Illinois vs. Central Michigan - September 14, 2024

‘Fast and free’: Cooper looks to reinvigorate Illinois’ defenseHow much better can the Illini defense really get?

Column | 'Just one of those days:' Illinois' loss to Purdue latest link in losing chainThere are a lot of words that can describe Illinois' (2-3, 0-2) 24-17 loss to Purdue (2-3, 1-1) on Saturday. None of them are pretty, but neither was the game. "(It) just felt like one of those days where everything that you said, 'Hey, we can't do this,' it happened," said head coach Bret Bielema....

Gallery | Illinois' Homecoming loss to Purdue, in photosSkip to Content Hi! I'm Sam, and I am a senior studying journalism and gender and women's studies. I started working at Illini Media Company in Fall 2023 as a staff photographer for The Illio, and I became the Senior Photographer for both The Illio and The Daily Illini in Spring 2024.

🚨 Week 5 CFB AP Top 25 Poll

😬 Gators drop 8 spots 📈 Bama just outside top 5 📲 Tap for full rankings

🚨 Week 5 AP Top 25 Poll😬 Gators drop 8 spots 📈 Bama just outside top 5 📲 Tap for full rankings

Purdue steals the Cannon at Illinois' HomecomingThe Cannon Trophy left Champaign as the Illini (2-3, 0-2) fell to the Purdue Boilermakers (2-3, 1-1) in their Homecoming game Saturday afternoon. Illinois started to unravel from the first quarter. Incomplete passes, a hurt player and a missed field goal attempt all contributed to a scoreless first 15 minutes.

Massive Shakeup in CFB Top 25 List 🔢Florida and Mississippi State were both humbled after lopsided losses. Tap for new Top 5 📲

CFB Week 5 Winners & Losers 📊🐐 Jeremiah enters GOAT convo? 🔻 Kamario's Heisman odds tank 📲 Full recap after Saturday

Missed opportunities lead to deflating Illinois loss to Purdue Purdue claim the Cannon trophy in 24-17 win during Illinois homecoming.  

Week 5 CFB Playoff Predictions 👀Gators became the latest contender to learn how difficult life can be on the road in the SEC

Illinois Football vs. Purdue Game DiscussionTalk here!

‘We’re bigger, we’re longer’: Length, athleticism fuel new-look Illinois defenseHow the 2026-27 Illini will look defensively.

Column | 3 predictions for Illinois vs. PurdueAfter a loss to open Big Ten play, Illinois (2-2, 0-1) parted ways with its defensive coordinator, Bobby Hauck. The Illini have a big test Saturday against the Purdue Boilermakers (1-3, 0-1) and a lot to prove. The defense is the obvious candidate for scrutiny. The Illini are No.

Illinois vs. Purdue sells outIt will be a packed house on Saturday.

How to Watch Illinois vs. Purdue: Game Time, TV Channel, Online Streaming and OddsUp for the cannon.

Colleges Paid Athletes $1.77BFirst year of revenue sharing resulted in massive payouts (The Athletic)

CFP Nearing 24-Team FieldLeadership says they 'are definitely going to' expand if TV deal lines up (Yahoo)

Week 5 CFB Picks 🔮Breaking down the slate of games with potential major surprises on the horizon ➡️

Bielema speaks on Hauck's departure, declines to name new play caller"I just don't know (that) our identity was really there," said head coach Bret Bielema. Former defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck spoke with Bielema Sunday to discuss his role. They came to a mutual agreement that Hauck would step down as the defensive coordinator for Illinois. "His final comment to me ...

Column | What positions outperformed in Illinois' loss to Ohio StateIn football, like any sport, there are winners and losers. While the Illini (2-2, 0-1) ultimately lost to the then-No. 7 Ohio State Buckeyes (3-1, 1-0), certain players and positions stood out for its individual performances. While some players for Illinois did all they could to potentially push the Illini closer in contention to the...

Illinois, Hauck part ways: ‘He felt it wasn’t working for him’Bobby Hauck and Illinois parted ways just four games into the season.

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Column | Notebook from Illinois' conference-opening defeatScore vs. stats While Illinois (2-2, 0-1) lost handily to No. 5 Ohio State (3-1, 1-0) 42-19, the stats told a different story. The Illini racked up 462 yards of offense and averaged 6.5 yards per play, not far behind the Buckeyes 518 yards and 7.6 yards per play.

Illinois at Michigan State game time announcedBret Bielema will head to Michigan State for the first time as Illinois Head Coach.

