In that scenario, could McVay make a bold call and hire Lovie Smith for the role? Smith, the former head coach of the Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Illinois Fighting Illini served under ...

If the projections hold, Illinois could play a perennial College Football Playoff juggernaut in the opening round next year.

Bringing his ballhawking style to the NFL, the former Illinois safety helped lead Detroit to an NFC North title ...

I would never tell anyone which NFL team to root for. Most of my life, I've favored the Dolphins, but in kind of casual way, I agreed we could see other people/root for other teams. Because it had ...

Three former Illini are playing prominent parts for Dan ... Defensive back Quan Martin is also starting for the Commanders. The Lovie Smith recruit at Illinois scored a touchdown Saturday on ...

Central Illinois high school football is becoming a hot spot for top Division 1 college programs."It is cool because you ...

As the quarterback at Northern Illinois last fall, Hampton helped the Huskies pull off a stunning victory at then-No. 5 Notre Dame. Now, he’s going to suit up for Illinois in 20 ...

Initially recruited by Lovie Smith in 2017, Joseph needed a few seasons ... Joseph is one of several ex-Illini to have successfully transitioned to the NFL, including Nate Hobbs Jr., Sydney ...

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 ...

He was also defensive coordinator under Lovie Smith from 2004 to 2006, when a defense led by Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher led Chicago to its only other Super Bowl appearance. The Bears finished ...