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The Deuce
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Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 8:35:29

2027 is supposed to be a smaller class for us but we're still way behind. Also, not really heavily involved with many high 3 star/borderline 4-star guys.

Sounds like we're going to lose out on one of our top OL targets (only rated in the ~800s) to Mizzou.

I'm still a 100% believer in Bert, and 2026 was a great class, but it's a bummer we couldn't keep the momentum going. Really need to avoid a down 2026 season. In-state class in 2028 is loaded.

All 4 commits this week are >1000 national composite ratings

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 9, 2026, 13:45:31, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

Going to be a class both low in quantity and quality

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Bert signal activated*

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 9, 2026, 12:40:37, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

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When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Mississippi QB pipeline

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 9, 2026, 13:06:52, in reply to "Bert signal activated*"

COMMIT: #illini land three-star 2027 Mississippi QB Sladen Shack (@sladen_shack)

Why it matters & how he fits: https://t.co/wskf9HEn3u pic.twitter.com/yo6j4rfskr
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) June 9, 2026

MS QB that's more our speed

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 9, 2026, 13:06:21, in reply to "Bert signal activated*"

Jeremy Werner
@JWerner247
·
1m
COMMIT: #illini land three-star 2027 Mississippi QB Sladen Shack (
@sladen_shack
)

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Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

From Lompati, we traded down about 1400 slots in teh composite, but QB recruiting

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 9, 2026, 13:12:55, in reply to "MS QB that's more our speed"

is so odd. Either you pay for a prep blue chipper, or pay for 1-2 years of transfer portal. Very little in between

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Jeremy Werner
@JWerner247
·
1m
COMMIT: #illini land three-star 2027 Mississippi QB Sladen Shack (
@sladen_shack
)

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I like what i've heard about this kid but obviously it's a longshot he ever plays a down here*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 9, 2026, 13:21:43, in reply to "From Lompati, we traded down about 1400 slots in teh composite, but QB recruiting"

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is so odd. Either you pay for a prep blue chipper, or pay for 1-2 years of transfer portal. Very little in between

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Jeremy Werner
@JWerner247
·
1m
COMMIT: #illini land three-star 2027 Mississippi QB Sladen Shack (
@sladen_shack
)

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Per this site he had a offer from Kiffin

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 9, 2026, 13:14:23, in reply to "From Lompati, we traded down about 1400 slots in teh composite, but QB recruiting"

who knows if it was a "firm" offer.

https://www.hottytoddy.com/2025/06/14/rebels-offer-2027-brandon-qb-sladen-shack-after-standout-camp-showing/

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is so odd. Either you pay for a prep blue chipper, or pay for 1-2 years of transfer portal. Very little in between

Previous Message

Jeremy Werner
@JWerner247
·
1m
COMMIT: #illini land three-star 2027 Mississippi QB Sladen Shack (
@sladen_shack
)

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“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

quarterback from Mississippi *

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 9, 2026, 13:06:17, in reply to "Bert signal activated*"

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Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Friday tailgates suck. People have jobs and school."

We seem to be benefiting from Matt Campbell leaving Iowa State*

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 8, 2026, 22:06:49, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

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Don't take offense, better make amends
Rip it all to shreds and let it go

picked up another JUCO DL

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 1, 2026, 16:48:56, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

he had other power four offers!

https://247sports.com/college/illinois/article/deon-williams-juco-defensive-lineman-signs-with-illinois-fighting-illini-football-282646629/

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Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

JeffJ had some reporting on our DL players who transferred out (and a former DL assistant)

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 1, 2026, 17:15:00, in reply to "picked up another JUCO DL"

last year ’Karate guy’ Joe Kim hired at a crazy salary to ‘help’ the Illini d-line with their hands/footwork quietly left after the season going to Ohio State working for his buddy Buckeye’s defensive coordinator Matty Pencil….crack research team (me) tracked down the Illini d-linemen who hit the portal last winter leaving Champaign….after spring football…..Angelo McCullum backup nose guard to C.J. Sims at Texas A&M…..Curt Neal back up nose guard at Purdue…Eli Coenen starting defensive tackle at Michigan State….Jeremiah Warren alternated between 2nd and 3rd team reps at nose guard for Pitt….Tomiwa Durojaiye credited with a ‘great spring’ winning a starting job at South Carolina….to be fair….Gamecocks extremely thin on the d-line.

https://open.substack.com/pub/jeffb59/p/they-evaluate-great-they-know-what?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

Don't take offense, better make amends
Rip it all to shreds and let it go

Illini bloggers love them some run-on sentences*

Posted by AintHatin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=AintHatin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 1, 2026, 19:28:44, in reply to "JeffJ had some reporting on our DL players who transferred out (and a former DL assistant)"

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and... ellipses*

Posted by Tortillini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Tortillini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 9, 2026, 7:50:28, in reply to "Illini bloggers love them some run-on sentences*"

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Nice, 3 years of eligibility too.*

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on June 1, 2026, 16:50:01, in reply to "picked up another JUCO DL"

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he had other power four offers!

https://247sports.com/college/illinois/article/deon-williams-juco-defensive-lineman-signs-with-illinois-fighting-illini-football-282646629/

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You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

CBS ranks Bielema #25

Posted by biclops <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=biclops' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 27, 2026, 18:50:52, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

25. Bret Bielema, Illinois
Illinois has won eight or more games in a season only five times this century. Bret Bielema is responsible for three of them in the last four years. Bielema's Illini finished 9-4 last year and have gone 11-7 in the Big Ten and 4-0 against the other three Power Four leagues over the last two seasons. 2025 rank 23 (-2), High 18, Low 32

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/2026-college-football-coach-rankings-top-25-power-four/

Don't take offense, better make amends
Rip it all to shreds and let it go

have we tried getting the 5 star guys?*

Posted by VIV <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=VIV' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 27, 2026, 14:10:12, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

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"the alchemy of the tartar sauce and cheese with the fish combined with the buttery steamed bun is so good." - Sounder re: a Filet O Fish

I don't think we're even close to the level of budget needed for those dudes

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 27, 2026, 14:11:34, in reply to "have we tried getting the 5 star guys?*"

We are barely in the convo for no-doubt 4* guys.

