⚡ CFB Dashboard

- DL: Joe Barna is embracing the new #illini defense, a big role and a new position on the defensive line this offseason.

- Top Betting/Intel Takeaways - Program baseline: Tom Fornelli says Bret Bielema has raised Illinois from volatility into its best modern floor: reset years now look like 7-5/8-4 rather than 3-9/4-8. - Bielema market perception: Fornelli ranked Bielema higher than the public CBS ranking because the Arkansas tenure still drags national perception, even though Arkansas declined after him and Illinois has become respectable. - Offensive stability: Barry Lunney Jr. entering year five matters; Fornelli credits the staff with having a plan and tailoring offense to personnel, and says offense has not been the core problem during the 19-win stretch. - QB Katin Houser: Fornelli liked Houser as a portal fit before the move happened. The appeal is Big Ten experience, ECU RPO background, size, and a better outside-numbers/deep-ball profile than Luke Altmyer.

- — Mike Coach Linehan has been named Illinois' defensive ends coach, head coach Bret Bielema announced. "We are excited to welcome Coach Linehan to our staff," said Bielema.

- — Jordan Coach Thomas was named Illinois' defensive line coach/run game coordinator, head coach Bret Bielema announced. "Coach Thomas is a great fit for our Illini FamILLy with an immediate understanding of our defensive system," said Bielema.