a pair of freshmen are poised to take over at Ohio State and Michigan.

Non-CFP Big Ten team gets Indiana-type label from ESPN

One of the Big Ten's biggest surprise teams last season has a chance to make a big jump this fall with a possible College Football Playoff berth awaiting it.

Illinois football's way-too-early ranking from Joel Klatt turns heads

The national media is beginning to buy into Bret Bielema's Illinois football turnaround.

College football post-spring, post-portal Top 25 rankings for 2025

Tennessee was a big mover, in the wrong direction, from the Way-Too-Early rankings in January.

Bret Bielema confirms QB Luke Altmyer's recent post in Illinois return

Luke Altmyer isn't going anywhere, Bret Bielema said Thursday.

Illinois football dodges major bullet with QB Luke Altmyer decision

Luke Altmyer isn't going anywhere this fall.

Illinois QB Luke Altmyer makes major transfer portal decision

Big news for the Fighting Illini.

Bret Bielema loses out as key 2026 CB target bolts for SEC

Bret Bielema's 2026 recruiting class took a small hit Saturday night, but should remain optimistic.

Bret Bielema keeps copacetic perspective after star RB goes into portal

Josh McCray leaving Illinois remains unconcerning to Bret Bielema.

16-touchdown Illinois RB reportedly enters transfer portal

The Illinois football off-season just took a 180-degree turn.

Luke Altmyer's senior season could come down to one QB category

Can Luke Altmyer be the offensive glue that holds Illinois together again?

Metrics tab 10-win non-CFP team as Big Ten contender amid wild stat

Bret Bielema has a chance to add another level to Illinois football's highly-anticipated season.

Bret Bielema given high praise by ESPN writer after Illinois football labeled 'next Indiana' for one reason

Illinois football could turn the corner again this season following its best year since 2001.

CBS Sports writer optimistic about Bret Bielema's vainglory proving 'bullish' for Illinois football

Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema is high on his Fighting Illini, and it has some analysts believing in his bravado.

Joel Klatt reveals 'sneaky' Big Ten team to be next season's SMU football-like surprise

Joel Klatt has a prediction for who may be the next SMU and crash the College Football Playoff party during the 2025 season.

Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt predicts non-CFP 10-win ranked Big Ten team to shock the college football world in 2025

Which team is poised for a breakout season this fall? Joel Klatt weighs in.

Illinois' Bret Bielema given ridiculous On3 college football ranking, name misspelled on now-viral top-25 list

Illinois coach Bret Bielema can't catch a break from the national college football media yet.

On3's College Football Playoff projection has Illinois football, HC Bret Bielema in stunning Big Ten-SEC game

If the projections hold, Illinois could play a perennial College Football Playoff juggernaut in the opening round next year.

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema reveals one Senior Bowl football participant who needs rare on-field support

Illinois coach Bret Bielema shared a caveat about his best offensive player from last season, the first from the 2024 roster to declare for this spring's NFL Draft.

Paul Finebaum's statement adds fuel to Jim Harbaugh, Bret Bielema beef

ESPN's Paul Finebaum's statement on the Jim Harbaugh, Bret Bielema beef shows the profound personality picking a side.

Bret Bielema clowns ESPN's way-too-early College Football Playoff bracket for excluding Illinois football

Illinois coach Bret Bielema took to social media again after his team was not included in next year's way-too-early playoff projection.

Illinois coach Bret Bielema blasts Chargers’ coach Jim Harbaugh as old video resurfaces

Illinois head coach didn't hold back on Jim Harbaugh.

Eagles safety Sydney Brown shouted out by Illinois football coach Bret Bielema after earning Super Bowl berth

Safety Sydney Brown got props from the coach who molded him into an NFL talent.

Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema sends unthinkable recruiting pitch following 10-win 2024 turnaround

Illinois coach Bret Bielema has upped the ante when recruiting high-profile college football talent.

Alabama, LSU, Miami lead college football's boom-or-bust teams in 2025

Opinions vary widely on Alabama, LSU, Miami, Illinois and BYU when it comes to the Way-Too-Early Top 25 projections.

Analyst Danny Kanell defends Illinois head coach Bret Bielema, rips SEC's 'tiresome' college football bias

Danny Kanell, like Bret Bielema, is agitated when it comes to pro-SEC rankings.

Illinois coach Bret Bielema pulls no punches in 'relevant' comeback after learning of football rankings snub

Illinois coach Bret Bielema is back on the defense train again after responding to a fan on social media.

Illinois coach Bret Bielema calls out popular college football analyst’s power ratings, analyst fires back

Brett Bielema is absolutely disgusted with Josh Pate's personal power rankings. He voiced his frustration on X.

Illinois QB Luke Altmyer needs no words to describe inclusion of SEC football team in 'unofficial' final poll

Luke Altmyer poked fun at a national analyst after an unofficial top-25 was revealed Tuesday night.

Illinois football fans manifest way-too-early Ohio State upset after making AP Poll history to cap 10-3 season

Can Illinois upset the defending national champions for the second straight season? Its fanbase is beginning to think so.