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*Donates $20 more dollars to IFund* Howabout now?*

Posted by KingTalkyTiki <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=KingTalkyTiki' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 27, 2026, 14:13:58, in reply to "I don't think we're even close to the level of budget needed for those dudes"

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We are barely in the convo for no-doubt 4* guys.

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"You must own the honor of being the whitest, military vet, fat, multiple state property owner but most of all the one who hates their own country the most in our country."

Right about now*

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 27, 2026, 15:24:19, in reply to "*Donates $20 more dollars to IFund* Howabout now?*"

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We are barely in the convo for no-doubt 4* guys.

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Funk soul brotha*

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 27, 2026, 15:56:40, in reply to "Right about now*"

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We are barely in the convo for no-doubt 4* guys.

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“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Game times set for non con- UAB 8PM, Duke 2:30, SIU 1PM*

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 27, 2026, 14:08:06, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

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Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Amtrak for Duke game now purchased*

Posted by JeffFrank <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JeffFrank' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 27, 2026, 19:09:21, in reply to "Game times set for non con- UAB 8PM, Duke 2:30, SIU 1PM*"

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Chicago to Durham on the train? Brother that is a haul.*

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You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

UAB is at 8 PM on a Thursday night? WTAF?

Posted by IlliniOllie <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=IlliniOllie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 27, 2026, 14:12:34, in reply to "Game times set for non con- UAB 8PM, Duke 2:30, SIU 1PM*"

Are they actively trying to drive down season ticket renewals for the future?

I know, I know, TV rules all, but this scheduling suuuuuuucks for people who actually go to games.

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Did not realize that was a Thursday night. wtf.*

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 27, 2026, 15:34:04, in reply to "UAB is at 8 PM on a Thursday night? WTAF?"

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Are they actively trying to drive down season ticket renewals for the future?

I know, I know, TV rules all, but this scheduling suuuuuuucks for people who actually go to games.

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The Big Ten Network indeed does not care about renewals

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 27, 2026, 14:14:35, in reply to "UAB is at 8 PM on a Thursday night? WTAF?"

Nor does the game time for a bad non con game fundamentally affect future renewal rates in any way

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Are they actively trying to drive down season ticket renewals for the future?

I know, I know, TV rules all, but this scheduling suuuuuuucks for people who actually go to games.

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Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

UAB 8PM, on THURSDAY September 3

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 27, 2026, 14:11:36, in reply to "Game times set for non con- UAB 8PM, Duke 2:30, SIU 1PM*"

more time to prepare to BEAT DUKE

Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Friday tailgates suck. People have jobs and school."

This post would seem to violate the Prime Directive.

Posted by complainant <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=complainant' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 27, 2026, 16:13:25, in reply to " UAB 8PM, on THURSDAY September 3"

Tsk tsk.

We got a D2 defensive line transfer.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 23, 2026, 18:47:19, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

https://247sports.com/player/ean-rhea-46158281/

If this works I’ll never doubt Bert again, here is our DL movement this offseason:

Players transferring out went to…

Texas A&M
South Carolina
Michigan State
Purdue

Players transferring in came from:

Penn
Jacksonville St.
Washington St.
Bowling Green
Copiah-Lincoln CC
Emory & Henry

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

This new guy sounds promising but the rest were mostly rotation guys

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 23, 2026, 20:11:17, in reply to "We got a D2 defensive line transfer."

at shittier schools

As of now, with this defensive front 6, 6-6 will be a great year. I don’t buy the scheme change rationale of needing to change it up. IMO it’s knowing how bad we’re gonna be up front and hope somehow the secondary can save us

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new JUCO commit: 3* DL

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 15, 2026, 15:07:34, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

Looks like 3 years of eligibility

Illinois is adding some more depth and competition to its new-look defensive line. Copiah-Lincoln Community College defensive lineman Joshua Davis signed with Illinois, the program announced on Friday.

The 6-foot-3, 270-pound Mississippi native is expected to enroll at Illinois this summer, and he currently has three seasons of eligibility remaining.
Davis chose the Illini over FBS offers from Southern Miss, Georgia State, Troy, Louisiana Tech and Old Dominion, among others.
247Sports ranks Davis as the No. 20 JUCO prospect in the Class of 2026 and the No. 7 JUCO defensive lineman in the class.
As a freshman at Co-Lin last fall, Davis totaled 21 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks in nine games.
Illinois defensive line coach Jordan Thomas led the Illini's pursuit of Davis.

