Bret Bielema viral T-Signal moment made into NCAA Rule

December 31st, 2024 was a memorable day for the Illinois Fighting Illini for a multitude of reasons. First off, the Illini won the 2024 Cheez-it Citrus Bowl over the SEC’s South Carolina Gamecocks 21-17. The win was the 10th win of what was a historic season for head coach Bret Bielema and his Fighting Illini. Grabbing that 10th win in the Citrus Bowl over an SEC program has certainly proved useful on the recruiting trail in recent months.

Additionally, the Illini simply gained national recognition from being in the national spotlight and playing in a New Year’s Eve bowl game. Also, who could forget the viral moment created by Bret Bielema and Shane Beamer?

The Moment

South Carolina signaled the T-bar during an Illinois kickoff. A T-bar signifies that the team will not return the kick and will settle for a touchback. This allows the opposing team to slow down their all-out sprint toward the kickoff returners. However, Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks tried a trick return while signaling for a T-bar. This came after multiple times in which Bielema would have his defensive substitutions jog on and off the field in hopes of running down the play clock whenever South Carolina subbed offensive players.

When Illini defensive back Jaheim Clarke fell on the field to injury, Bret Bielema held up the same T-bar signal while staring down the Gamecock sideline. After that, all hell broke loose.

A New Rule

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg reported that the NCAA rules committee has stated that the infamous “T-Signal” now results in the team forfeiting their right to return the kick. After the incident occurred, Bret Bielema stated that it was kind of an unspoken rule to honor that signal. However, since the viral moment happened, it seems that the NCAA is backing up Bielema‘s thought process.

The Fighting Illini head coach is always up to date on everything and has a very well-nuanced knowledge of all college football rules. As he continues to bring Illinois to national relevance, Illini fans can certainly take solace in the savvy of their head coach.

NCAA rules committee says the “T-signal,” which came up in the Illinois/South Carolina bowl game, will now result in a team giving up its right to return a kick. https://t.co/PkvWbaFUsk

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) February 28, 2025

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