The Wuerffel Trophy named Illinois wide receiver Isaiah Williams to its 2023 preseason watch list, the Wuerffel Foundation announced on Thursday.

The Wuerffel Troph​

The Wuerffel Trophy annually honors college football student-athletes who make an impact on the field, in the community, and in the classroom. Established in 2005, the trophy's voting committee takes into consideration student-athletes' community service work, academic work, and athletic performance. Named in honor of Danny Wuerffel, the Wuerffel Trophy was created to "honor college football players who serve others, celebrate their impact, and inspire greater community service in the world." The award is voted on by national media, retired head coaches, past recipients, and the Wuerffel Trophy Board of Directors.

• Wuerffel Trophy website
• Last three winners: Dillan Gibbons (Florida State, 2022), Isaiah Sanders (Stanford, 2021), Teton Saltes (New Mexico, 2020)

Isaiah Williams | Wuerffel Trophy​

• Active as a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) representative
• Engaged as a leader in several Illini Athletics Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives
• Active in many Illini Way community service works projects
• 2023 Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten first team wide receiver
• 2023 Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten first team wide receiver
• 2023 Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten third team punt returner
• 2023 Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten third team punt returner
• 2023 AFCA Good Works Team nominee
• No. 22 ranked player in the Big Ten in 247's 2023 preseason player rankings
• 2022 team captain
• 2022 All-Big Ten honorable mention (coaches and media)
• 2022 Academic All-Big Ten
• 2022 Illinois' Howard Griffith Impact Player Award winner
• Started all 13 games at wide receiver in 2022
• 82 receptions for 715 yards and five touchdowns in 2022
• Led Illinois in receptions (82), receiving yards (715), and receiving touchdowns (5) in 2022
• Three or more receptions in all 13 games and at least one catch in all 25 games over the last two seasons
• 25th in the nation and led the Big Ten in yards per punt return (7.5) in 2022
• Ranked in the top 10 in the Big Ten in receptions per game (2nd, 6.3), receiving yards (7th, 715), receiving touchdowns (10th, 5), and receiving yards per game (10th, 55) in 2022
• Second in the nation in yards after catch (683), according to PFF, in 2022
• 15th in the nation and second in the Big Ten in receptions per game (6.3) in 2022
• Seventh in the Big Ten in first down receptions (35) in 2022
• Second on the team in all-purpose yards (840) in 2022

ILLINI ON WATCH LISTS (AS OF AUG. 3)​

• Isaiah Adams (Outland)
• Jer'Zhan Newton (Nagurski)
• Keith Randolph Jr. (Nagurski, Outland)
• Isaiah Williams (Maxwell, Wuerffel)

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FYI - Illinois opens training camp next Thursday, August 3.

We don't have the specific practice schedule yet. I'll post it when it comes out.

The official 2023 roster is now posted at FI.com

Link: Illinois roster

Not the greatest pics. Sorry, I just got a new camera and I'm still working the bugs out.

Link: PHOTO GALLERY

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) has joined forces with Altius Sports Partners (ASP) to enhance its NIL program. ASP, an experienced advisor and trusted voice across the collegiate athletics landscape, will provide personalized NIL guidance and educational support, along with assistance developing and executing innovative NIL initiatives.

The partnership includes guidance on NIL strategy, donor educational services, and program expansion, as well as support identifying new pathways to empower Fighting Illini student-athletes. ASP will also conduct educational and strategy workshops for student-athletes, coaches, and administration.

“Alongside a world-class education, state-of-the-art facilities, and exceptional coaching, Illinois Athletics must move aggressively to operate at the forefront of the NIL era," stated Josh Whitman, University of Illinois Director of Athletics. "By partnering with experts like Altius Sports, we are attempting to differentiate ourselves while providing our student-athletes with unparalleled support, resources, and opportunities to thrive."

ASP is an official partner of leading collegiate athletic departments and specializes in developing and managing NIL programs. Their comprehensive approach and industry expertise will help the various stakeholder groups successfully navigate the evolving collegiate landscape.

"We are excited to team up with Josh Whitman and the Illinois staff, whose program exemplifies a strong dedication to continuous success. Together, we will provide the resources and guidance needed to position Illinois as a leader in this NIL field. Our goal is to empower all stakeholders and athletes, offering them unparalleled support and opportunities to excel in this new era," said Celine Mangan, Director of Business and Client Strategy at ASP.