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Still doesn’t play DL… err, um*

Posted by DocWalk20 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=DocWalk20' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 15, 2026, 16:01:44, in reply to "new JUCO commit: 3* DL "

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Looks like 3 years of eligibility

Illinois is adding some more depth and competition to its new-look defensive line. Copiah-Lincoln Community College defensive lineman Joshua Davis signed with Illinois, the program announced on Friday. The 6-foot-3, 270-pound Mississippi native is expected to enroll at Illinois this summer, and he currently has three seasons of eligibility remaining.
Davis chose the Illini over FBS offers from Southern Miss, Georgia State, Troy, Louisiana Tech and Old Dominion, among others.
247Sports ranks Davis as the No. 20 JUCO prospect in the Class of 2026 and the No. 7 JUCO defensive lineman in the class.
As a freshman at Co-Lin last fall, Davis totaled 21 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks in nine games.
Illinois defensive line coach Jordan Thomas led the Illini's pursuit of Davis.

new commit: 3 star LB from St. Laurence

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 15, 2026, 13:23:17, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

good offers

https://247sports.com/college/illinois/article/sean-rice-commits-to-illinois-fighting-illini-football-recruiting-st-laurence-linebacker-class-of-2027-285444276/

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Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Are things still bleak for us? Seems like we're doing ok.*

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on May 15, 2026, 14:02:47, in reply to "new commit: 3 star LB from St. Laurence"

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good offers

https://247sports.com/college/illinois/article/sean-rice-commits-to-illinois-fighting-illini-football-recruiting-st-laurence-linebacker-class-of-2027-285444276/

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You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

results hazy, check again later. i'm also contractually obligated to complain about the DL here*

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 15, 2026, 14:09:26, in reply to "Are things still bleak for us? Seems like we're doing ok.*"

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good offers

https://247sports.com/college/illinois/article/sean-rice-commits-to-illinois-fighting-illini-football-recruiting-st-laurence-linebacker-class-of-2027-285444276/

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Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

The new recruits are fine. They still don't play DL, but they're perfectly fine

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 15, 2026, 14:08:43, in reply to "Are things still bleak for us? Seems like we're doing ok.*"

Also, not 4* or top 10 in-state type guys, but not tail-end Zook guys either

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good offers

https://247sports.com/college/illinois/article/sean-rice-commits-to-illinois-fighting-illini-football-recruiting-st-laurence-linebacker-class-of-2027-285444276/

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Indiana keeps rolling.

Posted by EffinIllini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=EffinIllini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 15, 2026, 13:10:06, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

FONG BOMB: Rivals' @SWiltfong_ has logged an expert prediction for Indiana to land Five-Star Plus+ WR Monshun Sales🔴⚪️

Sales is the No. 1 WR in the 2027 class.

Read: https://t.co/WlbY6iGIEE pic.twitter.com/cSIg0Pl3kR
— Rivals (@Rivals) May 14, 2026

.

Damn Cignetti.

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And I predict he picks Illinois.*

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on May 15, 2026, 13:55:50, in reply to "Indiana keeps rolling."

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FONG BOMB: Rivals' @SWiltfong_ has logged an expert prediction for Indiana to land Five-Star Plus+ WR Monshun Sales🔴⚪️

Sales is the No. 1 WR in the 2027 class.

Read: https://t.co/WlbY6iGIEE pic.twitter.com/cSIg0Pl3kR — Rivals (@Rivals) May 14, 2026 .

Damn Cignetti.

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You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

I hate it so much*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 15, 2026, 13:37:30, in reply to "Indiana keeps rolling."

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The new JUCO TE we brought in was just rated the #1 JUCO TE in the country

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 14, 2026, 21:57:53, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

By 247. That seems good

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He doesn’t play DL

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 14, 2026, 23:15:51, in reply to "The new JUCO TE we brought in was just rated the #1 JUCO TE in the country"

Although the TE room isn’t great either

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By 247. That seems good

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Will he be playing in 2026?*

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 14, 2026, 22:16:14, in reply to "The new JUCO TE we brought in was just rated the #1 JUCO TE in the country"

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By 247. That seems good

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Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Yes*

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 14, 2026, 22:44:14, in reply to "Will he be playing in 2026?*"

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By 247. That seems good

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Apparently we offered Dez Bryant’s kid.*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 14, 2026, 18:44:59, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

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Got another pretty solid OL

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 14, 2026, 9:03:59, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

https://247sports.com/player/soren-fifer-46158399/

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When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

I think he will be a better college player than Wagner. *

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 14, 2026, 10:06:53, in reply to "Got another pretty solid OL"

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https://247sports.com/player/soren-fifer-46158399/

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Only 3 commits but each one is top 600 composite. That's solid*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 14, 2026, 9:25:59, in reply to "Got another pretty solid OL"

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https://247sports.com/player/soren-fifer-46158399/

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Definitely, would love it more if we could find some defensive linemen*

Posted by OrangeSox <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OrangeSox' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 14, 2026, 10:05:27, in reply to "Only 3 commits but each one is top 600 composite. That's solid*"

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https://247sports.com/player/soren-fifer-46158399/

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if we settle into something like 12-14 in the Big Ten with a small class I'm fine

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 14, 2026, 10:02:10, in reply to "Only 3 commits but each one is top 600 composite. That's solid*"

i think that largely matches expectations

If we have 12-14 in this range, it's all good in my eyes... hate seeing the talent leave, but...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 14, 2026, 10:28:02, in reply to "if we settle into something like 12-14 in the Big Ten with a small class I'm fine "

...programs like ours are built in the 500-750 range... despite all the change in the sport, I think that is still a fact.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Nice.*

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on May 14, 2026, 9:20:17, in reply to "Got another pretty solid OL"

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https://247sports.com/player/soren-fifer-46158399/

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You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

Potters represent!

