Illini now
Zain Brando

Zain Bando

Joined: Jul 26, 2024

Oct 6, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema talks with an official during the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Bret Bielema Heaps Praise At 'Pretty Impressive,' Non-Overconfident Illinois Team

Coach Bret Bielema is pleased with how his team's growth and development have evolved since January.

Zain Bando
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Sep 7, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini players celebrate their win over the Kansas Jayhawks at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois DB's Xavier and Miles Scott 'Always Competing' On Turnover-Hungry Defense

The Illinois secondary has taken a step forward under the leadership of Xavier and Miles Scott.

Zain Bando
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Sep 7, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) and teammates celebrate a win over the Kansas Jayhawks at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Upset Causes 'Rushed' Emotion For Scott Roommates, Luke Altmyer

Three of Illinois biggest stars chronicled the jubilation of the team's biggest home win in over a decade.

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Sep 7, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) runs with the ball during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois QB Luke Altmyer 'Belongs' Amongst Some Of College Football's Best

Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer discussed his turnover-free season thus far.

Zain Bando
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Sep 7, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema talks with officials during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Bret Bielema Gives Emotional ‘Thank You’ To Illinois Fans After Kansas Upset

Bret Bielema gave immense praise to the Illinois fanbase.

Zain Bando
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Aug 29, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema on the sidelines during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois vs. Kansas Week 2: TV Channel, Live Stream, Betting Odds, More

Find out everything to know ahead of Illinois vs. Kansas Saturday night in Champaign.

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Aug 29, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema hugs running back Josh McCray (6) before the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois' Bret Bielema Explains Rareness Of Week 2 Matchup Vs. Kansas

Coach Bret Bielema met with the media Thursday morning ahead of Illinois' matchup with Kansas Saturday night in Champaign.

Zain Bando
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Oct 6, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Kaden Feagin (3) runs through an opening in the Nebraska Cornhuskers defense during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illini RB Kaden Feagin 'Felt Good' Amid Last Season's Shoulder Injury

Sophomore running back Kaden Feagin will attempt to remain 100 percent nearly a year removed from a season-ending shoulder injury.

Zain Bando
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Aug 29, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema greets running back Ca'Lil Valentine (5) before the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois QB Commit Carson Boyd Delivers Two-Touchdown Performance In Season Opener

Illinois' 10th-best quarterback and Class of 2025 commit, Carson Boyd, showed out this past Friday night.

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Aug 29, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; The Illinois Fighting Illini team salute their fans at the final of Thursday’s 45-0 game over Eastern Illinois Panthers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Early Experience Should Benefit Backup Illini QB Donovan Leary

Quarterback Donovan Leary saw limited reps in Illinois' 45-0 Week 1 shutout against Eastern Illinois.

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Aug 29, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Kaden Feagin (3) carries the ball against the Eastern Illinois Panthers during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Illini RB Kaden Feagin Dubbed "Unselfish" Because Of Versatility

Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. took a deep dive into discussing Kaden Feagin's all-around performance in a 45-0 opening night win against Eastern Illinois.

Zain Bando
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Aug 29, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema on the sidelines during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Bret Bielema Hopes For Memorial Stadium Sellout Against 'Very Well-Coached' Kansas

Bret Bielema gave Kansas its props, as the Week 2 matchup is the first of six rematch games from last season.

Zain Bando
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