The college football world readily acknowledges how the Illinois Fighting Illini surprised the nation. Now, can Bret Bielema live up to the hype in 2025? Or will they fade away into Big Ten obscurity?

It's early, but Illinois' class ranks No. 6 nationally and includes two blue-chippers among the eight commitments.

Coach Bret Bielema's Illinois Fighting Illini finished fifth in the Big Ten last season with a 6-3 conference record, ...

Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema watches his team during the first half of a game against Kansas on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast ...

As Nebraska slowly builds its next class, a Citrus Bowl imbroglio helped Bret Bielema and Illinois break out on the 2026 ...

If college football had a commissioner — it desperately needs one — that person would step in and not allow two leagues to ...

Illinois coach Bret Bielema is feeling great. The Illini are coming off their first 10-win season since 2001. A junior day over the weekend had more than a dozen of the top local prospects on campus.

LINCOLN — Despite not impacting the College Football Playoff one bit, Illinois coach Bret Bielema stole the bowl season and set his team up for 2025 with one stroll across the field. His Illini ...