Posted by DocWalk20 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=DocWalk20' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 14, 2026, 9:18:47, in reply to "Got another pretty solid OL"

I don’t know anything about him but Werner was talking him up both in general and as a possible commit on his podcast the other day.

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https://247sports.com/player/soren-fifer-46158399/

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Signed a Juco TE

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 13, 2026, 18:03:22, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

COMMIT: JUCO tight end Benjamin Thurman (@BEN10BJ) has signed with #illini over other Power Four options

Why it matters & how he fits: https://t.co/f8USmSDnes pic.twitter.com/ITTQxqdtf3
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) May 13, 2026

I’m officially starting to get nervous

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 12, 2026, 10:51:28, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

We went for coaching and scheme over recruiting in our overhaul, which was a natural reaction to Henry, but we’ve clearly lost some juice.

Thad ward and Aaron Henry were plus guys. I think we’re down to Parker, Stepp, and Sitkowski right now as actual plus recruiters. Need at least 2 more it seems.

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Is the juice from the recruiters or the size of the bag they can offer? Probably a bit of

Posted by voiceofreason <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=voiceofreason' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 12, 2026, 16:04:29, in reply to "I’m officially starting to get nervous"

both, but I wonder how much size of the bag is playing into things now that we are swimming in playoff hopeful waters.

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I think it’s certainly both

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 12, 2026, 16:18:11, in reply to "Is the juice from the recruiters or the size of the bag they can offer? Probably a bit of "

But Bobby hauck has negative charisma, so I’m attributing at least some to the juice.

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both, but I wonder how much size of the bag is playing into things now that we are swimming in playoff hopeful waters.

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I've heard him speak at his press conference when hired and two radio interviews with local media

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 14, 2026, 7:28:42, in reply to "I think it’s certainly both"

Each time i came away less confident in him. Negative charisma is definitely accurate.

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But Bobby hauck has negative charisma, so I’m attributing at least some to the juice.

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both, but I wonder how much size of the bag is playing into things now that we are swimming in playoff hopeful waters.

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I like Roger Cooper though*

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 14, 2026, 7:44:07, in reply to "I've heard him speak at his press conference when hired and two radio interviews with local media"

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Each time i came away less confident in him. Negative charisma is definitely accurate.

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But Bobby hauck has negative charisma, so I’m attributing at least some to the juice.

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both, but I wonder how much size of the bag is playing into things now that we are swimming in playoff hopeful waters.

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New to being an Illini fan???

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 12, 2026, 11:23:48, in reply to "I’m officially starting to get nervous"

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I’m officially starting to get nervous

New to posting on this board without a * ?*

Posted by DocWalk20 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=DocWalk20' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 12, 2026, 12:47:00, in reply to "New to being an Illini fan??? "

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I’m officially starting to get nervous

He puts a "*" on his posts that contain messages, because...well... osklister.

Posted by KingTalkyTiki <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=KingTalkyTiki' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 12, 2026, 15:44:46, in reply to "New to posting on this board without a * ?*"

For example:
https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/msg/1777989632.html
https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/msg/1777470351.html
https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/msg/1777470351.html
https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/msg/1776612430.html
https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/msg/1776347027.html
https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/msg/1765122863.html
https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/msg/1765054043.html
https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/msg/1764869869.html

...just at a quick glance. In his defense he's only been on this board and iterations of it for over a decade.

Well, he does that and comes up with lame, often borderline racist nicknames for people whose politics he doesn't like.

"You must own the honor of being the whitest, military vet, fat, multiple state property owner but most of all the one who hates their own country the most in our country."

SJO lineman Cameron Wagner to Oregon*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 11, 2026, 12:14:25, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

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Pretty sure he said "my home for the next 4 years..." How many people do NOT transfer today?

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 12, 2026, 9:42:02, in reply to "SJO lineman Cameron Wagner to Oregon*"

Admittedly, O-lineman may be at the top of the list for "freshman to senior loyalty": but even at that... doesn't seem like a lot of kids stick around once there's more cash somewhere else.

But yeah: Oregon does seem to have a bottomless well of cash.

Ben Miller continues to impress*

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 12, 2026, 5:05:21, in reply to "SJO lineman Cameron Wagner to Oregon*"

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Bart? *

Posted by larue33 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=larue33' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 12, 2026, 10:53:00, in reply to "Ben Miller continues to impress*"

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Yes*

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This really isn't because we didn't get him, I don't understand the ranking and offers

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 12, 2026, 10:44:15, in reply to "Ben Miller continues to impress*"

For that kid. Like JC Anderson last year. I think Soren Fifer is a better prospect. Just like I would rather have Vala than Anderson. I don't think Wagner is a Mack Sutter like recruit.

We also landed the #1OG in the state this weekend over Iowa. I think he was a great get

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Meh. At least in this case. In no way do we measure up to Oregon*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 12, 2026, 10:26:15, in reply to "Ben Miller continues to impress*"

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We actually got a commitment and it looks like a pretty good one.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 9, 2026, 11:49:44, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

https://247sports.com/player/mason-halliman-46155221/

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

That looks solid… and presumably a fit for the new scheme *

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 9, 2026, 12:51:58, in reply to "We actually got a commitment and it looks like a pretty good one."

