pruman91
- interviewing new NL's daily....I really really am
Illinois Football Recruiting Thread
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And those expectations come from having more talent. I don't care to investigate but I'd be shocked if their four and five star recruits on defense aren't 3,4, or 5 times our number
tl;dr - Consistency is key to building a great program, not unrealistic expectations or occasional big wins. We're close to sustained success, but it will take time. We finally have a coach who can lead us there, and pushing him out would set us back.
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Some people probably don’t want to hear this, but I think moving the goalposts for success like this is dangerous as a fan base. Ohio State can have an uproar for losing just one game (the game). Illinois is just 4 years’ removed from the cellar of college football. Bielema has taken this program from a MAC equivalent to a clear top-third program in a power 2 conference. We are one more good season away from being that “Wisconsin & Iowa” culture that we all thought was a hope and a dream. The Illini are *this close* to what we all think Illinois should be as a program.
…do not run the best GD coach you’ve had since Mackovic (at least) by shifting the expectations to Natty-or-Bust before we even get into the CFP.
Saying you’ve got your fingers crossed because we got beat by 2 of the best 4 teams in the country (and Minnesota but hey we ain’t perfect) is just asking for a letdown. I would choose consistently good (8+ wins basically every year except in a rare injury-laden or otherwise unlucky season) over wondering if what’s behind door #2 and risking losing everything. In any given year there are going to be some teams that just seen head and shoulders above the competition. Basically nobody stays there, but the great programs stay really close. We’re on the cusp of “really good” program with an opportunity to become one of those great programs if we can sustain this success over the next 5-7 years. It’s a long haul up the mountain but for the first time in my life I’m confident we have a coach who can get us there. You chase him off with unrealistic expectations and this place is pushing the reset button.
Yep, and early indications are that they are/will. The way Josh has talked, he views this as a "We're still building" situation. We haven't reached the mountain top and now isn't the time to cash out on the revenue side by raising ticket prices to the B1G average. We need to keep filling the stadium every Saturday, building a fanbase with the muscle memory to support the program and go to games.
hes also surrounded by some huge men in that picture. but yes,
i saw him recently and he looks like he's lost some weight. good
for him! now its my turn!
SampsonRelpenk
- Edwardsville, IL
This season's most recent SP+ ratings have our defense ranked 25th, offense 56th. Marginal defensive improvement would be acceptable, but if we really want to contend for the playoff it's the other side of the ball where we'll need a significant jump.
How many were sold in 2024?
I was thinking he looks like he's lost some pounds while watching the bowl game. Good for him.
I'm not 100% sure. Anyone on the inside know? I would guess north of 35k.
Questions regarding our plans for Offensive Line
If I recall correctly the 5 returning starters are Davis, Henderson, Kruetz, Gesky, and Priestly.
I believe that Whitenack, Wigenton and Crisler were all in the 2 deep rotation.
Who else is returning that was in the 2 deep? Who among the younger guys are expected to step into the 2 deep?
Finally, how many Offensive linemen are we planning to take in the portal?
If I recall correctly the 5 returning starters are Davis, Henderson, Kruetz, Gesky, and Priestly.
I believe that Whitenack, Wigenton and Crisler were all in the 2 deep rotation.
Who else is returning that was in the 2 deep? Who among the younger guys are expected to step into the 2 deep?
Finally, how many Offensive linemen are we planning to take in the portal?
Kreutz, Davis,Henderson, Gesky, Priestly, Schuster, transfer
TJ McMillen as the backup center. Dez Schuster depth at guard. Kellen Francis as the swing tackle. Brandon Hansen was one of my favorite instate prep prospects in his class. Physically probably ready, but maybe just a special teamer this year
I think we still take a guard like we were planning to do with Wingfield
I'm not on the inside, but based on public statements/info, my estimate was 35Kish as well.
I think last year we were in the market for a center. Are we happy there? Who is the back up? Thanks.
I think you are thinking of two years ago when we got out-bid for a Center. I think we're pretty happy there, TJ McMillan has been the backup C, but I don't think he's played.
Here's a early depth chart take from Werner if interested - the takeaway is we are deep and experienced across almost all positions. We still need a swing OT backup and a punter and that is about it
Werner Mailbag: Projected Illini football 2025 depth chart, most intriguing players of offseason & more
Illini Inquirer publisher Jeremy Werner answers VIP members' questions on Illinois football's offseason, the 2025 season ahead, Illini basketball and more.
247sports.com
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
'27 south FL CB:
Returning the starting 5 is awesome. What you are saying here looks concerning for the 2 deep rotation if they are only planning to bring in one transfer and only have one other 2 deep player on the current roster. Are there others within the roster they feel are ready to play? OskieWowWow mentioned T.J. McMillen, Kellan Francis and Brandon Hansen as possibilities. Any other information available?
Not sure if this had been answered yet but,
2026 Illinois Fighting Illini Roster
The Roster List for 2026 Illinois Fighting Illini
247sports.com
ILL 4*+ = 8
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