Illinois Football: Much to look forward to for the Illini class of 2023

Head coach Bret Bielema and the Illinois football team far exceeded expectations this season, finishing second in the Big Ten West at 8-4.

As the Illini await the announcement of their bowl game, many fans are disappointed that we weren’t able to punch our ticket to Lucas Oil Stadium for the Big Ten Championship. It would have been extra sweet to make it to Indianapolis given the Orange and Blue would have taken on Michigan, who they were just a 35-yard field goal away from upsetting on November 19.

Others are pleased with the progress the program has made in year two of the Bret Bielema era.  Bielema took a bottom-of-the-barrel 2-6 Illini program and built them into a conference title contender who nearly knocked off the No. 2 team in the nation.

How is Bret Bielema’s work behind the scenes looking for the upcoming Illinois football recruiting class?

The Illini currently hold the No. 49 recruiting class in the country.  The class consists of 18 three-stars and is headlined by in-state four-star athlete, Kaden Feagin.

Within the past couple of months, Bielema and staff were able to snag four key three-star recruits, which included two talented defenders in safety Saboor Karriem and edge Alex Bray. Illinois also landed some offensive line help in Brandon Henderson and Dez’Mond Schuster.

Three-star quarterback Cal Swanson, who is ranked the No. 45 quarterback in the nation, will have a legit shot at taking the keys to the Illini offense as a true freshman following the departure of Tommy DeVito.

A decision still looms for highly-touted four-star athlete Jyaire Hill, who the Illini are reportedly battling Michigan for.  The Illini may be underdogs in this fight, according to 247sports lead expert Steve Lorenz.

The Illini have, however, lost defensive back DD Snyder and wide receiver Daniel Edwards to the transfer portal in recent days.

Despite the losses, Illinois could still be a big player in the transfer world, according to 2023 Illini commit Antwon “Jojo” Hayden.

Illini fans have so much to look forward to; a bowl game, a 2023 recruit frenzy, and a bright future ahead of the program.