Illinois Football Focus
@illinifb.bsky.social
Unlock Illini Football like never before. Deep dives into analysis, stats, and game film. Plus live game video and a little bit of fun as well. My real name is Storm.
🏡 St Louis
🔗 illinifb.substack.com
🏡 St Louis
🔗 illinifb.substack.com
Pinned
Here’s my current #Illini Starter Pack of Bluesky accounts covering Illinois sports.
If someone joins Bluesky in the future or if I’ve missed an account that should be included, let me know in the comments or DMs so I can add them.
Let’s keep growing the Illini community on Bluesky!
If someone joins Bluesky in the future or if I’ve missed an account that should be included, let me know in the comments or DMs so I can add them.
Let’s keep growing the Illini community on Bluesky!
January 2, 2026 at 8:34 PM
Illinois finished 25th overall in SP+ and 8th in the Big Ten.
Overall Ranks (Big Ten Ranks)
Offense: 28th (7th)
Defense: 41st (12th)
Special Teams: 30th (6th)
Overall Ranks (Big Ten Ranks)
Offense: 28th (7th)
Defense: 41st (12th)
Special Teams: 30th (6th)
January 2, 2026 at 8:03 PM
Illinois finished 25th overall in SP+ and 8th in the Big Ten.
Overall Ranks (Big Ten Ranks)
Offense: 28th (7th)
Defense: 41st (12th)
Special Teams: 30th (6th)
Overall Ranks (Big Ten Ranks)
Offense: 28th (7th)
Defense: 41st (12th)
Special Teams: 30th (6th)
Former Illini WR Isaiah Willams has been named MVP of the New York Jets as voted on by the players.
His stats…
Punt Return:
28 returns
396 yards
14.1 avg
2 TD
Kick Return:
23 returns
695 yards
30.2 avg
Receiving:
29 targets
21 receptions
169 yards
Rushing:
3 attempts
34 yards
His stats…
Punt Return:
28 returns
396 yards
14.1 avg
2 TD
Kick Return:
23 returns
695 yards
30.2 avg
Receiving:
29 targets
21 receptions
169 yards
Rushing:
3 attempts
34 yards
Isaiah Williams Named Jets 2025 Curtis Martin Team MVP
Former Undrafted FA's Production as KR/WR, His Determination to Succeed Is Recognized by His Teammates
www.newyorkjets.com
January 2, 2026 at 5:57 PM
Former Illini WR Isaiah Willams has been named MVP of the New York Jets as voted on by the players.
His stats…
Punt Return:
28 returns
396 yards
14.1 avg
2 TD
Kick Return:
23 returns
695 yards
30.2 avg
Receiving:
29 targets
21 receptions
169 yards
Rushing:
3 attempts
34 yards
His stats…
Punt Return:
28 returns
396 yards
14.1 avg
2 TD
Kick Return:
23 returns
695 yards
30.2 avg
Receiving:
29 targets
21 receptions
169 yards
Rushing:
3 attempts
34 yards
Illinois Players In The Portal
WR Ashton Hollins
OL Clayton Leonard
K David Olano
LB Malachi Hood
EDGE Jojo Hayden
CB Kaleb Patterson
DB Tyson Rooks
TE Cole Rusk
DL Jeremiah Warren
WR Mario Sanders II
CB Vernon Woodward
CB Donovan Turner
LB Easton Baker
OL Kellen Francis
QB Trey Petty
WR Malik Elzy
WR Ashton Hollins
OL Clayton Leonard
K David Olano
LB Malachi Hood
EDGE Jojo Hayden
CB Kaleb Patterson
DB Tyson Rooks
TE Cole Rusk
DL Jeremiah Warren
WR Mario Sanders II
CB Vernon Woodward
CB Donovan Turner
LB Easton Baker
OL Kellen Francis
QB Trey Petty
WR Malik Elzy
January 2, 2026 at 5:19 PM
Illinois Players In The Portal
WR Ashton Hollins
OL Clayton Leonard
K David Olano
LB Malachi Hood
EDGE Jojo Hayden
CB Kaleb Patterson
DB Tyson Rooks
TE Cole Rusk
DL Jeremiah Warren
WR Mario Sanders II
CB Vernon Woodward
CB Donovan Turner
LB Easton Baker
OL Kellen Francis
QB Trey Petty
WR Malik Elzy
WR Ashton Hollins
OL Clayton Leonard
K David Olano
LB Malachi Hood
EDGE Jojo Hayden
CB Kaleb Patterson
DB Tyson Rooks
TE Cole Rusk
DL Jeremiah Warren
WR Mario Sanders II
CB Vernon Woodward
CB Donovan Turner
LB Easton Baker
OL Kellen Francis
QB Trey Petty
WR Malik Elzy
Reposted by Illinois Football Focus
I bash ESPN a lot, but one place where they shine is capturing the agony and despair of fans whose teams are about to lose.
