Bret Bielema named to Bobby Dodd Trophy preseason watch list

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema has been named as one of 20 coaches on the preseason watch list for the Dodd Trophy. The award is given annually to the college football Coach of the Year.

The award not only celebrates success on the field in a matter of wins, but also celebrates head coaches who stress the importance of academics, leadership, and integrity.

Entering the 2026 season, Bielema has developed a model for success at Illinois, reaching bowl games in 3 of the last 4 seasons, winning 2 of them against SEC opponents.

Bielema is one of 7 Big Ten head coaches on the preseason watch list.

According to the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation, this year's list was created through a selection process taking into consideration each program's Academic Progress Rate (APR), Graduation Success Rate, (GSR), commitment to service and charity in the community, and projected success during the 2026 season.

A midseason watch list will be released in the Fall, adding to or narrowing the selections. The Winner will be announced in Atlanta during the week of the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl.