2024 B1G Media Days: Spotlight on Illinois

As the season rapidly approaches, the Big Ten Conference kicks off its 2024 Media Days at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., this week.

On Day One of the 3-day event, Illinois was the first team we heard from with coach Bret Bielema taking the podium early. Finishing with a 5-7 record last year, the Fighting Illini look to turn things around in this new era of the B1G.

Bielema was not alone as wide receiver Pat Bryant and linebackers Seth Coleman and Gabe Jacas also spoke with the media. Illinois added 3 four-star transfers, returned 10 starters from last year and hopes to bounce back after a disappointing season.

Illinois’ Roster Boasts Experience

A great way to improve year-to-year is by playing guys who have games under their belt. During his press conference, Bielema wanted to make sure fans understood that this team has experience. Bielema emphasized this point further by bringing Bryant, Coleman and Jacas with him.

“I think it’s important to note all 3 players who are here today have been at the University of Illinois their entire career and only at the University of Illinois,” Bielema said.

Bielema made sure the media knew that Illinois has 17 starters next year who have started 10 or more games. Ten of them are returning from last season for the Fighting Illini. As a coach, Bielema himself has quite the resume and has been around the block. Between coaching stints in Wisconsin, Arkansas and now Illinois, Bielema has a 115-77 record, 3 B1G Championships, and a 2006 Big Ten Coach of the Year award.

Secondary as a Bright Spot

Illinois' defensive backs have been a bright spot over the last few years. While super talented, safeties Xavier Scott and Miles Scott faced injuries last year. With both coming into the season healthy, fans have a secondary to look forward to this season.

"Super excited about Miles Scott and Xavier Scott," Bielema said.

There's experience in the secondary as well. Texas transfer Terrance Brooks is a defensive back looking to make a difference this year. He joins Ohio transfer Torrie Cox Jr. in that group. Both players have plenty of college football snaps and reps. Cox Jr. is the son of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Torrie Cox.

"Then you mention Terrance Brooks, a guy that started, I believe, almost 20 games at Texas on a College Football Playoff team," Bielema said.

Excitement for the 2024 Season

Leaving last year in the past, the Fighting Illini have plenty to be excited about. According to CBS Sports, Il;inois' projected win total is 5.5. In the B1G, this team could potentially upset and surprise a few teams. Easily, those preseason 5.5 win total odds could be a mistake. Bielema said there is no other position he wants to be in right now.

"There isn't a more exciting time for me in my life than to be the head coach at the University of Illinois in 2024," Bielema said.

Stay tuned to College Football Dawgs for more coverage of the 2024 B1G Media Days.