Jul 22, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema speaks to the media during Big 10 media days at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
A new era is on the horizon with Bret Bielema coaching his first meaningful game for the Illinois football program next Sunday.
The new era for the Illini fanbase means there is a renewed sense of hope. Just two years ago, there was some semblance of hope that Illinois could be a contender again, but most people realized there wasn’t much stability with the way the team was recruiting.