Illinois Fighting Illini Football | Illinois Fighting Illini Football News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, Standings, and Rumors

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‘We’re bigger, we’re longer’: Length, athleticism fuel new-look Illinois defense

How the 2026-27 Illini will look defensively.

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Column | 3 predictions for Illinois vs. Purdue

After 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.

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Illinois vs. Purdue sells out

It will be a packed house on Saturday.

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

🚨 Week 4 CFB AP Top 25 Poll

How to Watch Illinois vs. Purdue: Game Time, TV Channel, Online Streaming and Odds

Up for the cannon.

First year of revenue sharing resulted in massive payouts (The Athletic)

Colleges Paid Athletes $1.77B

Leadership says they 'are definitely going to' expand if TV deal lines up (Yahoo)

CFP Nearing 24-Team Field

Breaking down the slate of games with potential major surprises on the horizon ➡️

Week 5 CFB Picks 🔮

"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 ...

Bielema speaks on Hauck's departure, declines to name new play caller

In 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...

Column | What positions outperformed in Illinois' loss to Ohio State

Bobby Hauck and Illinois parted ways just four games into the season.

Illinois, Hauck part ways: ‘He felt it wasn’t working for him’

Score 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.

Column | Notebook from Illinois' conference-opening defeat

Bret Bielema will head to Michigan State for the first time as Illinois Head Coach.

Illinois at Michigan State game time announced

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

Early CFP Projections ↕️

Bobby Hauck departs Illinois program after four games

He’s gone.

According 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 parts ways with defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck after 4 games

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

The top 2 teams from last week flip while Mississippi State SURGES. Full breakdown 📲

New Top 5 in CFB Rankings 👀

Illinois (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...

Unmade plays haunt Illini in Big Ten opener against Buckeyes

😏 Karma for Michigan? 💺 Burning hot seats for coaches 📲Full breakdown of wild slate

CFB Week 4 Winners & Losers 📊

Ole Miss is the focal point in back-to-back weeks. Full breakdown 📲

New CFB Playoff Predictions 👀

OSU star was literally laughing after 72-yard TD

Jeremiah Felt Bad for DB 🤷‍♂️

Smith shines as the Buckeyes claim the Illibuck in 42-19 victory. 

Defensive woes continue as No. 7 Ohio State stomps Illinois

Conference play is finally here as Ohio State and Illinois square off ➡️

Week 4 CFB Predictions 🔮

Illinois Football at Ohio State Game Discussion

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

Anderson Carries It For 6 💪

FOX College Football

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Jeremiah 72-Yd House Call 💨

Big Ten Network

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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

Illinois will visit Ohio State, a program with a lot more money than the Illini.

The Big Ten’s money gap: Comparing Illinois and Ohio State football

How many TD grabs for the star wideout?

TCR Reacts: Collin Dixon will be HOW GOOD this year??

Multiple options will be necessary against dynamic defenses.

Illinois’ passing game can’t rely solely on Collin Dixon

CFB Week 4 Predictions 🔮

Picks for this week's slate

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

Upset?

TCR Reacts Survey: How many TDs for Collin Dixon in 2026?

How good can he be?

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

🚨 Week 4 CFB AP Top 25 Poll

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Week 3 CFB Picks 🔮

Predicting LSU-Ole Miss and every game this week 📲

A big weekend for the former Illini.

Illini in the NFL: Jacas picks off Aaron Rodgers

🚨 Week 3 CFB AP Top 25 Poll

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

Louisville should now be viewed as the No. 1 contender to Miami in the ACC 📲

Early CFB Bracket Predictions 👀

📡 Many teams off national radar 😈 Revenge game for the ages 📈 SEC QBs putting up numbers

Week 3 Winners & Losers 📊

Illinois Football vs. Southern Illinois Game Discussion

Illinois (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)....

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All eyes on defense as Illini look to tackle Salukis

How many wins can the Illini still get?

TCR Reacts: Illinois fans still see path to eight wins

The Pittsburgh quarterback chose the Illini over Nebraska, Ole Miss and Syracuse.

