Illinois Football: How Depth is Shaping Bret Bielema’s Optimism For The Future

Get Old, and Stay Old

After reclaiming Abe’s Hat from the Northwestern Wildcats in Chicago to cap off the regular season at 9-3, Illinois Football head coach Bret Bielema expressed his increasing optimism for the future of his program, beyond Illinois’ current success in 2024.

It is certainly not hard to feel good after a monumental win. However, when meeting with the media following the big 38-28 victory, Coach Bielema boasted high confidence in what the Illini roster can be moving forward into a promising 2025 season.

According to Bielema, young depth has the Illini head coach increasingly confident in the future of the program.

Nov 30, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Aidan Laughery (21) scores a touchdown against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Bielema on The Growing Depth of Illinois Football

“I’m excited for what the future can be. Not just right now, but I’m telling you, fellas, we’ve got a really young football team. We’re one of the youngest teams in the power-4.”

Bielema furthermore states, “The core of our football team when I make my 74-man travel roster, it’s all basically sophomores and juniors who will turn into juniors and seniors next year. To me, as a head coach, that is very exciting.”

Credit: Illini Inquirer on YouTube. Watch – 12:55 to 13:13

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