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https://247sports.com/player/mason-halliman-46155221/

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Nevermind. My brain is faulty. *

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 9, 2026, 12:52:55, in reply to "That looks solid… and presumably a fit for the new scheme *"

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https://247sports.com/player/mason-halliman-46155221/

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Nice. Thought he’d end up at Iowa*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 9, 2026, 12:31:51, in reply to "We actually got a commitment and it looks like a pretty good one."

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https://247sports.com/player/mason-halliman-46155221/

Bert’s long time chief of staff heading to Oklahoma.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 4, 2026, 21:52:17, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

Hope that’s a move up and not indicative of something else.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

He’s deputy athletic director at OU so seems like a step up

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 9, 2026, 13:22:01, in reply to "Bert’s long time chief of staff heading to Oklahoma. "

Our hired our deputy AD as their AD

Bert on recruiting

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 1, 2026, 15:41:07, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

https://x.com/jwerner247/status/2050298230345249024?s=46&t=1RNaEoTzszuK8ZGMTKgLhA

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While I agree that spending big on HS players in football seems awfully risky…

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 1, 2026, 15:51:06, in reply to "Bert on recruiting "

I also don’t really believe that other people increasing their spend on HS players is going to result in the portal market being affordable. The schools that matter are just going to drive up the prices in both places.

You can either compete financially or you can’t. There isn’t going to be any bargain shopping strategy that you can rely on, unless you are just a better talent evaluator than everyone else.

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https://x.com/jwerner247/status/2050298230345249024?s=46&t=1RNaEoTzszuK8ZGMTKgLhA

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When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

I can't imagine trying to be head ball coach in the NIL era. Basketball at least has much smaller

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on May 1, 2026, 15:49:33, in reply to "Bert on recruiting "

rosters and you can generally expect more from freshmen.

I'd be living in the portal but there are downsides to that as well.

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https://x.com/jwerner247/status/2050298230345249024?s=46&t=1RNaEoTzszuK8ZGMTKgLhA

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You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

I'm disappointed in in state recruiting this class

Posted by Poldark <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Poldark' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 1, 2026, 15:43:37, in reply to "Bert on recruiting "

kids from Nazareth and Homewood Flossmoor going elsewhere

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https://x.com/jwerner247/status/2050298230345249024?s=46&t=1RNaEoTzszuK8ZGMTKgLhA

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Social Misfit who wants to coach Illinois women's basketball.

"Friday tailgates suck. People have jobs and school."

This is the deepest in-state class in like forever. Pretty much confirmed we have no $$*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 1, 2026, 16:17:38, in reply to "I'm disappointed in in state recruiting this class"

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kids from Nazareth and Homewood Flossmoor going elsewhere

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https://x.com/jwerner247/status/2050298230345249024?s=46&t=1RNaEoTzszuK8ZGMTKgLhA

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#InBretITrust*

Posted by ATL <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ATL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 1, 2026, 15:42:17, in reply to "Bert on recruiting "

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https://x.com/jwerner247/status/2050298230345249024?s=46&t=1RNaEoTzszuK8ZGMTKgLhA

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“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

On the flip side, I was just thinking this week about how we've gone 19-7 with two bowl wins

Posted by Blazer <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Blazer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 16:44:32, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

and only 4 draft picks in two years (plus the couple of guys on the current roster who will probably get drafted next year).

Not sure if that makes us feel that much better, but Bert has earned a little trust.

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Hard to trust the plan on the defensive front, though

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 17:01:26, in reply to "On the flip side, I was just thinking this week about how we've gone 19-7 with two bowl wins"

Talent level was already low and we added mostly spare parts

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Definitely agree there is reason for concern

Posted by Blazer <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Blazer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 17:17:46, in reply to "Hard to trust the plan on the defensive front, though"

Just noting that we have won the last two years without a whole lot of elite talent.

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Talent level was already low and we added mostly spare parts

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I do have confidence the offense will be pretty good

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 17:21:37, in reply to "Definitely agree there is reason for concern"

But is it good enough to win 38-35 on a regular basis?

I do not see the TE fit for Feagin at all but otherwise I’m not too worried there

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Just noting that we have won the last two years without a whole lot of elite talent.

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Talent level was already low and we added mostly spare parts

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IDK how good Angelo McCullom is, but...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 17:06:15, in reply to "Hard to trust the plan on the defensive front, though"

...he was in line to be a star on next year's defense, and we just watched him walk out the door. I know he's not Johnny Newton, but remember what the 2023 defense looked like when #4 wasn't on the field?

That's the marginal dropoff we're staring at this year... we have basically nobody at DT who projects as a + player at this level right now.

DTs just don't grow on trees... don't know how we let that happen... I'm sure there was tampering out the ass, but... gotta find a way to pay that guy.

We are gonna give up 200+ YPG rushing this year.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

He went to Texas a&m

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 17:29:14, in reply to "IDK how good Angelo McCullom is, but..."

That’s different money. If he went to like Washington or Arizona or something I’d be pissed. Well I’m still pissed, but I know we’re playing a different game than that.

Tennessee offered altmyer double. We only kept him because the guy’s a legend and a different cat. Not everyone is that guy.

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Lost another to S Carolina. I’m not as upset at losing these guys

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 17:39:08, in reply to "He went to Texas a&m"

as our inability to replace them. The portal guys we got all were role players at lower level schools. If this was the strategy then I seriously question our ability to evaluate that position.