2028 quarterback Owen Herrick commits to Illinois

The wrong coordinator is catching heat for the Illini’s loss.

Illinois’ perplexing playcalling cost them the win Saturday

Another blow to the offensive line as McMillen is done for the season. 

Illinois leaning on depth and development as offensive line deals with injuries

How many wins will the Illini get in 2026?

TCR Reacts: Illinois’ ceiling for wins after Duke loss

The Illini will look to take down the Buckeyes for the first time since 2007.

Kickoff time set for Illinois’ road matchup at Ohio State

🚨 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 Devils

It 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...

A disappointing Saturday to say the least for the Illini.

‘Tackling should be priority one,’: Illinois falls to Duke

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CFB Week 2 Winners & Losers 📊

🦆 Oregon suffers major stunner 🤘 Texas' biggest comeback since 2007 📲 The chaos is officially back

Illinois Football vs. Duke Game Discussion

Can Houser throw for 3,000 yards?

TCR Reacts Results: How many yards will Katin Houser throw for in 2026?

Illinois’ air offense could be lethal again this season.

Strong passing game can lead Illinois to victory

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Illinois' linebackers stay prepared no matter what

With 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 issue

Finally back.

Why Katin Houser is the perfect piece for Illinois’ offense

Welcome to Champaign.

League adds in-broadcast review to all games officiated by in-conference crews 📲

Illinois vs. Duke: Can the Illini cover against the Blue Devils?

Let’s win another.

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B1G Updates Replay Process

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Week 2 CFB Picks 🔮

Predicting winner of Ohio State-Texas and every game this weekend 📲

How good of a season will Houser have?

How many yards will Katin Houser throw for in 2026?

Can Illinois improve to 2-0?

Three variables that can lead to an Illinois victory

The Illini look to improve to 2-0 this Saturday.

“A lot of new faces doing new calls”: Houser shines as Illinois defense adjusts

🚨 First CFB AP Top 25 Poll

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

Indiana takes Oregon's spot in top 5 while Michigan falls out. Tap for full rankings 📲

Week 2 AP Poll Revealed 📊

Biggest risers and fallers from latest rankings 📲

Week 2 CFB Coaches Poll 📊

Concerns 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...

Bielema, Hauck ease worries about lackluster defensive performance

The Illini offense will need consistent production while the defense adjusts to a new scheme.

Illinois’ efficient offense compensated for dodgy defense

Memorial Stadium sells out for Illinois-Duke

Big crowd Saturday.

Where everyone could sit after Week 1 games

Top 25 CFB Rankings Predictions 🔮

Refs are the talking point in Michigan's controversial win. Full breakdown of wild slate 📲

CFB Week 1 Winners & Losers 📊

Where everyone stands after Toney's standout performance

Updated Heisman Odds 📊

Eight wins on the horizon?

Reacts: Will Illinois get to eight wins in 2026?

Seemingly 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.

Houser's Hail Mary leads Illini to Week 1 win over Blazers

Where are the big home games?

Illinois doesn’t have a huge non-conference game at home. Does it matter?

A hot start coming from the third year back

Ca’lil Valentine doubles longest career run

54-YD Hail Mary To End Half 🤩

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

Illinois Football vs. UAB Game Discussion

This one is completely animated

🚨 New CFB Pregame Show

It'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.

Thursday night football: Illinois opens season against UAB

Why Illinois will make the College Football Playoff in 2026

It’s the year.

What to watch out for in Illinois’ season opener

The keys to beating UAB.

The Illini kickoff their season on Thursday, against UAB at 8 p.m.

One day away: Illinois kicks off against UAB Thursday

Predictions for Clemson-LSU, Notre Dame-Wisconsin, more 📲

Picks for Every Week 1 Game 🔮

TCR previews the Illini pass-catchers

Kaden Feagin’s move to TE adds a new element to Illinois’ offense

Will these questions be answered when Illinois takes on UAB?

Three biggest question marks going into the 2026-2027 Illinois Football season

Illinois extends contract with Nike through 2033

Just do it.

