CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Illinois coach Bret Bielema understands the expectations surrounding his team as they gear up for the upcoming football season – his fourth at the helm. Upon his hiring before the 2021 season, the team had endured numerous coaching changes and management issues that impacted the team’s performance. Coach Bielema discussed the season-ending knee injury tight end Cole Rusk endured this week in practice. He also talked about the throw-back uniforms the team will wear this year, as well as recent awards and watchlists his players have achieved. He is proud of his roster on and off the field. “We are collecting backpacks, and the players are excited about this community effort. Some of them come from backgrounds where they witnessed people who didn’t have such items, and they look forward to giving back.”
Despite having only one bowl appearance entering his fourth season, Bielema says the program is on an upward trajectory. “In practice this week – and last – we threw the ball and passed the ball well. Our guys have been awesome. They have been overly communicative, The way they walk, talk, and go about their business is impressive. The returning players and some of the transfers who have come in – it has been very apparent how much football they have played. They are learning things our way and our vision – overall, it’s been very productive.” Last season, the Illini lost six games by a margin of four points or fewer.
Running backs Kaden Feagin and Josh McCray had earlier this week been named to the Doak Walker Award List, and the team returns eight All-Conference players.
With the inclusion of USC, UCLA, Washington, and Oregon, the traditional Big Ten West schedule is changed. The Illini will kick off their season against Eastern Illinois on August 29 at 8 p.m.