I think it would be smart to schedule easy OOC games until they come up with some sort of Football RPI system.

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Can't name names yet. Former target who committed elsewhere but will flip to Illinoi on signing day.

Starting a new thread for the class of 2026 cycle.

I think the extra practices and time to heal up should help us greatly this year and next. It should give our younger players more time to step up. Also playing in a big bowl game in a warm city should be great for everybody. I am in Florida waiting to buy my bowl tickets. Will it be Orlando or Tampa? Go Illini !!!!!!!

The flag planting thing reminded me of Zook’s first B10 win at Michigan State - I think that also resulted in a little scrum at mid field.
I guess there’s no excuse for fighting but the winning coach should have a little more control over his team.

Iowa is killing us in this area. They have 4 out of the top ten Illinois players. We have Zero. What needs to happen to make this change.

Coleman will make his decision early this week.

Illinois, Florida State, or Mississippi State.

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From any sinking ships? Looks like a big D lineman from Purdue just entered the portal?

Illinois offered today (Monday). He de-committed from FIU and is expected to sign with Illinois on Wednesday.

Be sure not to share this info. Thx.

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Long-time college football coach and former Kansas State All-American offensive tackle Dana Dimel passed away Tuesday at the age of 62, his family announced. He is survived by his wife, Julie, and children, Winston and Josey.

Dimel was a 35-year veteran of the coaching community, including stops as head coach at Wyoming (1997-99), Houston (2000-02), and UTEP (2018-13). He most recently helped Illinois to a 9-3 record in 2024 as the program's Senior Offensive Assistant.

"Today is a difficult day for college football and our Illini famILLy," said head coach Bret Bielema. "Dana was an exceptional person, husband, father, friend, and football coach. He affected the lives of countless coaches, players, and staff members for more than three decades in college football. His influence on our program was incredible to witness and be a part of. His infectious positive energy had a major impact on me, our players, and everyone in our building every day. He will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family."

A product of Kansas State legend Bill Snyder's coaching tree, Dimel served three stints on Snyder's staff at Kansas State following an All-America playing career as an offensive tackle for the Wildcats from 1984-86. Dimel signed a free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings and attended training camp in 1987 before embarking on his coaching career. He was later recognized as a member of Kansas State's All-Decade Team for the 1980's.

Overall, Dimel was a part of 12 bowl teams during 19 seasons in Manhattan. The Wildcats posted an 11-win season (2012) with a Big 12 Championship, two 10-win campaigns (1995 and 2011) and five nine-win seasons (1993, 1994, 1996, 2014, and 2016) during that span, and finished in the top-25 of the BCS and CFP rankings on three occasions – 2011 (No. 8 BCS), 2012 (No. 5 BCS), and 2014 (No. 11 CFP).

Dimel, a Columbus, Ohio, native, compiled the most wins of any active offensive coordinator in college football from 2011-17 (61) and was a part of eight straight bowl appearances. Overall, in his 32 seasons as a head or assistant coach, Dimel mentored 37 players who went on to play in the NFL.

Dimel earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing from Kansas State in 1986. His son, Winston, was a three-time All-Big 12 fullback at Kansas State before transferring to play under his father in his first season as UTEP head coach in 2018.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois running back Aidan Laughery was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.

Laughery ran for 172 yards and three touchdowns, both career-high marks, to lead Illinois to a 38-28 win over Northwestern at Wrigley Field. He scored on runs of 64, 31, and 30 yards, while averaging over 14 yards per carry.

Laughery's first touchdown gave Illinois a 7-3 lead, while his second and third touchdowns each turned a one-possession game into two-possession Illini leads during the second half.

Laughery became the third player to run for 170+ yards and 3+ touchdowns in a Big Ten game this season (Kaleb Johnson, Iowa at Minnesota; Tawee Walker, Wisconsin at Rutgers), and he became the third Power-4 player to rush for 14.0+ yards per carry on 10+ carries this season (Bhayshul Tutten, Virginia Tech vs. Boston College; Jalen Milroe, Alabama at LSU).

Illinois finished the regular season at 9-3 overall and 6-3 in the Big Ten after the win over Northwestern. The Illini are ranked No. 21 in this week's AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll.

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LINK: NET RANKINGS

Dierre Hill from Belleville Althoff scored 7 tds today!! I wish he was going to Illinois instead of Oregon.

Does anyone know why the Ill-NW game does not seem to be scheduled for the 60 minute replay? I have found a lot of others but not us!

Illinois wins it 38-28.

John Fanta (Fox someone ?)

Illini # 17 in his Top 25 today.