January 2, 2026 at 5:05 AM
I bash ESPN a lot, but one place where they shine is capturing the agony and despair of fans whose teams are about to lose.
Illinois Players In The Transfer Portal:
K David Olano
LB Malachi Hood
EDGE Jojo Hayden
CB Kaleb Patterson
DB Tyson Rooks
TE Cole Rusk
DL Jeremiah Warren
WR Mario Sanders II
CB Vernon Woodward
CB Donovan Turner
LB Easton Baker
OL Kellen Francis
QB Trey Petty
WR Malik Elzy
K David Olano
LB Malachi Hood
EDGE Jojo Hayden
CB Kaleb Patterson
DB Tyson Rooks
TE Cole Rusk
DL Jeremiah Warren
WR Mario Sanders II
CB Vernon Woodward
CB Donovan Turner
LB Easton Baker
OL Kellen Francis
QB Trey Petty
WR Malik Elzy
January 2, 2026 at 4:58 AM
Illinois Players In The Transfer Portal:
K David Olano
LB Malachi Hood
EDGE Jojo Hayden
CB Kaleb Patterson
DB Tyson Rooks
TE Cole Rusk
DL Jeremiah Warren
WR Mario Sanders II
CB Vernon Woodward
CB Donovan Turner
LB Easton Baker
OL Kellen Francis
QB Trey Petty
WR Malik Elzy
K David Olano
LB Malachi Hood
EDGE Jojo Hayden
CB Kaleb Patterson
DB Tyson Rooks
TE Cole Rusk
DL Jeremiah Warren
WR Mario Sanders II
CB Vernon Woodward
CB Donovan Turner
LB Easton Baker
OL Kellen Francis
QB Trey Petty
WR Malik Elzy
Coach Bielema:
“nothing today/tomorrow is a surprise.. new world in college football that involves roster reconstruction in January. All the best to players & staff that explore new opportunities. Enjoy & celebrate the moments they helped us earn.”
“nothing today/tomorrow is a surprise.. new world in college football that involves roster reconstruction in January. All the best to players & staff that explore new opportunities. Enjoy & celebrate the moments they helped us earn.”
January 2, 2026 at 4:50 AM
Coach Bielema:
“nothing today/tomorrow is a surprise.. new world in college football that involves roster reconstruction in January. All the best to players & staff that explore new opportunities. Enjoy & celebrate the moments they helped us earn.”
“nothing today/tomorrow is a surprise.. new world in college football that involves roster reconstruction in January. All the best to players & staff that explore new opportunities. Enjoy & celebrate the moments they helped us earn.”
ESPN reported Thursday that Illinois assistant head coach Thad Ward is leaving Champaign and heading back to Kansas State to be an associate head coach and receivers coach.
Ward was previously the Wildcats’ wide receivers coach in 2022.
Ward was previously the Wildcats’ wide receivers coach in 2022.
January 2, 2026 at 4:14 AM
ESPN reported Thursday that Illinois assistant head coach Thad Ward is leaving Champaign and heading back to Kansas State to be an associate head coach and receivers coach.
