Bret Bielema is trying to build a sustainable program for the Illinois football team.
It is hard to compete with the other teams in the country when there is way more money being thrown around. This is why I think Bielema has done an incredible job with the Illini.
In his weekly press conference before the week one contest against UAB, Bielema took to the podium to talk about everything. He touched on the injuries heading into the first game, but he also talked about the punter battle heading into the 2026 campaign.
“I think I know where we are going. The punter battle has been absolutely awesome.”
From the sound of things, this could be Lars Rau’s job to lose at this point, as Bielema talked about Jack Gray getting here late. He gave a reason why and even took a little joking shot at Illinois basketball head coach Brad Underwood.
“Lars and Jack, you know, Jack kind of got here late. I think the Visa, I blame Brad because he’s getting all these foreign players. They must be backpiled on waivers over there coming to Illinois. We just tried to get one Australian punter, and it took us six months. Coaches pay scale is probably different, but that is another point.”
This might be the funniest quote, with a little truth sprinkled in, that I have ever heard Bielema utter at a press conference.
The basketball team does have quite the roster full of overseas players. Listed as hometowns, you have Greece, Croatia (x2), Montenegro, and Estonia.
Special teams have been a key part of Illinois football for as long as they have been playing
Illinois has had great special teams no matter how good or bad the actual program has been over the years.
We had Steve Weatherford play nine seasons in the NFL, and he won Super Bowls as a punter. The kicking game has been even more lucrative when it comes to NFL talent.
Chase McLaughlin is still kicking in the NFL, and he is entering season No. 8. You also had Neil Rackers, who was a legendary kicker and was drafted in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. He played 12 seasons in the NFL.
I haven’t even touched on the other special teams talent. Isaiah Williams played a lot in the return game the last couple of seasons. Hank Beatty is trying to make the Tennessee Titans roster as a returner.
Illinois has always had good special teams. The decision on who the punter is going to be matters for the 2026 season. Hopefully, Bielema can get on the expedited Visa plan that Underwood is on moving forward.
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