Bret Bielema is nailing down the nitty-gritty with just days until kick-off

For the first time since 2008, the Illinois Fighting Illini are kicking off the year in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll. So, understandably, head coach Bret Bielema is doing everything in his power to ensure that his team stays there.

With just 11 days until kick off, Bielema was putting his offensive, defensive, and special teams units through some of the most unique situations that could ever take place in a game.

On Monday, kicker David Olano sprinted onto the field to attempt a mayday field goal with just seconds left on the clock. Olano, impressively, made the attempt to win the in-practice game.

To put it simply, Bielema is clamping down on every single minute detail that is possible and ensuring that it is ironed out before the Fighting Illini ever take the field

Beyond the nitty-gritty plays and setups, Bielema continues to rehab and prepare his athletes to play to the best of their ability in the upcoming season.

Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Malik Elzy has returned to practice after missing time with a hamstring issue, and senior offensive lineman J.C. Davis has taken a step in the right direction, removing his walking boot after struggling with plantar fasciitis this offseason.

Elzy's nine catches over the last two seasons have resulted in 129 yards and two touchdowns, all while playing backup wideout to the first string. With yet another year of progress under his belt, Elzy is projected to be one of the top receivers in Illinois's depth chart, and his stats should skyrocket in 2025.

Davis transferred to play for the Fighting Illini after starting his collegiate career with the New Mexico Lobos and is primed to play his second season for Illinois.

The Fighting Illini will kick off their 2025 season with a home game against the Western Illinois Leathernecks on Friday, Aug. 29, at 6:30 p.m. CT.