While he is a few years removed from his time as an NFL head coach, the world of football still reveres Jon Gruden's opinions on the sport, even at the collegiate level.
Recently, while attending a high school football game in Champaign, Gruden was asked what he thought about the Illinois Fighting Illini's upcoming season and their program as a whole. The Super Bowl-winning head coach gave the Illini his nod of approval.
"[Illinois is] a factor. You don't want to see them very often on your schedule," Gruden said.
He went on to praise the Illini's head coach, Bret Bielema, who is heading into his fifth season with the team and holds a 28-22 overall record at Illinois.