The Illini finished 8-5 in coach Bret Bielema's second year after 10 straight losing seasons, placed second in the Big Ten West, played in a bowl game for the first time since 2019 and had four NFL draft picks. Losing four of the final five games, including the ReliaQuest Bowl against Mississippi State, left a sour taste. Receiver Isaiah Williams said this is the most confident team he’s been on in his five years at Illinois.
The Illini finished 8-5 in coach Bret Bielema's second year after 10 straight losing seasons, placed second in the Big Ten West, played in a bowl game for the first time since 2019 and had four NFL draft picks. Losing four of the final five games, including the ReliaQuest Bowl against Mississippi State, left a sour taste. Receiver Isaiah Williams said this is the most confident team he’s been on in his five years at Illinois.
Illinois football has added Ball State transfer quarterback John Paddock as a walk-on, Illini Inquirer can confirm via multiple sources. Max Olson of The Athletic first