Illini Football 2026

#503      


It's not just a pre-cautionary rest for week 1.
I wonder if this is the type of thing that will finally push college sports to accept a employee/collective bargained for situation. Pro teams routinely buy insurance on player contracts that pays them back a chunk of the player salary if they miss a significant amount of time to injury. Because NIL and revenue share aren't direct compensation for playing, college programs can't really do that. With NIL numbers rising and medical redshirts gone, some program is inevitably going to spend a ton of money on like a senior transfer QB and then lose him for the season, and thereby lose their entire investment.
 
#510      
just want to thank the scheduling Gods for giving us a favorable schedule. beyond OSU and Oregon, no powerhouse rushing attacks. very fortuitous timing
 
#515      
The Wisconsin OLs that were really good…were huge….but could also move very well.

Haliman looks that way. Champ smith looks that way. Pritchard looks that way. Fifer they are going to have to work on, he’s a little top heavy and will need to change his body. Von seggeren looks that way.

Matalau looks extremely quick. Martin pretty athletic. Knapik long and athletic.

I’d love to know what’s behind the shift. It’s very welcome in my eyes.

I think Lunney was finally given control.

I think athletic types were always the goal, but getting those kids was tough because we were a doormat's doormat. as we've progressed out of the abyss, convincing athletic kids is no longer a pipe dream
 
#516      
Am impatiently awaiting the announcement of the 2026 helmet slate.

#ArchedIllini #ScriptIllini #NYGiantsIllini


I was hoping they'd do the uniforms as well. Also throw in the Butkus era helmets they wore for that Purdue game with the throwbacks they wore in 2008 vs EIU.
 
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