CHAMPAIGN — Bret Bielema has emphasized how many of Illinois’ 14 players that earned some level of All-Big Ten recognition could return in 2025 since those honors were announced.
It’s a talking point the Illini coach mentioned when discussing the 21 players signed in the Class of 2025. Then repeated when discussing No. 21 Illinois’ acceptance of a Citrus Bowl invitation to play South Carolina on New Year’s Eve.
Mostly because 11 of those 14 players can return next season. Only wide receiver Pat Bryant, offensive lineman J.C. Davis and defensive lineman TeRah Edwards can’t. They’ll exhaust their eligibility when this season officially ends in Orlando, Fla., later this month…