CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema was named to the Dodd Trophy Preseason Watch List, the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc. announced Monday. 

Bielema guided the Illini to a program-record-tying 10 wins in 2024 and is one of five Big Ten coaches on the list.

Bielema signed a six-year extension in May 2025, keeping him in Champaign through 2030. 

Illinois finished last season ranked #16 in the AP Top 25, and returns 18 starters from its Cheez-It Citrus Bowl-winning team. 

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