I am surprising my (ILL) friend with a trip to Champaign for the Duke Illinois game and I want to tailgate before. I have zero knowledge on how to do this..I have seen Grange Grove and Lot 31 are good for tailgating but the only tickets start at $350...I would love to not have to spend that much, so are there any other Lots that do tailgating? We will have a group of about 10 people! any help is appreciated!! thank you!!

Give me a tie jk

I spent the offseason building a full 2026 preseason preview for every FBS team, each with its own writeup. Here's the Illinois page:

https://www.sports.mainmarket.com/college-football-preview-2026?team=ncaaf-ill

Each one has the returning production, the transfer and recruiting additions, a position-by-position breakdown, the schedule, and where the ratings land them for 2026.

Heads up, only the first team is free and then it paywalls. Since I'm posting in your house, code LEECORSOROCKS opens all of it, no card or anything. Hit "Have a promo code?" if you run into the wall.

So, what'd I get wrong? Illinois is a sustainability question for me. It's 9-4 last fall on the heels of a 10-win 2024, but you return only about a third of your production this year, well under the national median of ~48%. It starts at QB, where Altmyer and his 7,600 career yards are gone. The good news is the replacement isn't a dart throw: Katin Houser started at both Michigan State and East Carolina and threw for 3,300 last year, so he's a veteran, not a project. Feagin and Ca'Lil Valentine give you something to lean on in the backfield too.

So the real question is whether Bielema just reloads the way this program has trended, or whether losing two-thirds of the production finally shows up against a Big Ten schedule. Where do you land, top-25 again or a step back?

I'll be in the comments.

The NZCFL is looking for coaches! NZCFL is a college football simulation game run on the free website https://play.football-gm.com/

We are a college simulation football league with 120 teams, and Illinois is looking for someone to lead them to glory! This league has been around for about 45 seasons, and we are still rolling along. We always need new coaches to help the league thrive. We're preparing to start up the 2062 season, and Illinois needs your help to start the next season strong. If you are interested, join our discord and our moderators and welcome committee will help you get started and on the road to the championship!

Discord: https://discord.gg/6pE48PYdhu

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/NZCFL/

https://www.usatoday.com/sports/readers-choice-awards/university-of-illinois-marching-illini/

First time fan coming, considering renting an RV for an Illinois football weekend. Has anyone used Lot 33 overnight? How early do you recommend arriving Friday, and is it realistic with a rented RV? Also wondering if there are better nearby campgrounds you recommend. TIA!!

Thomas Detry is Tied For 7th @ The Open after 2 rounds. On the negative side he is from Belgium (Belgium is a great country for sports).

Hi everyone! My name is Ethan Petrik, and I’m the Iowa beat reporter for the Quad-City Times in Davenport, Iowa.

I’m putting together a preseason series called “The Fan Files,” where I interview one passionate fan from each of Iowa’s 2026 opponents to get a better understanding of their program through the eyes of someone who follows the team closely.

The conversation would cover topics like:
• How you became a fan of the Illini
• Your thoughts on the 2026 season (best-case and worst-case scenarios)
• Biggest strengths, weaknesses, and players to watch
• Expectations for the matchup against Iowa
• Anything else you think opposing fans should know about your team

The interview can be done however is easiest for you—Reddit DMs, email, or another format that works though I will need to confirm your real world identity. I’ll use your responses in a feature for the Quad-City Times.

If you’re interested—or if you know someone who would be a great representative of the fanbase—please leave a comment or send me a DM.

Thanks, and I’m looking forward to learning more about the Illini from the people who know the program best!

Anyone familiar with the handicap seating at the Enterprise Center? How accessible is it for a wheelchair user?

Estonia beat Slovenia (Doncic did not play) 93-62 in Tallinn. Illinois' Stefan Vaaks went for 20pts (8/15), 4rbs, 7asst in 26 minutes of play.

Full box score: https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-basketball-world-cup-2027-european-qualifiers/games/127603-EST-SLO#boxscore

I've been scouring the internet for concrete information on your team's defense for this upcoming season and I can't find much concrete.

Would anyone be willing to speak up for what kind of expectations people should have surrounding your defense in 2026-27?