Now if it’s money then i worry we will be back to 2-10 in a hurry

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I think we’re gonna get a really good education on how our success in 2024 and 2025…

Posted by opossum jenkins <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=opossum+jenkins' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 12, 2026, 15:45:04, in reply to "Lost another to S Carolina. I’m not as upset at losing these guys "

….was built disproportionately on Luke.

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I fear you may be right to some degree

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 12, 2026, 15:49:41, in reply to "I think we’re gonna get a really good education on how our success in 2024 and 2025…"

although I don't think the O will be an issue, at lest this year

I think we screwed up and had used all our budget by the time those guys started jumping ship.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 18:22:17, in reply to "Lost another to S Carolina. I’m not as upset at losing these guys "

We thought we could retain them for cheap and allocated all the rest of the money elsewhere. Then when their markets got bigger than expected, we not only didn’t have money left to increase our offers for them, but no serviceable players were left for the money we did have available.

It really just felt like a big misread of that market. Honestly similar to what happened in basketball the prior couple years with the big man market, but there was no Euro lever to pull in football to get out of it.

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When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Then we didn't have much budget (which is a different issue)*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 18:35:40, in reply to "I think we screwed up and had used all our budget by the time those guys started jumping ship."

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100p*

Posted by UofIL6 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=UofIL6' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 17:57:59, in reply to "Lost another to S Carolina. I’m not as upset at losing these guys "

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Agreed*

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 17:50:39, in reply to "Lost another to S Carolina. I’m not as upset at losing these guys "

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The secondary will be rendered useless

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 17:18:41, in reply to "IDK how good Angelo McCullom is, but..."

Bailey gonna make a million tackles, most probably 5+ yards down field

And when they do pass, if even necessary, hard to see who’ll get to the QB. Last year Gabe got doubled and tripled as they knew he was our only credible threat.

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I was kind of thinking about our lack of draft picks

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 16:47:08, in reply to "On the flip side, I was just thinking this week about how we've gone 19-7 with two bowl wins"

We had a lot of guys in the NFL the last few years more than than maybe anytime in history. Seemingly mostly Lovie recruits and now the draft has kind of dried up.

Hopefully Bert starts putting some of his own recruits in the league.

He's earned a ton...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 16:46:53, in reply to "On the flip side, I was just thinking this week about how we've gone 19-7 with two bowl wins"

My concern is whether or not we have the $ to keep up in football when people are falling all over each other to give $ for basketball.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Agreed this offseason has been a real head scratcher

Posted by Blazer <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Blazer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 17:19:44, in reply to "He's earned a ton... "

And yes, there are reasons to be worried about the resources we have to put into the roster at the moment.

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My concern is whether or not we have the $ to keep up in football when people are falling all over each other to give $ for basketball.

real quick roster glace... I have 92 players who could be back next year (with a 5 in 5 rule)

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 14:25:54, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

29 true freshman this year
18 RS freshman this year
19 sophomores this year (6 true, 13 RS)
18 juniors this year (7 true, 11 RS)
8 seniors this year that are eligible for a 5th year, if it passes

that's 13 new spaces + attrition...

not to say things have gone "great", but I think we might be pretty selective on prep recruits this year, with the assumption that the guys we got the last 2 years are our foundation for 27 and 28.

put another way, we have 73 guys that could have 2+ years with the program after this year

Posted by ijustkrushalot <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=ijustkrushalot' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 14:30:19, in reply to "real quick roster glace... I have 92 players who could be back next year (with a 5 in 5 rule)"

52 of whom have never played a snap for Illinois..

we have 20 new guys who played elsewhere last year... assuming we have similar-ish portal haul this year, that puts as at -7 for prep recruits.

there's a potential argument to be made here that we're intentionally very selective this year and aiming for a low class

The argument would be received a better if our top targets weren't (seemingly) all going elsewhere*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 16:36:27, in reply to "put another way, we have 73 guys that could have 2+ years with the program after this year"

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Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Let's see how it goes this year. I was a much bigger Aaron Henry defender

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 8:44:12, in reply to "Football recruiting is looking pretty bleak right now"

Than most. I didn't think he was great or anything but not a disaster based on our talent. The defense during the first 3 games with Xavier Scott was a completely different defense than after. I think X was the best player on the team last year. Not the most important, but the best. His injury turned a position that was a stength nationally to a weakness on the team. Huge change on how the season went

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It's easier to apply hindsight a few months removed

Posted by OrangeSox <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OrangeSox' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 10:00:06, in reply to "Let's see how it goes this year. I was a much bigger Aaron Henry defender"

from how embarrassing the Washington and Wisconsin games were. Wisconsin going up and down the field on Henry's defense shouldn't be forgotten because our 2027 recruiting looks poor.

Also the “first 3 games” included western Michigan and western Illinois

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 12:46:27, in reply to "It's easier to apply hindsight a few months removed "

The lone P4 team dog walked our defense up and down the field.

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from how embarrassing the Washington and Wisconsin games were. Wisconsin going up and down the field on Henry's defense shouldn't be forgotten because our 2027 recruiting looks poor.

The score belied the actual run of play in the Duke game.*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 12:47:56, in reply to "Also the “first 3 games” included western Michigan and western Illinois"

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The lone P4 team dog walked our defense up and down the field.

