Chambana Sun

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema has been named to the Dodd Trophy Preseason Watch List, as announced by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc. This list includes 26 top college football coaches from across the nation, with Bielema being one of five representing the Big Ten Conference.

In the previous season, Bielema led Illinois to a notable achievement of 10 wins, matching the program's record. The team was ranked by the College Football Playoff selection committee for four consecutive weeks—a first in its history—and appeared in 12 Associated Press Top 25 polls. Additionally, Illinois tied its record for victories over ranked opponents with four wins. The season concluded with a significant victory over #14 South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, finishing 21-17 and securing a #16 spot in the AP Top 25 rankings.

The upcoming season will see Illinois returning with 18 starters from their Citrus Bowl-winning team—the highest number among all bowl teams nationwide.

Bielema signed a six-year contract extension in 2025 that will keep him at Illinois until 2030. During his tenure since arriving in 2021, he has guided Illinois to new levels of success with a total of 28 wins and 18 Big Ten victories. Under his leadership, Illinois has gained national attention through consistent appearances in both AP Top 25 and College Football Playoff rankings. The program has also achieved two New Year's Bowls appearances, produced three national award finalists, had 11 players named All-Americans, and seen 12 players selected in the NFL Draft.

The Fighting Illini are set to begin their 2025 season on Friday, August 29th against Western Illinois at Memorial Stadium. The game is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. Central Time and will be broadcast on Peacock.