Lovie Smith was the first college coach to extend a scholarship offer to Griffith, a four-star prospect out of Chicago and the son of Illini great Howard Griffith, but he signed with Notre Dame.

He earned the Illini's 2022 Howard Griffith Impact Player Award. Nicholson, a Jacksonville (Fla.) native, was a three-star prospect in the Class of 2020 and was a late addition to Lovie Smith's ...

Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil, right, intercepts a pass intended for Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) on Saturday. No remaining playoff team has more former Illinois players ...

Before Bielems arrived in Champaign, Illinois enjoyed one moderately successful season in then-coach Lovie Smith's five-year ... fifth year in Champaign. The Illini finished fifth in the Big ...

The Illini are seeking back-to-back winning seasons ... Bielema his best opportunity to do so since taking over for Lovie Smith in Dec. 2020. Illinois and South Carolina get underway on New ...