I'll preface this by saying this is the least amount of access that the media has gotten in the 13 seasons that I've covered the team. That's the prerogative of the head coach, of course, but it limits the information that fans get in the preseason.

As previously reported, SAF Matthew Bailey, OLB Jared Badie, and OL Dez Schuster were not available for practice. Bailey is still recovering from a foot injury from back in the spring. Badie has an undisclosed injury that is recuring from a previous injury. Schuster was at practice in street close watching the OL drills. He's another huge body in the mold of Zy Crisler.

We were allowed to watch the first two periods, which was approximately 20 minutes. The part of the script that we observed included warmups and some light position group work.

Offensive line did some work on technique. No real contact. Bart Miller is one of the more hands-on coaches on the staff. He makes a lot of on-the-spot corrections. It looks four of the starters are set, at least for now, in LT Julian Pearl, LG Isaiah Adams, C Josh Kreutz, and Zy Crisler at either guard or tackle on the right side Those four led off every drill. One of the spots on the right side is up for grabs.

We don't know how good Luke Altmyer will be, but one thing I'll say about the QB position is that it's the deepest unit in quite some time in terms of having multiple guys who have legit arms. It's not a physically imposing group, but they have skills. I watched them throw for about 10 minutes, so very small sample size.

I watched the DB's go through some drop drills. Athletic group overall with really good feet, but probably not as physical as last year. The freshmen corners Saboor Karriem and Jaheim Clarke and the JUCO kid Prince Ford are all noticeably quick-twitch, but thin.

The team practices in the evening again tomorrow and Saturday. They will likely be 100% closed practices. Media availability is at 11:30 following meetings. We get DC Aaron Henry, LB Tarique Barnes, OLB Seth Coleman, DB Xavier Scott. On Saturday, we get Barry Lunney Jr. and 3 players from offense.

That's about all I have for you from the 20 minutes of access.

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– Helen Lehman-Winters has been hired as Illinois head cross country coach and distance events coach under director of track and field and cross country Petros Kyprianou, Director of Athletics Josh Whitman announced on Monday. Lehman-Winters' contract is pending approval by the UI Board of Trustees at its September meeting.

"We want to welcome Helen Lehman-Winters to the Illinois family," Whitman said. "She brings with her a wealth of experience and success at the highest level. She has a passion for coaching and competition. Helen's arrival accelerates the upward trajectory of the Fighting Illini cross country and track and field programs that we started with the arrival of our new staff, led by Petros Kyprianou, last summer. We want to thank Helen and her family for their trust and look forward to many successes for our teams and student-athletes under her leadership."

Lehman-Winters recently spent four seasons as cross country coach and associate head coach at Oregon from 2018-22, working directly with the UO women's distance program.

During her tenure, the Ducks cross country team won the 2018 Pac-12 title and advanced to the NCAA Championships three times, led by a third-place finish in 2018. She was named 2018 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) West Region Women's Coach of the Year.

The Ducks women's track team, meanwhile, won the 2022 Pac-12 title and was conference runner-up in both 2019 and 2021. The Oregon women finished in the top-20 at all six NCAA meets during Lehman-Winters' time in Eugene, highlighted by a fifth-place showing at the 2019 Outdoor Championships.

"I am so excited to welcome Helen to our cross country and track and field team," Kyprianou said. "Not only am I ecstatic about the level of care, coaching, and excitement Helen will provide to our cross and distance groups, but also her intelligence, demeanor and teamwork that will complement our talented staff. From the very first talk we had when I approached her about the opportunity here at Illinois, I knew she was the one. Helen brings a wealth of experience, success and wisdom that can help us continue the momentum of a great recruiting class and in our mission of building a championship team. Her work ethic and recruiting ability is championship level, and that is what I have been looking for in a cross country coach. Like the rest of our staff, she possesses a sense of urgency, attention to detail, and laser focus. I can't wait to get her and the rest of the staff back to begin this new year. I-L-L!"

