Head coach Bret Bielema and his squad were the talk of Champaign this fall. They brought extended joy to fans watching the program for the first time in a while. As they continued to win and fans were more engaged, their hearts were more easily broken as well. Here is Santa’s nice and the naughty list for Illinois football.
Nice: Illinois’ squad
At the beginning of the 2024 football season, No. 20 Illinois (9-3, 6-3) was ranked in the bottom half of the Big Ten. No one expected the Cinderella-like season that took place. Looking back on the past four months, there is much to be happy about this season.
Illinois appeared in the AP poll for the first time since 2022 and had multiple wins against ranked opponents such as Kansas, Nebraska and Michigan. With this success, Illinois will conclude its season at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31.
Additionally, senior wide receiver Pat Bryant, senior offensive tackle J.C. Davis, junior outside linebacker Gabe Jacas, junior defensive back Xavier Scott and junior receiver Hank Beatty each received Big Ten All-Conference honors.
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
This year, the Illini showcased how well they could play complementary football and thrive on both sides. Players like Scott and Jacas made huge plays to bring the ball back into Illinois’ possession and junior quarterback Luke Altmyer led his offense to accompany the defense’s work and score when the team needed it the most.
It was a magical ending to a magical season for Illini football, and they’re sure to get great presents in their stockings for their elite efforts.
Naughty: Tez Johnson
Oregon senior wide receiver Tez Johnson gave Illinois’ secondary a run for its money in its first loss of the season. In just six receptions, Johnson went for 102 yards and finished with one touchdown with a home-field advantage over the Illini.
Completing a catch is one thing, but the fashion in which Johnson did so against Illinois put him on the naughty list. He was incredibly agile and changed directions on the field with ease. Johnson created space between himself and Illinois’ defenders and never looked back after he caught the ball.
Guys who typically succeed in the backfield, like junior defensive backs Scott and Torrie Cox Jr., struggled to keep up with Johnson’s pace. With his motor and now a Big Ten championship title under his belt, Illini fans hope the Ducks’ star gets some coal in his stocking this year.
Nice: Bret Bielema
Bielema deserves some presents under the Christmas tree for his efforts in his fourth season with Illinois. He had his best regular season record yet with Illinois this year, and his determination continues.
Not only does he acquire elite athletes from the transfer portal, but he pursues talented players from high school to establish sufficient longevity for the program. Since the start of his career with the team, he’s gone 27-22 overall and consistently makes strides to push Illinois to success.
“What we’ve tried to do since I’ve come here is change the expectations for what people think of this place and what it is,” Bielema said after Illinois’ victory over Michigan State. “Our expectation is to try and go 1-0 every week … We’re just continuing to grow and make a great impression.”
It’s relatively safe to say Bielema has made a strong impression in just a couple of years with the Illini. Attendance at Memorial Stadium has grown, bowl game appearances are continuing and the guys on the team genuinely admire him and his leadership. With his most successful season under his belt and continued dedication to Illinois, he should be on Santa’s nice list for a while.
