Tony Adams
FILE - In this Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 file photo, Arkansas coach Bret Bielema gets choked up as the senior players are introduced before the start of an NCAA college football game in Fayetteville, Ark. It's going on 40 days since Bret Bielema was announced as Illinois' football coach, and since then he's assembled a staff, met returning players, recruited new ones, convinced a top player to pull his name out of the transfer portal and made the rounds getting to know administrators and alumni. (AP Photo/Michael Woods, File)
New Illini coach Bielema says he doesn't want to wait to win

Jan. 27, 2021 05:02 PM EST

Northwestern quarterback Peyton Ramsey is tackled by Illinois defensive back Jartavius Martin during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Porter leads way as No. 15 Northwestern runs over Illinois

By Andrew Seligman Dec. 12, 2020 03:24 PM EST

A general view as Illinois takes on Rutgers during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Illinois at Rutgers 11/14/2020

Nov. 14, 2020 02:45 PM EST

Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Champaign , Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Minnesota at Illinois 11/7/2020

Nov. 07, 2020 05:37 PM EST

The seats at Camp Randall Stadium are empty as players warm up before an NCAA college football game between Wisconsin and Illinois Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Illinois at Wisconsin 10/23/2020

Oct. 23, 2020 07:33 PM EDT

Illinois place kicker James McCourt (17) kicks a field goal out of the hold of punter Blake Hayes (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Purdue, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Fighting Illini splash through rain for 24-6 win at Purdue

By Michael Marot Oct. 26, 2019 03:32 PM EDT

Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) runs against West Virginia during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Saturday's best

By The Associated Press Oct. 19, 2019 09:10 PM EDT

Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford throws a pass during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Michigan in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Illinois stuns No. 6 Wisconsin with last-second FG

By The Associated Press Oct. 19, 2019 04:50 PM EDT

Illinois' Josh Imatorbhebhe, second from right, celebrates with teammates including Donny Navarro (86) after scoring a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Oct.19, 2019, in Champaign, Ill. Illinois won 24-21. (AP Photo/Holly Hart)
Illinois stuns No. 6 Wisconsin 24-23 on last-second FG

By Terry Towery Oct. 19, 2019 04:03 PM EDT

Illinois' Reggie Corbin (2) runs the ball in the second half of a NCAA college football game against Eastern Michigan, Saturday, Sept.14, 2019, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Holly Hart)
Huskers meet Illini looking to finally break through on road

By Eric Olson Sep. 20, 2019 03:00 AM EDT