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from how embarrassing the Washington and Wisconsin games were. Wisconsin going up and down the field on Henry's defense shouldn't be forgotten because our 2027 recruiting looks poor.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

100%

Posted by snipes824 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=snipes824' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 12:50:04, in reply to "The score belied the actual run of play in the Duke game.*"

And the rest of the season proved those turnovers weren’t a reliable coached up defensive strategy either.

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The lone P4 team dog walked our defense up and down the field.

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from how embarrassing the Washington and Wisconsin games were. Wisconsin going up and down the field on Henry's defense shouldn't be forgotten because our 2027 recruiting looks poor.

In fairness, I think the defense generally got better as the season went along...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 12:51:42, in reply to "100%"

...but it was not a good unit last year. A-Henry, the DC, needed to go... A-Henry, the personality, did not... but you don't get one without the other.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Not sure there will ever be a season where we face a gauntlet of QB’s like we did in the first 8 gms

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 13:21:17, in reply to "In fairness, I think the defense generally got better as the season went along..."

Our first 6 power conference opponents had Ryan Browne and then…

Fernando Mendoza
Julian Sayian
Darian Mensah
Jayden Maiava
Demond Williams

Decent chance that’s four 1st round picks + another guy in Williams that was/is considered a star at the college level.

So I do give a bit of a pass to Henry when you take that into account, and that it generally did look better when we played the meh teams in the conference. But Bielema also seemed to genuinely believe that we could make the playoff last year, so with that in mind I can’t really just say “well you can’t blame them for getting torched by all the good teams.”

I’m still very happy with where the program is at, it would be impossible not to when comparing to the 20 years prior. But my gut says this last 4 year run is probably going to be the peak, just hope we can avoid too big of a drop off.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

We faced 2,7,9,13,19,20 in SP+ offense last year

Posted by CanHartlebHireSnider <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=CanHartlebHireSnider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 14:47:54, in reply to "Not sure there will ever be a season where we face a gauntlet of QB’s like we did in the first 8 gms"

So yeah Wisconsin was really bad but some of it was just facing really really good offenses

I honestly thought the offensive and special teams were worse in the Wisconsin game*

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 18:27:45, in reply to "We faced 2,7,9,13,19,20 in SP+ offense last year"

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So yeah Wisconsin was really bad but some of it was just facing really really good offenses

I can’t complain a bit about what Bret has done to make us relevant again

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 14:37:00, in reply to "Not sure there will ever be a season where we face a gauntlet of QB’s like we did in the first 8 gms"

however I can see 4-8 staring us in the face. I just don’t see how the defense will be better. I’m not yet sold on the scheme change as the front 7….er 6, has nothing there. I see us giving up a LOT of yardage

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I feel like 1 bad year in the current climate hurts a whole lot worse than it used to...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 16:37:47, in reply to "I can’t complain a bit about what Bret has done to make us relevant again "

...for a program like ours... everybody has money, everybody is jockeying for position with the traditional powers...

Kids can just leave so easily...

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

This. EXACTLY. Prior to Bertie-Bert: Zooker, Beckhead, Cubit, Lovie.

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 16:31:57, in reply to "I can’t complain a bit about what Bret has done to make us relevant again "

(And the interim regimes of Koenning and Rod Smith.)

Man oh man, needed to take a chance and we got (at the very least) competency and a sure footing into the future. Plus, he's taking us into the NIL era with at least some plans.

I'll never argue with the hire. Sure, IU caught lightning in a bottle but a lot of other schools have done a LOT worse than us.

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For the record, I was a bigger defender of Henry than the board then. I thought he was fine

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 11:57:09, in reply to "It's easier to apply hindsight a few months removed "

I worried that there were a lot worse options than Aaron Henry out there and not a lot improvements

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from how embarrassing the Washington and Wisconsin games were. Wisconsin going up and down the field on Henry's defense shouldn't be forgotten because our 2027 recruiting looks poor.

I also don’t really think Aaron Henry is going to be the difference in our recruiting.

Posted by OB25 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=OB25' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 10:16:46, in reply to "It's easier to apply hindsight a few months removed "

Portal season proved we are definitely at least somewhat limited in financial resources, but that still doesn’t explain having no real traction at all in high school recruiting. It’s definitely odd that starting from the moment we started losing all our returning defensive lineman, we seemingly just stopped adding players at all - first in the portal and now in HS recruiting.

Is there like a specific date in the academic calendar where a new annual round of rev share money comes through? No idea how any of this works so just throwing shit against the wall here, it feels like there has to be some strategy for waiting to sign HS guys right now? Then again I assumed there was a strategy behind our whole DL transferring out too.

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from how embarrassing the Washington and Wisconsin games were. Wisconsin going up and down the field on Henry's defense shouldn't be forgotten because our 2027 recruiting looks poor.

When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

None of this makes any sense to me except that our resources are being diverted to basketball.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 10:32:30, in reply to "I also don’t really think Aaron Henry is going to be the difference in our recruiting."

We still don't have the kind of monetary fanbase that can compete with bigger schools in football.

Hoops, yes... football, still going to take time.

And in this ultra competitive environment, it seems like a false step or 2 is all it takes to slide right back to the bottom of the pecking order.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

as it should be...money goes further in bball and we actually have a chance at a chip

Posted by digs <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=digs' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 16:48:28, in reply to "None of this makes any sense to me except that our resources are being diverted to basketball."

top third of the big ten is apex illini football

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Doesn't seem like something Josh would do *

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 11:47:23, in reply to "None of this makes any sense to me except that our resources are being diverted to basketball."

