Illini now
Zain Brando

Zain Bando

Joined: Jul 26, 2024

Oct 26, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema watches the game against the Oregon Ducks during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Football

Bret Bielema Welcomes Illinois' 2025 Recruiting Class – But Not NCAA Changes

The Illini coach discussed the team's newcomers Thursday but is disturbed by recent changes to the recruiting process

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

Illini Football Adds Four-Star Running Back John Forster to 2025 Class

New Jersey's Forster flipped his commitment from Rutgers to Illinois on Wednesday

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Sep 14, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema on the sidelines during the second half against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football Finalizes 2025 Recruiting Class on National Signing Day

The Illini inked their 2025 recruiting class, which is rated in the top 50 nationally by most experts

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Nov 16, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema gives a hand to players before the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football Lands Commitment From JUCO LB Ismael Kante

Kante, a three-star linebacker and top JUCO transfer, became the 19th member of the Illini's 2025 recruiting class

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Oct 12, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema celebrates a 50-49 win over the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois' Bret Bielema Anticipates First-Ever Wrigley Field Game as Coach

The Illini coach, who first visited Wrigley Field as a Cubs fan, said coaching at the Friendly Confines will be "a learning experience"

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Nov 26, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Tommy DeVito (3) looks to pass against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Football

Illini Rewind: The Last Land of Lincoln Trophy Game at Old Ryan Field

The last time Illinois football triumphed against Northwestern, it wasn't just an ordinary win

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Nov 2, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema gets a hand from the crowd before the start of a game with the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Four-Star LB Cam Thomas Names Top Six Schools, Includes Illinois

The class of 2026 linebacker narrowed his recruitment Wednesday, which included four Big Ten programs

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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-Imagn Images

Bret Bielema Putting 'Past In The Past' Ahead Of Illinois-Penn State Game

Coach Bret Bielema spoke to the media Thursday ahead of Illinois' Saturday night game against Penn State in State College.

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Mar 30, 2024; Boston, MA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts against the Connecticut Huskies in the finals of the East Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Illini Lands Priority Recruit In Four-Star 2025 Shooting Guard Brandon Lee

Coach Brad Underwood added another critical piece in 2025 standout Brandon Lee to build for further NCAA Tournament success.

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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

Illini's Bret Bielema Responds To 'White Out Energy' Claims Ahead of Penn State Game

Bret Bielema responded to the Penn State community after his comments about playing in a hostile environment were taken out of context.

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Jul 23, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Updated ESPN Power Index Projections See Upswing For Illinois

ESPN has updated its projections for the remainder of the Illinois football season.

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Sep 20, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant (13) runs onto the field with the team during warmups before a game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Illini WR Pat Bryant Points To His Team's 'Huge Spark' Amidst 4-0 Start

Wide receiver Pat Bryant is beginning to embrace success after starting the season unbeaten.

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