On a night, when a couple Illinois football players were moving on to the next level, a new high profile playmaker was coming to them. On NFL Draft night (round one) Whitney Mercilus was selected by the Houston Texans and AJ Jenkins by the San Francisco 49ers. So you might have missed this story. According to Rivals, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Wisconsin were among … [Read more...] about Illini land top 10 QB Recruit in Aaron Bailey
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Chief Illiniwek lives on in Illini Nation; new logo revealed
Chief Illiniwek was officially retired by the University of Illinois, under pressure from the NCAA in 2007. That ended a decades long tradition of the Chief dancing at halftime of college football and college basketball games. The very familiar, perfect circle Chief in a headdress logo was also retired, and if you wanted to get merchandise emblazoned with this logo, it was … [Read more...] about Chief Illiniwek lives on in Illini Nation; new logo revealed
Illini Coach Tim Beckman: motivation through food
STEAKS AND CAKES!!! There's food on the line yet again surrounding Illini football. Earlier this week it was announced that this Illinois football spring game would have a couple culinary twists. Newly installed coach Tim Beckman decided that the losing team would have to eat frank and beans as their postgame meal. Not sure what the winners got, but I'm assuming it's … [Read more...] about Illini Coach Tim Beckman: motivation through food
Illini partnering up with Chicago White Sox, Fire
On the heels of yesterday's deal with the Chicago White Sox, the University of Illinois and Chicago Fire Soccer Club have formed a cross-promotional partnership where Illini fans will receive special offers for Fire events, including pre-arranged behind-the-scene tours of Toyota Stadium and unique events like breakfast in the clubhouse. Illini fans who purchase Fire season … [Read more...] about Illini partnering up with Chicago White Sox, Fire
Auburn Gets All-American Transfer from Illinois; Fullback Jay Prosch
It's certainly transfer season in college football, kind of like a mini NFL free agent signing period. Notre Dame landed the top QB recruit in Gunner Kiel yesterday, and Illinois sophomore Jay Prosch transferred to the Auburn Tigers. Prosch is ranked among the top fullback prospects in the 2014 NFL Draft class. The move that will allow Prosch to be closer to his family in … [Read more...] about Auburn Gets All-American Transfer from Illinois; Fullback Jay Prosch
Illini Whitney Mercilus Entering the NFL Draft
University of Illinois junior defensive end Whitney Mercilus announced today that he will forgo his senior season at Illinois to enter the 2012 NFL Draft. Mercilus who has the best name a defensive line man can have, emerged from total obscurity to have a banner year for the Fighting Illini, tying Simeon Rice’s single-season record and leading the nation with 16 sacks. … [Read more...] about Illini Whitney Mercilus Entering the NFL Draft
Illini Leading Rusher to Miss Bowl Game
Illinois football announced today that senior running back Jason Ford and redshirt freshman wide receiver Jake Kumerow are academically ineligible under NCAA rules and will not participate in the 2011 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl versus UCLA on New Year's Eve in San Francisco. Ford is the Illini leading rusher this year with 600 yards on 155 carries (3.9 ypc) and seven … [Read more...] about Illini Leading Rusher to Miss Bowl Game
Illini DE Whitney Mercilus: Best at his Position in the Nation
University of Illinois junior defensive end Whitney Mercilus was named yesterday to the Associated Press All-America first team. That means he's truly "everybody's All-American" and he's been named to 10 different All-America teams. Nine of which were first-team. He also took home the Hendricks Award, given annually to the nation's top defensive end. "There's a lot of … [Read more...] about Illini DE Whitney Mercilus: Best at his Position in the Nation
DC Vic Koenning Leaving Illini; Headed to North Carolina? Auburn? Troy?
Before Vic Koenning took over the Illini defense in 2010, the unit was among the worst in college football. Under Koenning, the 2011 Illini finished second in the Big Ten and seventh nationally in total defense. "Y’all know me,’’ Koenning said. "I’m only as good as the staff. The success we had this year was because of us. It was the defensive staff and the … [Read more...] about DC Vic Koenning Leaving Illini; Headed to North Carolina? Auburn? Troy?
Illini Hire Tim Beckman From Toledo: Very Underwhelming on Paper
Ohio State hiring Urban Meyer this was not. Utah hiring Urban Meyer this could possibly be. Even though it's not official yet, conventional wisdom, the status quo and 4 out of 5 dentists agree: Toledo Rockets head Coach Tim Beckman will soon become the successor to Ron Zook at Illinois. This Illini head coaching hire has far less pizazz and excitement than any hire … [Read more...] about Illini Hire Tim Beckman From Toledo: Very Underwhelming on Paper