All of the huffing, puffing and hand wringing over Avery Jones going to Auburn after committing to Illinois. Ends up, Mr. Jones did Illinois a favor. He was an average center at Auburn, never drafted, and last I knew, didn't last long as an UDFA.
Illinois Football Recruiting Thread
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Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
Not sure if this had been answered yet but,
CLM 4*+ = 492026 Illinois Fighting Illini Roster
The Roster List for 2026 Illinois Fighting Illini247sports.com
ILL 4*+ = 8
other than that, we're the same
mhuml32
Gesture of Northern Aggression
Not sure if this had been answered yet but,
CLM 4*+ = 492026 Illinois Fighting Illini Roster
The Roster List for 2026 Illinois Fighting Illini
ILL 4*+ = 8
It's a good example of how Bielema and staff have drastically raised the development ceiling to one of the better programs in the country. Next step is securing higher quality "clay".
Well if you run into a Clemson fan remind them that we actually beat USC this year.
DeonThomas
- South Carolina
I will certainly do that.
I'm surrounded by Clemson fans --- including my three Clemson sons! And I must add, I've worn nothing but ILLINI gear for the past 5 days since returning home from Orlando. It's getting a lot of attention and comments around town!
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
6' 1" 160 CB, Cape Coral, FL, 2026:
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
Am looking for a dislike button.
Stevegarbs
- Mokena, IL
"the defensive back coach" really left a strong impression...
Sucks we go 2 straight years without playing Iowa. That feels like a game that should be played every year. Way better rival than Purdue/NW
illinidarrin
- from parts unknown
DeonThomas
- South Carolina
mhuml32
Gesture of Northern Aggression
It's an incredible gift. Let's hope the program does not waste it.
Kostas
- Naperville, IL
Meh... Comparable yards and points, but we did it against arguably better competition based on what we're seeing in bowl and CFP performances.
Punctuation is key. A true fan will watch and root for them every game...even through a decade of bottom dwelling.
/s
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mhuml32
Gesture of Northern Aggression
I like this guy a lot more than their Auburn transfer. Also, it's interesting that Iowa is taking a different approach of spreading out funding to multiple QBs instead of going big-game hunting. Some good and bad with that approach.
I think an interesting Q to as Bielema - Roster sizes have dropped but 120 to 105. However, hopefully, the NCAA changes the rule and lets all players have 5 years to play 5 seasons.
Does this impact how you would recruit true freshman? Maybe, maybe not? I don't know but if the rules do change to 5x5, then true freshman will be far more likely to contribute in year 1 vs. what they do now (plus the loss of 15 roster spots).
It will also impact players like Saboor Karriem (and many others) who have yet to use a redshirt. He's now stuck in the same class as Mathew Bailey. If it goes to 5x5, Bailey will be gone and Karriem will have a great opportunity to secure that starting spot.
Does this impact how you would recruit true freshman? Maybe, maybe not? I don't know but if the rules do change to 5x5, then true freshman will be far more likely to contribute in year 1 vs. what they do now (plus the loss of 15 roster spots).
It will also impact players like Saboor Karriem (and many others) who have yet to use a redshirt. He's now stuck in the same class as Mathew Bailey. If it goes to 5x5, Bailey will be gone and Karriem will have a great opportunity to secure that starting spot.
is there any talk still of Ferentz stepping down ?
Not until he breaks the win record.
ptgrd23
- orange county CA
Been at Iowa 24 years. Had to demote then fire his son.
Age 69. makes $7M per year. Coming off 8-5 season.
I would guess if he can get to 9-10 wins next year he retires. Transfer portal and NIL have changed game too much for old timers who don't need the money or challenge.
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
crystal ball (from Werner) for DeKalb athlete/WR Davon Grant: https://247sports.com/college/illinois/season/2026-football/institutionpredictions/
he's been a want kid for me from the get go: https://247sports.com/player/davon-grant-46144138/
he's been a want kid for me from the get go: https://247sports.com/player/davon-grant-46144138/
Werner CB for Ayden Knapik (Idaho Offensive Tackle): https://247sports.com/playerinstitu...326107/currenttransferinstitutionpredictions/
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