Early CFP Projections ↕️Gators were rewarded for their marquee win over Ole Miss in AP's Top 25

Bobby Hauck departs Illinois program after four gamesHe’s gone.

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Illinois parts ways with defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck after 4 gamesAccording to a press release from Illinois (2-2, 0-1), defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck and the program have parted ways after just four games. Hauck, a longtime head coach at Montana, was hired this offseason to implement a new 3-3-5 defensive scheme. "Coach Hauck reached out to me early this morning and asked to meet ahead...

Illinois Makes Change at DC

Nicole Auerbach

@NicoleAuerbach

Illinois makes a defensive coordinator change:

🚨 Week 4 CFB AP Top 25 Poll

📈 Florida jumps to top 10 😬 Michigan unranked again 📲 Tap for full standings

🚨 Week 4 CFB AP Top 25 Poll📈 Florida jumps to top 10 😬 Michigan unranked again 📲 Tap for full standings

New Top 5 in CFB Rankings 👀The top 2 teams from last week flip while Mississippi State SURGES. Full breakdown 📲

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Unmade plays haunt Illini in Big Ten opener against BuckeyesIllinois (2-2, 0-1) walked away from Ohio Stadium following its 42-19 loss to Ohio State (3-1, 1-0) with few highlights. The offense collected 462 yards - including nearly 200 on the ground. Junior punter Lars Rau and fifth-year kicker Ethan Moczulski impressed on special teams. Even the much-maligned defense showed faint flashes of promise at...

CFB Week 4 Winners & Losers 📊😏 Karma for Michigan? 💺 Burning hot seats for coaches 📲Full breakdown of wild slate

New CFB Playoff Predictions 👀Ole Miss is the focal point in back-to-back weeks. Full breakdown 📲

Jeremiah Felt Bad for DB 🤷‍♂️OSU star was literally laughing after 72-yard TD

Defensive woes continue as No. 7 Ohio State stomps Illinois Smith shines as the Buckeyes claim the Illibuck in 42-19 victory. 

Illinois Football at Ohio State Game DiscussionTalk here!

Anderson Carries It For 6 💪

FOX College Football

@CFBONFOX

ILLINOIS RESPONDS ‼️ Jordan Anderson takes it 22 yards to the house for @IlliniFootball

Jeremiah 72-Yd House Call 💨

Big Ten Network

@BigTenNetwork

The way this one's started, Jeremiah Smith might break some more records today 🔥 The @OhioStateFB WR's 72-yard score gives him two 1Q TDs Watch on FOX

The Big Ten’s money gap: Comparing Illinois and Ohio State footballIllinois will visit Ohio State, a program with a lot more money than the Illini.

TCR Reacts: Collin Dixon will be HOW GOOD this year??How many TD grabs for the star wideout?

Illinois’ passing game can’t rely solely on Collin DixonMultiple options will be necessary against dynamic defenses.

CFB Week 4 Predictions 🔮

Picks for this week's slate

Week 4 CFB Predictions 🔮Conference play is finally here as Ohio State and Illinois square off ➡️

How to Watch Illinois at Ohio State: Game Time, TV Channel, Online Streaming and OddsUpset?

TCR Reacts Survey: How many TDs for Collin Dixon in 2026?How good can he be?

🚨 Week 4 CFB AP Top 25 Poll📈 Ole Miss in the top 5 🫣 Texas A&M drops 14 spots 📲 Tap for full standings

Illini in the NFL: Jacas picks off Aaron RodgersA big weekend for the former Illini.

🚨 Week 3 CFB AP Top 25 Poll

📈 Ole Miss in the top 5 🫣 Texas A&M drops 14 spots 📲 Tap for full standings

Week 3 Winners & Losers 📊📡 Many teams off national radar 😈 Revenge game for the ages 📈 SEC QBs putting up numbers

Early CFB Bracket Predictions 👀Louisville should now be viewed as the No. 1 contender to Miami in the ACC 📲

Illinois Football vs. Southern Illinois Game DiscussionTalk here!

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All eyes on defense as Illini look to tackle SalukisIllinois (1-1) head coach Bret Bielema has been pushing the idea that the team can't get beat by Duke twice following its 31-27 loss on Saturday. A second loss to the Blue Devils wouldn't show up in the standings, but would be manifested through a lack of improvement this weekend against the SIU Salukis (2-1)....

TCR Reacts: Illinois fans still see path to eight winsHow many wins can the Illini still get?

