University of Illinois Fighting Illini Men's Football
Recent News About University of Illinois Fighting Illini Men's Football
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Illinois football unveils throwback helmets for stadium centennial
The Illinois football team is set to don three throwback helmets for the Memorial Stadium 100th Anniversary season, as announced by the program on Tuesday. These helmet designs represent nearly half a century of the Fighting Illini's history, spanning from 1962 to 2012, and will be featured throughout the 2024 season at Memorial Stadium.
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Memorial Stadium honors WWI and WWII veterans with engraved names
The Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois stands as a significant historical site, dedicated to honoring those who lost their lives in World War I. Built in 1923, the stadium was designed by the Chicago-based architecture firm Holabird & Roche, now known as Holabird & Root. The structure commemorates 189 students and alumni from the university who perished during the war.
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Illinois vs Nebraska football game moved to September 20
The Illinois football game against Nebraska, initially set for Saturday, September 21, will now take place on Friday, September 20. This change comes as part of the FOX College Football Friday package. The match will begin at 7 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on FOX.
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Fighting Illini’s memorable era at Memorial Stadium during ’50s-’60s
Memorial Stadium was a significant venue for the Fighting Illini football team during the 1950s and 1960s. The period began with Coach Ray Eliot's leadership, who led the team to a notable season in 1951 after a less successful end to the previous decade. Recruiting efforts strengthened the team's defense and offensive positions, which resulted in an impressive run of victories.
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Illini reflect on highs and lows from Memorial Stadium era
The Illinois Fighting Illini football team experienced significant moments and changes throughout the 2010s, with notable achievements and challenges marking the decade.
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University of Illinois football sees highs and lows from '70s to '80s
The University of Illinois football program experienced contrasting fortunes during the 1970s and 1980s. In the early '70s, the team struggled under Coach Jim Valek, who won only five out of 28 conference games. The university appointed Bob Blackman as head coach in 1971, a decision that surprised many given his Ivy League background.
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Red Grange shines during Memorial Stadium dedication game
In October 1924, the United States was under the leadership of President Calvin Coolidge. Walter Johnson led the Washington Senators to a World Series victory, while Buster Keaton and Rudolph Valentino were prominent film stars. In Champaign-Urbana, Illinois Central Depot had been completed, and McKinley Memorial Hospital was under construction to serve University of Illinois students.
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Illinois football navigates highs and lows from '90s to '00s under four coaches
The period spanning the 1990s and 2000s was a significant era for the University of Illinois football team at Memorial Stadium. During these two decades, four coaches—John Mackovic, Lou Tepper, Ron Turner, and Ron Zook—led the team through various achievements and challenges.
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University of Illinois football thrives through changes from '20s-'40s
The University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium has witnessed a dynamic history in college football from the 1920s to the 1940s. Following Red Grange's departure in 1925, Coach Bob Zuppke continued to lead successful teams through the decade. In 1926, Zuppke's team posted a 6-2 record, despite narrow losses to Michigan and Ohio State.
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Memorial Stadium construction driven by George Huff's vision at University of Illinois
The inspiration for a new athletic stadium at the University of Illinois can be traced back to George Huff, a notable figure in the university's history.
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Illinois football revitalized under Bret Bielema's leadership
The University of Illinois football program has undergone significant changes since the hiring of head coach Bret Bielema on December 19, 2020. An Illinois native with extensive coaching experience at both collegiate and professional levels, Bielema brought a fresh approach to the team in Champaign.
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Terrance Brooks joins Fighting Illini as transfer cornerback
Cornerback Terrance Brooks has signed a Big Ten Tender of Financial Aid with the University of Illinois, according to an announcement by head coach Bret Bielema. Brooks is transferring from Texas, where he started 16 career games and received All-Big XII honorable mention recognition last season.
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Malik Elzy to pitch first ball at White Sox Illini Night
Illinois wide receiver Malik Elzy is set to throw the first pitch at the Chicago White Sox Illini Night on May 23. The event will take place during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Guaranteed Rate Field, starting at 6:40 p.m. CT.
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Corey Parker joins Illinois as new defensive backs coach
Corey Parker has been appointed as the defensive backs coach for the Illinois football team, as announced by head coach Bret Bielema. The appointment is pending approval from the University of Illinois Board of Trustees in July.
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Illinois players secure spots in 2024 NFL Draft and free agency
Four players from the University of Illinois were selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, while five others signed contracts with NFL teams. The selections included defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton, offensive lineman Isaiah Adams, tight end Tip Reiman, and wide receiver Casey Washington.
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Casey Washington joins Atlanta Falcons as sixth-round draft pick
Illinois wide receiver Casey Washington has been selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, holding the 187th overall pick. Washington is notable for being the first Fighting Illini wide receiver drafted since A.J. Jenkins, who was a first-round pick in 2012. His selection marks the 256th time an Illinois player has been chosen in the NFL Draft, a tradition that dates back to 1937.
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Washington Commanders select Illinois' Jer'Zhan Newton at No. 36 overall
Illinois All-American defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton has been selected by the Washington Commanders in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, holding the No. 36 overall pick. This makes Newton the third-highest drafted defensive tackle from Illinois, following Corey Liuget and Joe Rutgens.
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Tip Reiman selected by Arizona Cardinals as second-highest drafted Illinois tight end
Illinois tight end Tip Reiman has been selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, taking the 82nd overall pick. He joins his Illinois teammate Isaiah Adams, who was picked by the Cardinals earlier at No. 71.
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Isaiah Adams joins Arizona Cardinals as third-round NFL draft pick
Illinois offensive lineman Isaiah Adams has been selected by the Arizona Cardinals as the 71st overall pick in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. This marks Adams as the second player from Illinois to be drafted this year, following defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton, who was picked 36th overall by Washington.
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Illinois concludes spring football season with annual Orange and Blue Spring Game
Illinois football concluded its spring practice with the Orange and Blue Spring Game at Memorial Stadium. The event featured a scrimmage where the offense wore blue jerseys, quarterbacks donned orange, and the defense dressed in white.