Picks and a prediction for opening night.

Illinois vs. UAB: Can the Illini cover in the season opener?

How to Watch Illinois vs. UAB: Game Time, TV Channel, Online Streaming and Odds

It’s gameday!

The Illini will be leaning on their experienced trio of backs.

Stability in the run game should give Illinois’ offense a boost

Lions waive former Illinois QB Luke Altmyer

A roadblock for Luke.

Illinois 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.

Column | Hot takes, predictions for 2026 season

The Illini are set to kickoff on Thursday against UAB.

New faces, new systems: Illini coaches prepare for UAB opener

More high-end in-state recruiting battles need to be won.

Continued in-state recruiting will elevate Illinois to next level

A lot of good destinations for the Illini this December.

Preseason Illinois Football Bowl Game Projections

The receiving room is getting thin. 

Illinois WR Jayshon Platt likely out for start of season

Conference set to pass rule today. ESPN has details 📲

Big Ten to Ban NFL Players

TCR takes a look at the Illini QB room.

Katin Houser is a great match for Illinois’ offensive scheme

How many wins does Illinois need for 2026-2027 to be considered a successful season?

What would make 2026-2027 a success for Illinois Football?

Can Illinois retain two NFL signees? 

Illini roster updates heading into the last week of August training camp

What the 12 teams the Illini will face in the 2026 regular season have to be optimistic about.

Let’s get on the hype train for…Illinois’ opponents?

When can the Illini secure their first ranking? 

Illinois finds itself outside of AP Top 25 preseason poll

The Illini boast a ton of returning leadership in the DB room.

‘He’s the kind of guy that can break a game open’: Xavier Scott’s return will energize Illinois’ secondary

Ohio State No. 1 in preseason rankings. See where your team stands 📲

🚨 First CFB AP Poll of Season

Projected standings, hot seat watch and more 📲

Complete Big Ten Preview 📝

How the rankings could shake out ahead of season openers 📲

AP Top 25 Preseason Poll Predictions

Illinois and the CFP. Is it possible?

Illinois’ path this season to a College Football Playoff berth

Just how different will Bobby Hauck’s scheme be?

Diving in to Illinois Football’s new 3-3-5 defense

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Illinois Football Announces Two Offensive injuries prior to 2026 season

Two Illinois Football offensive weapons out, likely for the season.

Gies Memorial will have a video board larger than some NFL stadiums. 

Illinois unveils the largest video board in college football

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

Former Illini set for NFL preseason debuts

Largest in all of college football 🎥

Illinois' New Video Board 😱

Who is Illinois Football’s archenemy?

Illinois Football’s archenemy according to ESPN

TCR’s positional previews continue with a look at Illinois’ linebacker room.

‘The player I’m most excited about in this entire group’: Can Grant Beerman level up in ‘26?

Illini getting national recognition.

Illinois’ Renfro named one of nation’s top centers on Rimington Watch List

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'It's an honor': Quarterback Katin Houser embraces new home at Illinois

"It's an honor being the quarterback at Illinois," said senior Katin Houser, Illinois' newest quarterback. While Houser may be a new face for the Illini, he comes to Champaign with four years of collegiate experience. He spent his first two seasons at Michigan State, where he only played one game in 2022 before exploding in...

Is a new version of the 3-3-5 an answer to the Illini’s stagnant defense?

Breaking down the new look for Illinois’ 2026 defense

Can the run game mesh into “the centerpiece” of the offense?

Illinois embracing an experienced backfield

This is the story of a man who discovered the Illini are not for the faint of heart.

The Bandwagon Illini Fan

Outta Nowhere: Comparing 2026 Illini to wrestling legends

Football is almost here.

As the Illini are slated to kickoff in a month, Bielema is solidifying his roster.

Bielema reveals Illinois roster changes, injury updates

Sixth-year player gives the offensive line another reinforcement.

Dezmond Schuster cleared for extra year of eligibility at Illinois

Ohio State opens as No. 1 in preseason rankings 📲

First CFB Coaches Poll 🔢