Ward was previously the Wildcats’ wide receivers coach in 2022.
Ward was previously the Wildcats’ wide receivers coach in 2022.
Reposted by Illinois Football Focus
Indiana wins their first bowl game since the 1991 Copper Bowl, ending their streak as the only P4 team without a bowl win this millennium.
They do so by obliterating the greatest dynasty of this century in the Rose Bowl, 38-3, to advance to the Semifinal.
They do so by obliterating the greatest dynasty of this century in the Rose Bowl, 38-3, to advance to the Semifinal.
January 2, 2026 at 12:16 AM
Indiana wins their first bowl game since the 1991 Copper Bowl, ending their streak as the only P4 team without a bowl win this millennium.
They do so by obliterating the greatest dynasty of this century in the Rose Bowl, 38-3, to advance to the Semifinal.
They do so by obliterating the greatest dynasty of this century in the Rose Bowl, 38-3, to advance to the Semifinal.
Reposted by Illinois Football Focus
Halftime, Rose Bowl
Indiana 17 | 4.75 total EPA
Alabama 0 | -5.60 total EPA
gameonpaper.com/cfb/game/401...
Indiana 17 | 4.75 total EPA
Alabama 0 | -5.60 total EPA
gameonpaper.com/cfb/game/401...
January 1, 2026 at 10:50 PM
Halftime, Rose Bowl
Indiana 17 | 4.75 total EPA
Alabama 0 | -5.60 total EPA
gameonpaper.com/cfb/game/401...
Indiana 17 | 4.75 total EPA
Alabama 0 | -5.60 total EPA
gameonpaper.com/cfb/game/401...
Reposted by Illinois Football Focus
NEWS: Two-time All-Big Ten kicker David Olano is entering the transfer portal
Why it matters & what it means for #illini ⤵️
Why it matters & what it means for #illini ⤵️
Illini kicker David Olano to enter transfer portal
Olano earned All-Big Ten honorable mention each of the last two years
247sports.com
January 1, 2026 at 4:09 PM
NEWS: Two-time All-Big Ten kicker David Olano is entering the transfer portal
Why it matters & what it means for #illini ⤵️
Why it matters & what it means for #illini ⤵️
Kellen Francis -> Portal
December 31, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Kellen Francis -> Portal
Reposted by Illinois Football Focus
Every bowl season, someone in another conference gets the full Iowa Experience.
Yes, there's a two-star recruit OL who is a future NFL Draft pick. No, you can't block the defensive front. Yes, there's always another tight end you've never heard of making plays.
Yes, there's a two-star recruit OL who is a future NFL Draft pick. No, you can't block the defensive front. Yes, there's always another tight end you've never heard of making plays.
December 31, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Every bowl season, someone in another conference gets the full Iowa Experience.
Yes, there's a two-star recruit OL who is a future NFL Draft pick. No, you can't block the defensive front. Yes, there's always another tight end you've never heard of making plays.
Yes, there's a two-star recruit OL who is a future NFL Draft pick. No, you can't block the defensive front. Yes, there's always another tight end you've never heard of making plays.
Reposted by Illinois Football Focus
Iowa piling it on Vanderbilt. Now 21-3 midway through the third quarter.
December 31, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Iowa piling it on Vanderbilt. Now 21-3 midway through the third quarter.
Illinois Sophomore linebacker Jojo Hayden is entering the transfer portal per Pete Nakos
December 31, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Illinois Sophomore linebacker Jojo Hayden is entering the transfer portal per Pete Nakos
Luke Altmyer’s career ranks at Illinois:
1st — Passer Rating (144.31)
1st — Completion Percentage (64.36)
2nd — QB Wins (23)
2nd — Touchdown Passes (57)
5th — Passing Yards (7,607)
1st — Passer Rating (144.31)
1st — Completion Percentage (64.36)
2nd — QB Wins (23)
2nd — Touchdown Passes (57)
5th — Passing Yards (7,607)
December 31, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Luke Altmyer’s career ranks at Illinois:
1st — Passer Rating (144.31)
1st — Completion Percentage (64.36)
2nd — QB Wins (23)
2nd — Touchdown Passes (57)
5th — Passing Yards (7,607)
1st — Passer Rating (144.31)
1st — Completion Percentage (64.36)
2nd — QB Wins (23)
2nd — Touchdown Passes (57)
5th — Passing Yards (7,607)
Reposted by Illinois Football Focus
The Illinois Fighting Illini of 1894.
