BB is in the top 5% of all HCs in quality of social media use. He always comes off making himself, his coaches, players, and the university look good clever and interesting. That U of IA marketing degree is good for something, I guess.
Illini Football 2025
- Status
We have been the beneficiary of this system for years. I haven't seen this year's Citrus Bowl payout, it may be substantially different with the 12 CFP team format, but last year it was over $8.5M per team! That is twice as much as a CFP appearance. So we might have been better off on our own for once. If Penn State and Ohio State both reach the CFP finals I think the total payout from all rounds of the playoff would be $52M to the Big Ten.
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
good coach, good man:
Team is coming together very nicely. There should really only be concerns about DL and WR. Luke back at QB, entire RB room back, Arkin and Rusk back at TE, 4/5 starters back at OL, 2/3 starters back at LB, EDGE fine with Bryant and Jacas even with losing Coleman, and entire secondary back (plus hopefully Brooks is able to contribute this season). Special teams also in good shape. DL and WR I know we got the Wisconsin guys and a couple of transfer WRs too, but it'll be all about the younger guys stepping up. It's Elzy and Dixon's time to shine at WR with Bryant and Franklin gone, and we'll need Bray and some other guys to take a sizable leap with Edwards and Briggs leaving.
Looked into this I think after the 2022 season. And it's really hard to find any info that says whether it's a set allowance or just all travel getting covered by the payout within reason. The band I suspect does get given some money for the trip, but a lot still comes out of the band's own budget. Athletics I think at least pays for the buses, hotel, and the per diem that's supplied to all members, faculty, and staff (and maybe family of staff, but unsure on that one, probably not). I assume they pay for buses because the band had continued to use Peoria Charter this year despite athletics ending their relationship with them, but the band went to Florida on Windstar. I'm also assuming that's where the money for the hotels comes from as well just because I imagine the Clearwater Hilton and Seaworld Double Tree would be a bit more expensive than what the band may want to pay on their own. Those are also partner hotels with the bowls so the bands and cheer of one of the schools is at that hotel every year. The same likely applies to the team hotel.
Other bands are getting more from their athletic departments I imagine just based on the fact that there are plenty of bands that I know fly to all their bowl games (Wisconsin and Ohio State to name two). Obviously, it gets super expensive with many of these bands traveling with 400+ people. You need multiple planes for a charter like that. You'd need like 2-3 planes just for the MI depending on the size of the plane you booked. Your options are to find the money elsewhere, limit participation in the bowl trip, or to just suck it up and bus. I think I heard that it cost half a million for MI's charter to the Rose Bowl, and they haven't chartered a plane to a bowl since. Granted, there haven't been many bowls to go to since, but still.
Illinois Football Coach Bret Bielema Takes Playful Jab at ESPN Pundit
Bielema challenges Adam Rittenberg's take on where the Illini fit into the 2025 preseason rankings
www.si.com
Cole Rusk will be at TE; he missed all last year. think the offense should be fine with Luke back and the OL back. Beat Western Illinois.
I’m not sure this is the right forum to ask, but by any chance has anyone heard if the Butkus family was impacted by the wildfires in California? If I remember correctly - I was thinking that they live in or near Malibu? They crossed my mind as I was watching the news this morning and seeing the devastation. For any Illini faithful that may have been impacted, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
If us fans in our fifties have deep scars from our Illini fandom, think what Tate feels like.
chiefini
- Rockford, Illinois
Haven’t heard about Butkus’ family specifically, but it looks like most of Malibu is gone. I’m monitoring it closely. My best friend and sorority sister from University of Illinois lives in Brentwood. Stayed with her at her beautiful home (previously Art Linkletter’s house for you old farts like me) a few times, including the last trip to the Rose Bowl (and at her first house for the 1984 Rose Bowl). I’ve been in contact, and she told me her husband and she evacuated last Tuesday with a 20 minute warning. They were allowed back in yesterday afternoon for an hour to pack what they could. They are holding out hope that the courageous firefighters can hold the line. Not sure which other Illini have been affected. Anyone who prays, please send some up for her and all of those who are lost and suffering from this tragic situation.
MoCoMdIllini
- Montgomery County, Maryland
Was that house on Million Dollar Listing LA?
All right, @Dan, move if you think there is a good place for this, but check out this football my son got from my grandma. No idea why she had this or where she got it, but it’s cool. My guess is my her brother knew someone..he was a high school head football coach who was actually Ricky Williams head coach in HS out in San Diego.
chiefini
- Rockford, Illinois
No, I don’t think so. My friend has owned it long before they started that show.
Allar? - Not sure if Jeff watched Allar at all this year...
mhuml32
Gesture of Northern Aggression
Jordan Marshall ran for 120 yards this season and someone has him as the 2nd most impactful returning player. Maiava was on pace for 16 interceptions over a full season and is the 5th most impactful. Also, if you are looking for a younger QB to prop up going into next season, it's not Maiava. Demond Williams (Washington) finished red hot and he'll only be a sophomore next year.
Looks alphabetical by team rather than a ranking, but still some iffy picks.
the press is all about the blue bloods being preseason all everything. that means michigan, USC, ohio state will always be top ten and have overrated players.
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
- Status