Illinois Football to introduce throwback uniforms for 2024 Season

Illini athletic director Josh Whitman was on the Illini Pella Saturday Sports Talk Radio show with the fine individuals at the News-Gazette and shared that there are throwback uniforms planned for the 2024 season. After releasing a trio of new helmets that will be incorporated, Whitman also discussed that the Illini will run out some throwback uniforms at some point. These are interesting times as it seems that Illinois football has been fully going after a rebrand. It all started last year prior to the 2023 season when they incorporated a host of different uniforms.

Most recently, they brought out three new helmets that caught the eye of Illini fans. To remind some fans of the possibilities, I wanted to compile the uniforms that were used before the Tim Beckman era.

Per Josh Whitman, new throwback uniforms coming soon for the #illini football team 👀 pic.twitter.com/hM1Wb24t3R

— 🆃ⓐ🅹🅷 ♕ (@Recru1t1ng_Guru) July 7, 2024

The 2006-2012 Era with Juice Williams

Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

If I had to put my money on an era that the Illini choose from, it would have to be this one. These are the most modernized looking jerseys in the Illini’s past. Simply put, it brings a strong balance between unique and simultaneously respecting the old eras. The Juice Williams era also represents one of the most memorable eras in recent history for all of Illinois football fans. With how many people enjoyed the “Illinois” on the throwback helmets, these jerseys are a likely choice.

The Dick Butkus Era

Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Illini will also run out a similar helmet to the Dick Butkus era. Could the Illini throw it back to the 1960’s?

Other ideas?

Credit: Long Photography-USA TODAY Sports

The Illini could certainly honor the Jack Trudeau era. Additionally, the above helmet is the third match of the new helmets that Illinois football trotted out. Trudeau was one of the most memorable quarterbacks in Illinois football history, perhaps they could bring back the 80’s and bring out his jersey style?

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