This collaboration reinforces Illinois' commitment to preparing Fighting Illini student-athletes to maximize their NIL rights. It is yet another element of the life-changing student-athlete experience at the center of DIA's strategic priorities. In recent years, Illinois student-athletes have set school records for APR and graduation rates. Competitively, since 2016, UI programs have made 82 NCAA postseason appearances, with 22 teams ranking in the top 16 nationally and seven in the top four. Notable Big Ten accomplishments have included the men's basketball championship in 2022 and tournament crown in 2021, eight consecutive men's golf titles, the school's first-ever women's golf title in 2023, a men's tennis championship in 2021, and men's gymnastics title in 2018.

About Altius Sports Partners:
Altius Sports Partners (ASP) is the leading advisor to elite collegiate athletics programs and sports properties, offering strategic planning, compliance support, and education. They provide innovative solutions for topics such as NIL and the evolving landscape of employment and media rights in college athletics. In just three years, ASP has expanded from two school partners to supporting over 30 universities, including almost half of the Power Five. They have launched groundbreaking initiatives like the on-campus NIL GM Program and ASP Academy, and have collaborated with Women Leaders in College Sports, the NFL, NFL Players Association, and NBC Sports Athlete Direct. ASP's goal is to empower all stakeholders with the resources needed to succeed in the new era of college athletics, leveraging their expertise to drive education, access, and excellence. Their diverse team of leaders is committed to raising the bar in the industry.

I haven't heard anything about the JC olineman from Louisiana? Just wondering if they are all enrolling?

The Maxwell Award named Illinois wide receiver Isaiah Williams to its watch list, the Maxwell Football Club announced on Monday.

THE MAXWELL AWARD​

The Maxwell Award is presented annually to the College Player of the Year. This award is presented in honor of Robert W. (Tiny) Maxwell, legendary college player, official, and sports columnist. It is voted on by NCAA head college football coaches, members of the Maxwell Football Club, and sportswriters and sportscasters from across the country.

• Maxwell Award Website
• Last three winners: Caleb Williams (USC), Bryce Young (Alabama)/DeVonta Smith (Alabama), Joe Burrow (LSU)

ISAIAH WILLIAMS | MAXWELL WATCH LIST​

• 2023 Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten first team wide receiver
• 2023 Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten first team wide receiver
• 2023 Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten third team punt returner
• 2023 Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten third team punt returner
• 2023 AFCA Good Works Team nominee
• No. 22 ranked player in the Big Ten in 247's 2023 preseason player rankings
• 2022 team captain
• 2022 All-Big Ten honorable mention (coaches and media)
• 2022 Academic All-Big Ten
• 2022 Illinois' Howard Griffith Impact Player Award winner
• Started all 13 games at wide receiver in 2022
• 82 receptions for 715 yards and five touchdowns in 2022
• Led Illinois in receptions (82), receiving yards (715), and receiving touchdowns (5) in 2022
• Three or more receptions in all 13 games and at least one catch in all 25 games over the last two seasons
• 25th in the nation and led the Big Ten in yards per punt return (7.5) in 2022
• Ranked in the top 10 in the Big Ten in receptions per game (2nd, 6.3), receiving yards (7th, 715), receiving touchdowns (10th, 5), and receiving yards per game (10th, 55) in 2022
• Second in the nation in yards after catch (683), according to PFF, in 2022
• 15th in the nation and second in the Big Ten in receptions per game (6.3) in 2022
• Seventh in the Big Ten in first down receptions (35) in 2022
• Second on the team in all-purpose yards (840) in 2022

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Sorry if already posted. Do we have any other QBs on the radar, in case Petty decides to stay closer to home?

Thoughts ahead of Big Ten Media Days

* I like Ohio State to beat Michigan and win the Big Ten. The Buckeyes depth of talent at the skill positions is unreal. QB Kyle McCord is the key.

* Wisconsin looks like the winner in the Big Ten West on paper, but it's hard to know how quickly they adjust to the new spread offense under Luke Fickell.

* Purdue maybe okay long term under Ryan Walters - he's recruiting well - but there will be first-year hiccups and growing pains. Still, the media is underrating them a little in the preseason poll. I think they are better than Nebraska.

* Cooper DeJean and Jer'Zhan Newtwon were 1-2 in voting for preseason Big Ten DPOY. I don't think either one wins it. Ohio State LB Tommy Eichenberg is my pick.

* Maryland is the most overrated team in the conference. (picked 4th in B1G West). They have a good QB in Tagovailoa, but the offensive line is very suspect.