Week 3 CFB Picks 🔮Predicting LSU-Ole Miss and every game this week 📲

2028 quarterback Owen Herrick commits to IllinoisThe Pittsburgh quarterback chose the Illini over Nebraska, Ole Miss and Syracuse.

Illinois’ perplexing playcalling cost them the win SaturdayThe wrong coordinator is catching heat for the Illini’s loss.

Illinois leaning on depth and development as offensive line deals with injuries Another blow to the offensive line as McMillen is done for the season. 

TCR Reacts: Illinois’ ceiling for wins after Duke lossHow many wins will the Illini get in 2026?

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Kickoff time set for Illinois’ road matchup at Ohio StateThe Illini will look to take down the Buckeyes for the first time since 2007.

🚨 Week 2 CFB AP Top 25 Poll

🤩 Texas jumps to No. 1 📉 Oregon & OU plummet 📳 Tap for full standings

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🚨 Week 2 CFB AP Top 25 Poll🤩 Texas jumps to No. 1 📉 Oregon & OU plummet 📲 Tap for full standings

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'I don't think we played a great game': Illini fall short against Blue DevilsIt was a hot and sunny day in Champaign as the Illini (1-1) fell victim to the reigning ACC Champions, the Duke Blue Devils (2-0), 31-27. Early on, Illinois looked more cohesive and adapted on the spot to limit Duke. However, this all unraveled after halftime. Unlike last week's game with a Hail Mary to...

CFB Week 2 Winners & Losers 📊🦆 Oregon suffers major stunner 🤘 Texas' biggest comeback since 2007 📲 The chaos is officially back

‘Tackling should be priority one,’: Illinois falls to DukeA disappointing Saturday to say the least for the Illini.

Illinois Football vs. Duke Game DiscussionTalk here!

TCR Reacts Results: How many yards will Katin Houser throw for in 2026?Can Houser throw for 3,000 yards?

Strong passing game can lead Illinois to victoryIllinois’ air offense could be lethal again this season.

Illinois' linebackers stay prepared no matter whatWith so much talk going on about Illinois' (1-0) defense after its win against UAB (0-1), outside linebackers coach Archie McDaniel shared his insights on how important preparation is for his guys. He also highlighted players who performed well on game day, and how those behind the scenes who can't play show up each and...

WCIA: Illinois’ Tomislav Ivisic back in Champaign after visa issueFinally back.

Why Katin Houser is the perfect piece for Illinois’ offenseWelcome to Champaign.

Illinois vs. Duke: Can the Illini cover against the Blue Devils?Let’s win another.

B1G Updates Replay ProcessLeague adds in-broadcast review to all games officiated by in-conference crews 📲

Week 2 CFB Picks 🔮Predicting winner of Ohio State-Texas and every game this weekend 📲

How many yards will Katin Houser throw for in 2026?How good of a season will Houser have?

Three variables that can lead to an Illinois victory Can Illinois improve to 2-0?

“A lot of new faces doing new calls”: Houser shines as Illinois defense adjustsThe Illini look to improve to 2-0 this Saturday.

Week 2 AP Poll Revealed 📊Indiana takes Oregon's spot in top 5 while Michigan falls out. Tap for full rankings 📲

🚨 First CFB AP Top 25 Poll

😬 Michigan unranked 📉 Oregon out of Top 5 📳 Tap for full rankings

Week 2 CFB Coaches Poll 📊Biggest risers and fallers from latest rankings 📲

Bielema, Hauck ease worries about lackluster defensive performanceConcerns about Illinois' (1-0) defensive performance in its 42-23 victory over UAB (0-1) tainted the commanding win. While it didn't hurt Illinois in the end, there were moments when things could have gone more smoothly. A very late score in the fourth quarter irked defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck, despite there being mostly backups on the...

Illinois’ efficient offense compensated for dodgy defenseThe Illini offense will need consistent production while the defense adjusts to a new scheme.

Memorial Stadium sells out for Illinois-DukeBig crowd Saturday.

Top 25 CFB Rankings Predictions 🔮Where everyone could sit after Week 1 games

CFB Week 1 Winners & Losers 📊Refs are the talking point in Michigan's controversial win. Full breakdown of wild slate 📲

Updated Heisman Odds 📊Where everyone stands after Toney's standout performance

Picks for Every Week 1 Game 🔮Predictions for Clemson-LSU, Notre Dame-Wisconsin, more 📲

Reacts: Will Illinois get to eight wins in 2026?Eight wins on the horizon?

