Chambana Sun

Illinois will host what is being described as the largest giveaway event in the history of FOX's Big Noon Kickoff pregame show. The event, organized in partnership with FOX and several local businesses, will take place at Grange Grove on Saturday starting at 9 a.m. Central Time.

Among the prizes are a year of free tuition at the University of Illinois for one undergraduate student, a two-year lease for a new 2026 GMC Terrain provided by Serra Buick GMC Champaign, and giveaways from local restaurants such as Chick-Fil-A, Papa John's, Jimmy John's, and Portillo's. Additional items like game tickets, food, trucker hats, and other merchandise will also be distributed by FOX.

For the tuition scholarship giveaway, only current undergraduate students with valid University of Illinois I Cards are eligible. The value of the scholarship is $13,000 at the in-state base rate and is subject to official rules found at fightingillini.com/tuitionthrowingchallengerules. For the car lease giveaway, participants must have a valid driver's license to qualify.

FOX's Big Noon Kickoff show will air live from Grange Grove from 9-11 a.m., featuring Rob Stone; analysts Mark Ingram II, Matt Leinart, Urban Meyer, Brady Quinn; and Barstool’s Dave Portnoy. Chris "The Bear" Fallica will provide analysis along with interviews from reporter Tom Rinaldi.

The live broadcast will begin outside Grange Grove before moving into Gies Memorial Stadium for the rest of the show. Admission to Big Noon Kickoff is free and fans are encouraged to bring signs.

Barstool’s College Football Show will precede Big Noon Kickoff at 8 a.m. in Grange Grove.

The pregame festivities lead up to the #17 ranked Fighting Illini facing off against #1 Ohio State at Gies Memorial Stadium. The game kicks off at 11 a.m. Central Time on FOX.