Ex-Illinois safety Quan Martin makes game-changing play in Commanders-Lions NFL Divisional Playoff game

Quan Martin got props from his old Illinois coach, Bret Bielema, during the Commanders-Lions NFL Divisional Round game.

Illinois football sees shocking dip below Citrus Bowl opponent in way-too-early top-25 247 Sports rankings

Illinois will have to prove the doubters wrong again next season after coach Bret Bielema improved his previous year's win total by five games this season, resulting in a bowl victory.

Bret Bielema exposes ESPN's Adam Rittenberg for critical Illinois tweet, creates viral social media firestorm

When national media comes after Illinois' Bret Bielema, be prepared to hear about it publicly, as ESPN's Adam Rittenberg recently did.

Bret Bielema drops all-time response when way-too-early rankings include SEC team Illinois beat in bowl game

Illinois coach Bret Bielema was letting some prominent media outlets hear it after omitting his team from way-too-early 2025 rankings and Big Ten bowl season stats.

Big Ten commisioner Tony Petitti gets high praise from one of league's most charismatic football coaches

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti was shouted out by one of the premier coaches in the league for his efforts on pulling off a newly minted conference season with an expansion from 14 to 18 schools.

Bret Bielema has epic New Year's Day social media takedown after T-Bar incident makes Shane Beamer irate

The heated exchange pitting Bret Bielema and Shane Beamer against each other kept social media buzzing on New Year's Day. Illinois won the Citrus Bowl against South Carolina, 21-17, capping a 10-win season.

Bret Bielema, Shane Beamer trade post-game press conference barbs following controversial Citrus Bowl ending

Illinois beat South Carolina 21-17 win in the 2024 Citrus Bowl to earn its first bowl win in over a decade and first New Year's bowl win in two decades.

Illinois QB Luke Altmyer slams SEC hype, says South Carolina mistook them for an ACC team before Citrus Bowl upset

Illinois QB Luke Altmyer sounds off about South Carolina's disrespect.

Shane Beamer Bret Bielema get into altercation during Cheez-It Citrus Bowl

South Carolina and Illinois' head coaches had some words for each other during Tuesday's bowl game.

Illinois social media goes haywire after ref blunders, preventing double-digit Citrus Bowl halftime lead

Illinois fans on social media, particularly 'X,' were not thrilled with the first-half officiating job in the 2024 Citrus Bowl.

Illinois, South Carolina meet for first time in college football Citrus Bowl, seeking SEC-Big Ten supremacy

History will be made in the 2024 Citrus Bowl when Illinois takes on South Carolina on New Year's Eve in Orlando, Fla., at Camping World Stadium.

How to listen to Illinois vs. South Carolina on the radio

Here is everything that you need to know in order to listen to Illinois vs. South Carolina on the radio.

What channel is Illinois vs. South Carolina on today?

The Sporting News has everything you need to know about how to watch 2024 Citrus Bowl game.

Bret Bielema has NSFW reaction to Illinois pep rally before Citrus Bowl game against South Carolina

Illinois coach Bret Bielema arguably had too much fun during Monday's pep rally ahead of its New Year's Eve Citrus Bowl game against South Carolina.

Bret Bielema shares importance of having 'catalyst' ahead of Citrus Bowl, seeks first 10-win Illini season

Bret Bielema told local media how critical a victory against South Carolina would be in propelling Illinois to further heights. Illinois is seeking its first 10-win season since 2001, the first in Bielema's tenure.

Illinois to don viral scripted college football helmets for first time in Citrus Bowl vs. South Carolina

The Illinois football program's uniform combo will take a unique twist on New Year's Eve when it plays South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl,

Bret Bielema shares jaw-dropping NIL valuation of Illinois football, Big Ten placement ahead of Citrus Bowl

Bret Bielema was unafraid to speak his mind regarding revenue sharing and NIL regarding his Illinois football program ahead of its Citrus Bowl matchup against South Carolina.

Illinois QB Luke Altmyer breaks silence after announcing return to Fighting Illini for Citrus Bowl, 2025

Illinois' Luke Altmyer opened up regarding his return to Champaign next season. Illinois plays South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl.

Fighting Illini QB Luke Altmyer makes game-changing announcement at Illinois-Tennessee basketball game

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer sent State Farm Center into a frenzy at the Illinois vs. Tennessee men's basketball game. The Illini are set to play South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl on New Year's Eve.

Citrus Bowl tickets: Best seats & prices for South Carolina vs. Illinois

South Carolina and Illinois will match up in the 2024 Citrus Bowl this bowl season. Here's everything you need to know about this matchup, including links to the best and most affordable tickets.

Bret Bielema accuses unnamed schools of 'national bank day' after 2025 signing period

Illinois coach Bret Bielema didn't take too kindly to the fact that specific Power Four programs have bigger budgets than his. Bielema called for advocacy changes for college football teams to compete with similar NIL budgets.