* I expect Iowa's offense to finally get off the ground some. If they play defense the way they did last year, they could win the West.

* Tom Allen (Indiana) and Greg Schiano (Rutgers) enter the season on the hot seat. Allen's seat is on fire. .

* Anyone want to change places with NU interim coach David Braun? Impossible situation. He'll go through a gauntlet at media days.

* Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh deserves more than a four-game suspension for lying to investigators.

* The conference has two Heisman candidates in RB Blake Corum (Michigan) and WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State).

Next Wed (Aug 2) media is invited to watch practice as the team prepares for the trip to Spain.

I'm not sure yet if we get to catch the entire practice, or just a portion.

What do you guys want to hear about?

I'll have a front page story on five things I'll be looking for.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – When fans enter the east side of Memorial Stadium for the 2023 Fighting Illini Football season, they will notice facility improvements in the East Main Hall as well as added concessions features aimed at improving service and quality.

During the offseason, the East Main Hall received a makeover, which included a much-needed renovation of the restrooms with new toilets, sinks, and stalls. The East Main Hall also got a refresh of paint, flooring, and windows. Fans will also see new larger televisions throughout the concourse to allow fans at concessions to keep up with the action on the field. Additionally, a permanent water bottle filler has been installed for those patrons who bring in personal bottles.

On the concessions front, increasing the number of concessions locations around Memorial Stadium was paramount. Throughout the stadium, fans will see new Illini Markets designed to allow fans to shop and self-checkout for drinks, deli sandwiches, chips, fruit, and candy. Each of the four markets will have six checkout stations, increasing the stadium total to 24 new points of sale. Markets can be found in the East Main Hall, West Balcony and two in the Horseshoe.

"During the offseason, we took a deep dive into ways we could innovate and improve Memorial Stadium in meaningful ways," Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said. "We pushed to take advantage of usable space, tap into successful ventures at other large public-facing venues and think about the practical experience of our fans. What we hope we have accomplished is significantly better flow, upgrades in service and new features that will make our loyal fanbase feel valued."

The sidewalk outside the East Main Hall will also feature 3-4 food trucks per game, which will provide more options and variety for those on the east side of the stadium, as well as create more movement throughout the space and less congestion. Food trucks on board for 2023 are Watson's Shack & Rail, Sammy's Smoothie Bar, Maria's Kitchen (Asian fusion), and Canelo's Tacos.

Illinois has created two new concessions stands and eight new points of sale in the East Colonnades at the top of sections 103 and 107, to provide service for East Balcony patrons as well as those sitting towards the top of the East Main stands. These stands will have bottled soda and water, hot dogs, popcorn, and candy.

All concessions sales in Memorial Stadium are cashless.

I’m already on record saying the Illini win the west.

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois senior outside hitter Raina Terry received Big Ten Preseason Honors, the league announced on Friday. Terry is one of 15 conference student-athletes to earn the accolade.

Terry receives the recognition for the second time in her career. The outside hitter was a unanimous Big Ten first-team selection following her junior season. The Marengo, Ohio, native joined an elite group of 32 Illini players who have earned American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Northeast All-Region honors.

Last season, Terry led the Orange and Blue with 444 kills and 4.07 kills per set. The outside hitter paced the Big Ten with 363 points during conference play, averaging 3.04 points per set.

During her junior campaign, Terry recorded over 20 kills on three separate occasions, all during Big Ten play. She tallied a season-high 24 kills against both Purdue (Sept. 30) and Penn State (Oct. 26). Her first effort came against Maryland on Sept. 23, when she logged 20 kills in a four-set battle on the road.

Entering her senior season, Terry sits 22nd all-time in the Illini record books with 1,095 kills. She also ranks ninth in service aces, amassing 128, so far, at Illinois.

The Big Ten also released its preseason poll, as voted on by the league's head coaches. Illinois was tabbed for a seventh-place finish. Reigning Big Ten champion Wisconsin earned the top spot in the poll.

The Orange and Blue will open the season at Northern Illinois on Aug. 26. The team's home opener against Valparaiso is slated for Aug. 29 at 6 p.m.

PRESEASON ALL-BIG TEN TEAM

* unanimous selections

PRESEASON POLL

1. Wisconsin

2. Nebraska

3. Minnesota

4. Penn State

5. Purdue

6. Ohio State

7. Illinois

8. Indiana

9. Maryland

T10. Michigan

T10. Northwestern

12. Michigan State

13. Iowa

14. Rutgers