The Illinois Fighting Illini are ranked #12 in both the AP and USA Today preseason polls. There are 12 slots in the 2025 College Football Playoff. Thus, it's not a reach, stretch or hot take to predict the Illini to make the CFP this season. Tell that to ESPN, who released their playoff pundit prediction panel yesterday, and Illinois was barely represented. … [Read more...] about #12 Illini Almost Absent in ESPN College Football Playoff Predictions
kaden feagin
Kaden Feagin Has Highest 2026 NFL Draft Stock of Any Illini
With the 2025 NFL Draft now behind us, it's already time to start looking ahead to the 2026 class. And given that the Illinois Fighting Illini will be a preseason top 15, maybe even top 12, kind of team, future NFL talent abounds. It's very early, and obviously a lot is going to change, but right now, tailback Kaden Feagin leads the way when it comes to Illini with NFL Draft … [Read more...] about Kaden Feagin Has Highest 2026 NFL Draft Stock of Any Illini
Michigan St. Spartans at Illinois Fighting Illini Game Preview, Prediction
Once again, the Illinois Fighting Illini have a November home game against the Michigan State Spartans during a season where they started very fast out of the gates. Since starting 6-1, the Illini have dropped back to back games, and there are understandably legitimate fears that this season could repeat the story arc of 2022. If you recall, it was the Michigan State game (a … [Read more...] about Michigan St. Spartans at Illinois Fighting Illini Game Preview, Prediction
Kaden Feagin Suffers Leg Injury, Out for Michigan Game
Running back Kaden Feagin, the leading rusher on the #21 Illinois Fighting Illini, suffered a hyperextension of his left leg in practice early last week, and thus missed this past Saturday's 50-49 OT win over Purdue. Turns out the injury, the exact specifics of which haven't been fully released yet, is much worse than initially thought. Illini coach Bret Bielema not so subtly … [Read more...] about Kaden Feagin Suffers Leg Injury, Out for Michigan Game