Recruiting

Nov 23, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema looks on during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Illinois Football Signs Class of 2026 Pass Rusher Jacob Alexander

The Illini added an in-state commitment – the program's sixth pledge overall in its class of 2026

Football

Illinois Football Signs Class of 2026 Pass Rusher Jacob Alexander

The Illini added an in-state commitment – the program's sixth pledge overall in its class of 2026

Recent Articles

Dec 31, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; A Illinois Fighting Illini helmet sitting on confetti after the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

Football

Illinois Football Gets Commitment From 3-Star Receiver Kenyon Alston

The Illini landed class of 2026 standout receiver Kenyon Alston one day after his visit to Champaign

Football

Illinois Football Adds Three-Star Offensive Lineman Landen Von Seggern

Coach Bret Bielema and the Illini boosted their 2026 class and began building their offensive line of the future

Nov 30, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema looks on against Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Football

Illinois Football Addresses Three Position Groups With Key Signees

Bret Bielema and his staff got back to work after securing the returns of most of their Citrus Bowl starters

Toledo Central Catholic s Victor Singleton Jr. intercepts a pass intended Bishop Watterson s Cal Mangini ending the Eagles' final drive during the Division III state final Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, in Canton.

Football

Illinois Football Lands in Elite Cornerback Prospect's Final Five

The Illini made the cut when class of 2026 recruit Victor Singleton narrowed his list of potential destinations

Sep 22, 2023; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers defensive end James Thompson Jr. (90) celebrates after sacking Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Hudson Card (1) during the first half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Football

Illinois Football Lands Highest-Rated Transfer Yet From Wisconsin Defense

Three-star defensive lineman James Thompson Jr. brings smarts, experience and upfield pressure to the Illini

Oct 26, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema watches players warm up before a game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Football

Illinois Football Signs Playmaking Transfer Receiver Justin Bowick

The Illini inked Bowick and are in the running for a Big Ten defensive lineman currently in the portal

Sep 28, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies quarter back Ethan Hampton (2) throws a pass against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during second quarter at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

Football

Former Northern Illinois QB Ethan Hampton Signs With Illinois

The three-star transfer quarterback de-committed from Wake Forest to pivot to the Illini

Football

Illinois Football's Bret Bielema Provides Transfer Portal Update

The Illini coach has had a hectic two weeks preparing for the Citrus Bowl while also mining the transfer portal

Aug 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Leon Lowery Jr. (8) during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Football

Illinois Football Signs Key Outside Linebacker Transfer From Wisconsin

Leon Lowery Jr. will have one year of eligibility left when he joins the Illini for the 2025 season

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

Nov 13, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood applauds the crowd before a against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

Illinois Basketball Signs Four-Star Guard Keaton Wagler

The 6-foot-6 senior guard from Shawnee, Kansas, Wagler officially signed with the Illini on Thursday

Oct 19, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders perform before kickoff against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Football

Tight End Logan Farrell Passes on North Carolina, Commits to Illinois Football

In-state three-star recruit flips his commitment from Tar Heels to Illini, reports On3 Recruits

Sep 20, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema talks with an official during the second quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Football

2025 Big Ten Football Recruiting Rankings: Illinois' Position Revealed

As the early Signing Day approaches, recruiting battles are heating up. Rich Cirminiello updates Illinois' class ranking compared to the rest of the Big Ten.

Recruiting

Brandin Podziemski, Wisconsin's 2021 Mr. Basketball, Picks Illinois

Brandin Podziemski, a Top 100 2021 wing from St. John's Northwestern Military Academy in Wisconsin, gives his verbal pledge to Illinois on Tuesday

Recruiting

Illini Hope to Find Gem With Late 2021 Commit of DB Kionte Curry

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema and his staff hope they've found a unique case fall-through-cracks type of recruit in the form of Florida three-star defensive back prospect Kionte Curry.

Recruiting

Illini Find 2021 Wing With Verbal Commitment of RJ Melendez

Ramses Melendez, a 6-foot-7, 195-pound forward, who announced his decision to verbally pledge his services to Illinois via an Instagram video Monday.

Recruiting

How Bielema's Long Friendship With High School Coach Led to Illini RB Signee

Bret Bielema may want you to believe it was fate that landed him 3-star tailback Josh McCray. McCray's high school coach knows Bielema's personal commitment to know different.

Recruiting

VIDEO: Bret Bielema February Signing Day Media Conference

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema discussed several topics during his February signing day Zoom conference with national, statewide and local media.

Recruiting

Fmr. Arkansas & East Carolina TB Chase Hayden Commits to Illinois

Chase Hayden, who signed and played with Bret Bielema's Arkansas program, has committed to play for Bielema again at Illinois.

Recruiting

Illini Get First Commit of Bret Bielema Era: 3-star 2021 TB Joshua McCray

Joshua McCray, a 2021 three-star tailback from Enterprise (Ala.) High School, announced his verbal pledge to the Illini Tuesday morning on Twitter.

Recruiting

Illinois Selling 4-Star 2021 Wing Jordan Nesbitt As the Next Ayo

Four-star 2021 wing player Jordan Nesbitt says Illinois is selling him on the system that is flourishing for star guard Ayo Dosunmu.

Recruiting

VIDEO: Illini 2021 3-star OL Commit Josh Kreutz w/ Illini Now/SI's Lauren Withrow

Illinois 2021 three-star OL commit Josh Kreutz sits down for an exclusive interview with Illini Now/Sports Illustrated correspondent Lauren Withrow.

Recruiting

The Football Family Affair For Illini 2021 Commit Josh Kreutz

2021 three-star OL Josh Kreutz talks his family of football, his verbal pledge to Illinois and his plans for his senior year at Loyola Academy

Recruiting

2021 4-star St. Louis Wing Jordan Nebsitt Has Illini in Final Three Choices

Four-star 2021 wing Jordan Nesbitt says he’s down to Illinois, Saint Louis and Memphis and will be committing on his birthday, Oct. 1.