They would go 4-3, with wins over Wabash, Lake Forest, Northwestern, and Pastime Athletic Club and losses to Chicago Athletic Association, Purdue, and the Indianapolis Light Artillery.
They would go 4-3, with wins over Wabash, Lake Forest, Northwestern, and Pastime Athletic Club and losses to Chicago Athletic Association, Purdue, and the Indianapolis Light Artillery.
December 31, 2025 at 12:51 AM
The Illinois Fighting Illini of 1894.
They would go 4-3, with wins over Wabash, Lake Forest, Northwestern, and Pastime Athletic Club and losses to Chicago Athletic Association, Purdue, and the Indianapolis Light Artillery.
They would go 4-3, with wins over Wabash, Lake Forest, Northwestern, and Pastime Athletic Club and losses to Chicago Athletic Association, Purdue, and the Indianapolis Light Artillery.
Coach Bielema pretended like he was going to smash the guitar postgame after the Music City Bowl win.
December 31, 2025 at 5:22 AM
Coach Bielema pretended like he was going to smash the guitar postgame after the Music City Bowl win.
Tennessee finishes the season with zero wins against FBS teams with a winning record
Wins vs
FCS
3-9 Syracuse
4-8 UAB
5-7 Mississippi St
2-10 Arkansas
5-7 Kentucky
4-8 New Mexico St
4-8 Florida
Wins vs
FCS
3-9 Syracuse
4-8 UAB
5-7 Mississippi St
2-10 Arkansas
5-7 Kentucky
4-8 New Mexico St
4-8 Florida
December 31, 2025 at 5:06 AM
Tennessee finishes the season with zero wins against FBS teams with a winning record
Wins vs
FCS
3-9 Syracuse
4-8 UAB
5-7 Mississippi St
2-10 Arkansas
5-7 Kentucky
4-8 New Mexico St
4-8 Florida
Wins vs
FCS
3-9 Syracuse
4-8 UAB
5-7 Mississippi St
2-10 Arkansas
5-7 Kentucky
4-8 New Mexico St
4-8 Florida
Illinois kicker David Olano knew the game winning field goal was good right off his foot.
Compares kicking field goals to golf drives. When you hit it pure, you instantly know.
Full video: youtu.be/G2cY3AN5L18?...
Compares kicking field goals to golf drives. When you hit it pure, you instantly know.
Full video: youtu.be/G2cY3AN5L18?...
December 31, 2025 at 4:15 AM
Illinois kicker David Olano knew the game winning field goal was good right off his foot.
Compares kicking field goals to golf drives. When you hit it pure, you instantly know.
Full video: youtu.be/G2cY3AN5L18?...
Compares kicking field goals to golf drives. When you hit it pure, you instantly know.
Full video: youtu.be/G2cY3AN5L18?...
In 134 football seasons, Illinois has finished with 9+ wins just eight times (6% of the time).
Bret Bielema has done it twice in five seasons
Bret Bielema has done it twice in five seasons
December 31, 2025 at 3:51 AM
In 134 football seasons, Illinois has finished with 9+ wins just eight times (6% of the time).
Bret Bielema has done it twice in five seasons
Bret Bielema has done it twice in five seasons
Illinois QB Luke Altmyer caps off his college career by winning the Music City Bowl MVP award.
December 31, 2025 at 3:24 AM
Illinois QB Luke Altmyer caps off his college career by winning the Music City Bowl MVP award.