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I don't disagree... but donors put their money where they want to.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 12:23:39, in reply to "Doesn't seem like something Josh would do *"

I don't consider the $20M rev share as anything other than the new scholarship.

Josh has obviously helped secure bags to pay football players too, but this alumni base just doesn't seem to be as compelled by football success as it with basketball success... and we're keeping basically all of last year's team.

Reading between the lines, that tells me donors are willing to pony up millions for hoops, and football takes a backseat when basketball is hot.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

I'm sure there's some built in historical bias there

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 12:39:54, in reply to "I don't disagree... but donors put their money where they want to."

Certain folks are probably more used to giving for hoops and many may have been burned on the football side.

I could also see it as in basketball, it feels like your money has more of an impact

Posted by IlliniOllie <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=IlliniOllie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 12:54:15, in reply to "I'm sure there's some built in historical bias there"

Ponying up to keep Andrej or Mirk or the Ivisic brothers, or to bring in Vaaks, has immmediate and visible impact to the team.

I think it's harder to get that visible impact for football, aside from the quarterback or a few already-known stars (Altmyer, Jacas, Johnny Newton, guys like that), so it's probably a little tougher sell to bring in money to football, especially competing with basketball this year.

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Certain folks are probably more used to giving for hoops and many may have been burned on the football side.

So are we just bad at recruiting?

Posted by AintHatin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=AintHatin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 11:50:31, in reply to "Doesn't seem like something Josh would do *"

i mean, while classes have generally improved from the bleakness of previous eras, there's no question that the onfield success hasn't really translated into better recruiting.

note: i say this as someone who only peripherally follows recruiting, so its entirely possible i'm missing something.

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Last year's class was the best in a long time

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 11:59:43, in reply to "So are we just bad at recruiting?"

This year was always going to be a smaller class but yeah, puzzling how it fell off so much. I don't know for sure but maybe the market moved much higher than we expected and along with the wholesale change on the defensive staff? Or maybe we're going to lean more into the portal.

I have to think the significant amount of staff turnover had some impact.

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 12:12:31, in reply to "Last year's class was the best in a long time"

Henry - say what you want about him as DC - was a dynamic personality. Jamo had built himself quite a reputation as a DL coach. Both are gone.

It's not everything, but it's not nothing... and it seems as if we replaced them with non-recruiter types.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

I think I heard Bret say the coaching assistants do less recruiting now

Posted by jdl <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=jdl' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 12:41:37, in reply to "I have to think the significant amount of staff turnover had some impact."

That its more the cadre of analysts and other staffers doing the work there but that may just be the routine communications, data gathering and associated grunt work. Still need to have closers around.

JMHO, but closers-people who negotiate the final NIL deals. Eh. Here we are.

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 13:21:30, in reply to "I think I heard Bret say the coaching assistants do less recruiting now "

I hate IU, but... hopefully someone is studying what they (and Cignetti) are doing to evaluate, etc.

Unless the conclusion is that Cignetti has sold his soul to the devil.

Maybe we can convince Mark Cuban to enroll at Illinois*

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 13:22:08, in reply to "JMHO, but closers-people who negotiate the final NIL deals. Eh. Here we are. "

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I hate IU, but... hopefully someone is studying what they (and Cignetti) are doing to evaluate, etc.

Unless the conclusion is that Cignetti has sold his soul to the devil.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

Hey, all he's got right now is some kind of certificate from a Juco in Indiana.

Posted by osklister <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=osklister' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 16:33:51, in reply to "Maybe we can convince Mark Cuban to enroll at Illinois*"

we've all forgotten with how mostly disappointing the portal and this class so far are

Posted by assassin <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=assassin' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 11:57:38, in reply to "So are we just bad at recruiting?"

but last year was our best on paper class in almost 20 years. Then we lost all our juice.

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i mean, while classes have generally improved from the bleakness of previous eras, there's no question that the onfield success hasn't really translated into better recruiting. note: i say this as someone who only peripherally follows recruiting, so its entirely possible i'm missing something.

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Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Don't think this new defensive staff is going to help with recruiting at all

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 8:46:39, in reply to "Let's see how it goes this year. I was a much bigger Aaron Henry defender"

hope the scheme works.

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IMO the scheme change is 100% out of desperation

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 11:29:06, in reply to "Don't think this new defensive staff is going to help with recruiting at all"

and an attempt to hide their failures securing front 7 talent

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hope the scheme works.

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Bret doesn't exactly hide his disdain publicly for the amounts others get to spend...

Posted by uofi1998 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=uofi1998' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 12:15:17, in reply to "IMO the scheme change is 100% out of desperation"

...I think that tells us a whole lot about what's going on.

I'm not even crying poor - Illinois is not poor, and we've ramped up our game big time by being ahead of the curve over and over (have to give Lovie some credit for poaching transfers when he couldn't recruit, then you look at BU recruiting Europe, etc. etc.)...

So the question is how do we get to that place again? The NCAA's rules + rev share are a fucking farce (as predicted), and we lack the additional funding in football that established schools have.

Are you going to bark all day, little doggie? Or are you going to bite?

I think Thomas and Bradford can be plus recruiters. I am still high on Archie and Parker. I think

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 30, 2026, 9:53:59, in reply to "Don't think this new defensive staff is going to help with recruiting at all"

They can recruit. I don't think Linehan or Cooper or Hauck will be able to recruit. It will be on Bret to close the defensive players. In Bret we trust

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hope the scheme works.

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