Doug - I need some technical help. I just downloaded the new app. In the past, when I clicked on the Rivals app, it went straight to Orange and Blue News. When I click on the new app, it doesn’t allow me to go straight to the Illinois Rivals link. Any thoughts as to how to fix this? I tried chatting with someone at Rivals but he was not able to resolve this for me. Much appreciate your assistance

Make it up for his visit? Who made it up for the visits?

Didn't she start her career at Illinois under Fahey? Saw she was drafted in WNBA top 15 last night out of Alabama. Anyone remember?

They apparently will turn over 100% of their roster this year. It's not dissimilar to what's happened here, but that's crazy.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- University of Illinois graduate Natalie Woch returned to Illinois as the football program's Director of Recruiting Operations, head coach Bret Bielema announced. Woch rejoins the Illini from Oklahoma, where she served as the Sooners' On-Campus Recruiting Coordinator in 2024.

"Natalie is an alumni and former student worker for us that knows so much about life here at Illinois," said Bielema. "She left after graduation for a great opportunity at Oklahoma and is now back in a new role. She will provide an invaluable perspective in recruiting and retention."

"I am extremely blessed for the opportunity to come back home and be back with the Illini famILLy," said Woch. "Thank you to Coach Bielema and Patrick Embleton for believing in me and giving me the chance to return to a place that means so much to me. There is something special building here and I'm grateful to be a part of it."

Woch was a student recruiting assistant for the Fighting Illini football program for three seasons. She served as a team lead, where she assisted in management of over 25 student recruiting assistants during recruiting events and supported the director of recruiting with the preparation for official and unofficial visits.

At Oklahoma, Woch planned and executed official and unofficial visits, game day recruiting programming, junior days, and other special events, helping Oklahoma post the No. 8 recruiting class in the nation according to 247Sports. Woch also assisted with operations of signees' initial eligibility with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

Woch earned her bachelor's degree in sports management with a minor in public relations from the University of Illinois in 2024.

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Similar situations, outside of the $ involved. In HS all of these guys were recruited to be “the man”. Miller was the star in his class, and was sold on being a go to guy. Then they landed Curbelo, and he was a corner 3 and D guy. A role he had never played. And he better hit every shot when he touches he the ball, or he’s grabbing some bench.

Epps was sold on being the guy in his class. He was going to have the ball in his hands. Then they landed Clark, and Epps was put off the ball. A role he hadn’t played much.

Morez was the big man in this class. He committed a few years ago, and was sold on Illinois developing him as an all around big man. Then less than a year ago, they landed Ivisic, and he became that guy. They were going to run a lot of the offense through him, and Morez needed to be happy dunking, rebounding, and defending. Miss outside of 8 feet, and you are grabbing some bench.

It’s easy to see why these guys get frustrated with their roles. It would be nice to keep some of them around and them. Rodgers, DGL, the list continues.

They aren’t all bad players…far from it.

Who else is entering the portal? Best guesses?

Just got in the portal. What do you guys think about him.