Illinois inexplicably ends up behind two Big Ten teams it beat

Illinois is seeking its first nine-win season since 2007.

Get tickets to see Northwestern vs. Illinois rivalry football game at Wrigley Field

Northwestern hosts Illinois in the final week of the college football season. Here's how to get tickets to the rivalry game at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Bret Bielema forcefully defends Illinois's Week 13 hero in Rutgers win after award snub

Illini head football coach Bret Bielema had some choice words for the media after one of his players was snubbed during award season.

Infamous Bret Bielema meme resurfaces after Illinois defeats Rutgers on game-winning TD

A 40-yard touchdown from Pat Bryant gave Illinois its eighth win for the second time under coach Bret Bielema.

What channel is Rutgers vs. Illinois on today?

The Sporting News has all the details on how to watch Rutgers vs. Illinois.

Bret Bielema reveals words of wisdom he shared with Illinois alum getting another chance to start in the NFL

Illinois coach Bret Bielema enjoys seeing his former players perform at the next level.

Illini fans react to Illinois's ranked return in Week 13 poll

Illinois football is back in the rankings.

Fighting Illini makes history during Illinois's 38-16 win against Michigan State in Week 12

The Fighting Illini made history during Illinois's home-cooking of Michigan State.

Bret Bielema lets out frustration over missed call in Illinois' loss to Minnesota

Illinois coach Bret Bielema still isn't over a missed would-be targeting call on quarterback Luke Altmyer in last Saturday's 24-19 home loss to Minnesota.

Bret Bielema goes haywire after Illinois' 25-17 loss against Minnesota

Bret Bielema was livid with the officiating crew after No. 24 Illinois fell to Minnesota at home.

Bret Bielema's first-half coaching blunder costs Illinois momentum shift

Illini head coach Bret Bielema was unhappy with the referees at the end of the first half of Minnesota-Illinois.

Illinois gets favorable regrade for Bielema hiring amidst Illini's big turnaround

Illinois did well in one analyst's regrade of the Bret Bielema hire.

How to tune into Oregon vs. Illinois broadcast today

Channel, live streams to listen to live college football game broadcast between Oregon vs. Illinois.

What channel is Oregon vs. Illinois on today?

Oregon looks to continue undefeated season against No. 20 Illinois.

Illinois football continues to draw national attention with latest AP Poll rise

Illinois football is the furthest thing from irrelevant.

Bielema earns coaching accolades

It’s a big game in Champaign.

Explaining Illinois throwback uniforms vs. Michigan

We discuss Illinois' throwback football uniforms vs. Michigan.

How to tune into Illinois vs. Michigan radio broadcast today

Channel, live streams to listen to live college football game broadcast between Illinois vs. Michigan.

Red Grange did for football what Caitlin Clark has done for women's basketball

Illinois legend Red Grange's most famous game came 100 years ago when he lit up Michigan. The Illini will honor the star this weekend who brought college football's popularity with him to the fledgling National Football League.

Red Grange's tribute draws mixed reviews

The college football community was not thrilled with Illinois' 1920's-themed uniforms.

Illinois HC Bret Bielema sends message to fans ahead of game vs. Michigan

Bret Bielema, Illini want national spotlight moving forward

The Illini are featured in back-to-back games on CBS, starting Saturday against Michigan.

Illinois-Michigan reaches shocking new milestone

Illinois achieved its second home sellout of the season ahead of its game with No. 24 Michigan.

Bielema shares his best kept scheduling secret throughout his career

Bret Bielema heavily supports a certain schedule type.

Time to prove it: Five ranked CFB teams who need to show they belong in October

Here are five ranked teams coming off varying levels of disappointing performances that have a chance to prove themselves in the month of October.

Illini football winning eight games is more likely than not

Illinois is on the fast track to another bowl berth.

Klatt shares strong opinion on new-look Illinois

Joel Klatt had a lot to say about Illinois's surprising start.

What channel is Penn State vs. Illinois on today?

Here is everything you need to know about Penn State vs. Illinois, including TV and streaming options for the game.

Bret Bielema strikes optimistic tone ahead of Penn State

Illinois's Bret Bielema is feeling good about his career ahead of a showdown with Penn State.

Illinois reaches ESPN’s College Football Playoff “bubble watch” after Week 4 win

What channel is Nebraska vs. Illinois on tonight?

Here is everything that you need to know about Friday's matchup between Nebraska and Illinois.

B1G Network analyst calls 2024 Illinois “most complete” Bret Bielema team

What channel is Illinois vs. Central Michigan on today?

Time, TV schedule to watch Week 3 college football game between Illinois and Central Michigan.

Illinois impresses AP Top 25 Poll voters after Week 2 victory

What channel is Illinois vs. Eastern Illinois on tonight?

Find out what channel Illinois vs. Eastern Illinois is on tonight.

How to listen to Illinois football radio broadcasts in 2024

Find out how to listen to Illinois football radio broadcasts in 2024.

CBS College football analyst likes Illinois to exceed expectations in 2024