Despite being in a bye week, Illinois (5-2, 2-2) has continued to garner recognition for its midseason performance. The team announced that head coach Bret Bielema and senior wide receiver Hank Beatty were added to midseason watch lists. Sporting News named Beatty a midseason All-American.
Bielema led the Illini to a 5-2 record entering their bye week and was named to the American Heart Association’s Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year watch list, which is an award granted annually to celebrate excellence in coaching.
The record is especially impressive as the Illini have played the most difficult schedule in the Big Ten this year. The Illini have also played the fourth-hardest strength of schedule in the nation, highlighted by a win over No. 20 USC (5-1, 3-1).
The Biletnikoff Award added Beatty to the watch list, an award given to the most outstanding FBS receiver. Beatty has the resume this season to warrant this honor, being ninth in the nation in all-purpose yards and second in the Big Ten in receiving yards.
His versatility has made him a wild card on the field. Beatty is the only player in the nation with a passing, rushing, receiving and punt return touchdown this season.
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The Paul Bryant Coach of the Year Award will be announced Jan. 21, 2026, and the Biletnikoff Award will be announced on Dec. 12.
