Illinois announced that multiple players will enter the transfer portal after their upcoming bowl game, as coach Bret Bielema navigates roster management ahead of the Dec. 30 matchup against Tennessee.
The Fighting Illini are looking to secure their second straight nine-win season when they face the Volunteers in Nashville.
“There is so many venues now and ways that we are notified that a player may be interested. Our roster is comprised of three key components: retention, removal and acquisition,” Bielema told reporters. “Retention is what I am going through right now, I think I met with 68 of our players. I got about another 30 left that I will get with next week. That is obviously a big part of retention.”
Bielema said he’s already met with 68 players about their plans. He expects to meet with roughly 30 more next week.
Several players have already informed the coaching staff they’ll enter the portal when it opens Jan. 2. The coach confirmed that some departures have been announced even before the official portal opening.
“Obviously you guys have seen, some of the guys [announce their decisions] — even though the portal doesn’t open until January 2nd — there’s a couple guys that have removed themselves already and won’t be with us,” Bielema said.
He anticipates six to 10 additional players will enter the portal after the bowl game.
This marks Illinois’ third bowl appearance in five years under Bielema. The program is preparing for significant roster turnover, particularly with quarterback Luke Altmyer set to take his final snaps.
Despite knowing some players won’t return, Bielema plans to use them in the bowl game if they want to play.
“I wanted them to play and they are going to play. If you started this season and you want to play, that is obviously a decision you can make,” Bielema said. “As long as we mutually agree to it, that [option] will be there.”
The coach said his immediate focus remains on the bowl preparation. Roster building efforts will intensify once January arrives.
Bielema described the current transfer portal era as creating a faster turnaround than anything he’s experienced in his coaching career.