Houser's Hail Mary leads Illini to Week 1 win over BlazersSeemingly every time UAB (0-1) redshirt junior quarterback Ryder Burton dropped back to pass on Thursday night, Illinois' (1-0) new 3-3-5 defense hounded the signal-caller with suffocating pressure. Despite the constant presence of an orange-and-blue-clad defender barreling towards him, Burton and the Blazers' offense managed to turn the pressure back on the Illini.

Illinois doesn’t have a huge non-conference game at home. Does it matter?Where are the big home games?

Ca’lil Valentine doubles longest career runA hot start coming from the third year back

54-YD Hail Mary To End Half 🤩

Illini QB Katin Houser somehow finds Collin Dixon in the end zone

🚨 New CFB Pregame ShowThis one is completely animated

Illinois Football vs. UAB Game DiscussionTalk here!

Thursday night football: Illinois opens season against UABIt's been 246 days since Illinois last stepped on the field and played a game. It's been 278 days since Illinois last played at Gies Memorial Stadium. That all changes Thursday. "I'm excited to see this group get out there," said head coach Bret Bielema. "I've never been through it with this group.

Why Illinois will make the College Football Playoff in 2026It’s the year.

What to watch out for in Illinois’ season openerThe keys to beating UAB.

One day away: Illinois kicks off against UAB ThursdayThe Illini kickoff their season on Thursday, against UAB at 8 p.m.

Kaden Feagin’s move to TE adds a new element to Illinois’ offenseTCR previews the Illini pass-catchers

Three biggest question marks going into the 2026-2027 Illinois Football seasonWill these questions be answered when Illinois takes on UAB?

Illinois extends contract with Nike through 2033Just do it.

Illinois vs. UAB: Can the Illini cover in the season opener?Picks and a prediction for opening night.

How to Watch Illinois vs. UAB: Game Time, TV Channel, Online Streaming and OddsIt’s gameday!

Stability in the run game should give Illinois’ offense a boostThe Illini will be leaning on their experienced trio of backs.

Lions waive former Illinois QB Luke AltmyerA roadblock for Luke.

Column | Hot takes, predictions for 2026 seasonIllinois has a brand-new reputation to uphold. Back-to-back bowl game wins and 19 victories over the last two seasons have placed the Illini firmly in the spotlight. Eight draft picks in the last three years have only strengthened the idea that Illinois is a serious football program.

New faces, new systems: Illini coaches prepare for UAB openerThe Illini are set to kickoff on Thursday against UAB.

Continued in-state recruiting will elevate Illinois to next levelMore high-end in-state recruiting battles need to be won.

Preseason Illinois Football Bowl Game ProjectionsA lot of good destinations for the Illini this December.

Illinois WR Jayshon Platt likely out for start of season The receiving room is getting thin. 

Big Ten to Ban NFL PlayersConference set to pass rule today. ESPN has details 📲

Katin Houser is a great match for Illinois’ offensive schemeTCR takes a look at the Illini QB room.

What would make 2026-2027 a success for Illinois Football?How many wins does Illinois need for 2026-2027 to be considered a successful season?

Illini roster updates heading into the last week of August training campCan Illinois retain two NFL signees? 

Let’s get on the hype train for…Illinois’ opponents?What the 12 teams the Illini will face in the 2026 regular season have to be optimistic about.

Complete Big Ten Preview 📝Projected standings, hot seat watch and more 📲

Illinois finds itself outside of AP Top 25 preseason poll When can the Illini secure their first ranking? 

‘He’s the kind of guy that can break a game open’: Xavier Scott’s return will energize Illinois’ secondaryThe Illini boast a ton of returning leadership in the DB room.

🚨 First CFB AP Poll of SeasonOhio State No. 1 in preseason rankings. See where your team stands 📲

AP Top 25 Preseason Poll PredictionsHow the rankings could shake out ahead of season openers 📲

Illinois’ path this season to a College Football Playoff berthIllinois and the CFP. Is it possible?

Diving in to Illinois Football’s new 3-3-5 defenseJust how different will Bobby Hauck’s scheme be?

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Illinois Football Announces Two Offensive injuries prior to 2026 seasonTwo Illinois Football offensive weapons out, likely for the season.

Illinois unveils the largest video board in college footballGies Memorial will have a video board larger than some NFL stadiums. 

Former Illini set for NFL preseason debutsSeveral former Illini will take the field this week, making their NFL preseason debuts and beginning their push to earn roster spots.

Illinois' New Video Board 😱Largest in all of college football 🎥

Illinois Football’s archenemy according to ESPNWho is Illinois Football’s archenemy?