Lehman-Winters coached two NCAA champions at Oregon, as Jessica Hull won the 3,000m in 2019 and Carmela Cardama Baez captured the 10,000m in 2021. She also coached three Pac-12 champions in Hull (1,500m in 2019), Cardama Baez (10,000m in 2021) and Aneta Konieczek (3,000m steeplechase in 2021).

Overall, the women's distance crew collected 21 All-America accolades records under Lehman-Winter's direction. She also had two athletes represent their home countries at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021) in Hull (Australia) and Konieczek (Poland).

"I am thrilled to join Coach Kyprianou and the entire Illini family and incredibly honored to have the opportunity to lead both the men's and women's distance squads into the next chapter of success," Lehman-Winters said. "I am grateful to Josh Whitman, his leadership team, and Coach Kyprianou for their trust in me to take on this role. I enjoyed my time at the University of Oregon working with amazing student-athletes and am especially thankful to Coach Johnson and his incredible staff there, but now I can't wait to get to work in Champaign and contribute to a championship program."

Prior to her time at Oregon, Lehman-Winters spent 15 years at San Francisco as head men's and women's cross country and track and field coach from 2003-18. During her successful run at USF, Lehman-Winters was an eight-time West Coast Conference (WCC) Coach of the Year in cross country. She led the USF women to a runner-up performance at the 2017 NCAA Cross Country Championships – the highest finish in school history – and a total of six WCC titles, which included five in a row from 2009-13.

In total, Lehman-Winters coached USF student-athletes to 52 All-WCC honors and 14 USTFCCCA All-America accolades. One of those All-America honors went to Charlotte Taylor, who made history under Lehman-Winters' guidance in winning the 10,000 meters at the 2017 NCAA Outdoor Championships to become the first female national champion in USF history. She was also the 2017 USTFCCCA West Region and WCC Women's Runner of the Year and later went on to finish third at that year's NCAA Cross Country Championships.

Before taking over at USF, Lehman-Winters spent three seasons as a volunteer coach for UCLA from 2000-03 working with the Bruins men's and women's middle and long distance groups. She began her coaching career in the California high schools, building successful cross country and track programs at El Cerrito High (1985-89) and Carondelet High in Concord (1989-2000).

At the prep level, Lehman-Winters guided her cross country teams to nine California State meet cross country berths, eight North Coast Section titles and 12 league titles. On the track, Lehman-Winters' squads enjoyed even greater success, posting an unprecedented 109-1 league dual meet record while winning five North Coast Section titles. She coached 23 distance runners to the California state meet, nine of which earned top-four finishes. In 1996, she mentored Kristen Gordon to the Foot Locker Cross Country national title.

Lehman-Winters competed in cross country and track at UC Santa Barbara before graduating from the University of California, Berkeley in 1987 with a bachelor's degree in sociology. She earned a master's degree in sport psychology from John F. Kennedy University in 1997.

Helen and her husband John have three children, sons Miles and Mathias, who are both in college, and daughter Milana, a high school senior.

Cornerback Devon Witherspoon and the Seattle Seahawks, who drafted him fifth overall in April, have reportedly agreed to a four-year, $31.86 million contract with a signing bonus just north of $20 million. Like all rookie contracts, Witherspoon's is fully guaranteed.

Bret Bielema met with media this morning.

Sophomore safety Matt Bailey is still out with an undisclosed injury that carried over from the spring. He's being evaluated and should be back 2-3 weeks before the first game vs. Toledo.

OLB Jared Badie begins fall camp listed as "limited" with a soft tissue injury. He should be full go soon.

Juco transfer offensive lineman Dez Schuster went through a long process to get his academics in order and get admitted to the school. He should now be okay academically and he has reported to campus. But now he has a "physical" things that Bielema said they're trying to get some clarity on before he's able to practice.

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)

LINK:

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?