Illinois Head Coach Bret Bielema
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema looks towards the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Duke in Durham, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
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The Illini are enjoying their most successful run of football in over two decades. The No. 9 Illini entered the top 10 of The Associated Press college football poll on Sunday for the first time since 2001.Â
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois head coach Bret Bielema was named to the American Heart Association's Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year watch list, the award's committee announced.Â
Illinois football has added a home date against Buffalo to its 2029 nonconference schedule, the program announced Thursday.Â
