Illinois coach Bret Bielema is raising expectations as he enters his fifth season with the program.
Bielema met with local media Sunday to discuss recruiting and program development following the team’s 10-3 campaign and Citrus Bowl victory over South Carolina in 2022.
“It’s a live recruiting day every day,” Bielema said.
The 55-year-old coach has maintained an aggressive recruiting schedule, visiting Dunlap High School to scout Mack Sutter, the nation’s No. 3 tight end prospect, and securing three commitments from Florida, including three-star quarterback Michael Clayton.
Basketball has emerged as an unexpected recruiting asset for the football program. Bielema credited men’s basketball coach Brad Underwood and former Illinois center Kofi Cockburn for helping land running back Kaden Feagin.
“Kaden Feagin committed really because of Kofi, to be honest,” Bielema said. “I think that’s what pushed him over the edge. A lot of what we did is there, but Kofi had a few words with him that literally changed the direction of his recruiting [process].”
The program faces pressure to rebound from last season’s 5-7 record, which followed an 8-5 campaign in 2022. Illinois hasn’t achieved consecutive double-digit win seasons under Bielema.
In a team meeting last Wednesday, Bielema emphasized internal accountability.
“That 12-game schedule has 12 opponents, but the biggest opponent to our success next year is [the team] in this room,” he said. “The things that we do. The things that we train. The things that we believe in. The things that we guide you [through]. The things that we preach. The things that we teach are going to be the determination of our success.”
The Illini begin their 2025 season against Western Illinois on August 30.
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