Illinois Eyes Strong Finish, But Bret Bielema Already Has One Eye on 2026
The Illinois Fighting Illini may not be heading to the College Football Playoff, but don’t let that overshadow what could be another solid step forward for Bret Bielema’s program. With a chance to notch a ninth win on the season in their Dec. 30 bowl matchup against Tennessee in Nashville, Illinois is looking to close the year on a high note - and keep momentum rolling into a pivotal offseason.
This bowl appearance marks the third in five years under Bielema, a sign of steady progress for a program that had struggled for consistency before his arrival. But while most coaches might be laser-focused on the game plan for Tennessee, Bielema is already juggling a much bigger picture - one that includes not just the next game, but the next roster.
“There are so many venues now and ways that we are notified that a player may be interested,” Bielema said this week, referring to the ever-shifting landscape of roster management in the transfer portal era. “Our roster is comprised of three key components: retention, removal and acquisition.”
That’s the new reality for college football coaches - building a roster has become a year-round job, and Bielema is deep in the middle of it. He’s already met with 68 players in one-on-one meetings, with around 30 more on deck.
The goal? Retention.
Keep the core intact, identify who’s staying, and start preparing for who’s not.
Still, Bielema isn’t letting the future distract from the present. He’s made it clear that players who began the season with the team and want to finish it out - even if they’re planning to move on - will have that opportunity.
“I wanted them to play and they are going to play,” Bielema said. “If you started this season and you want to play, that is obviously a decision you can make. As long as we mutually agree to it, that option will be there.”
It’s a pragmatic approach - honoring the commitment of players who’ve given their all, while also acknowledging the churn that comes with the transfer portal and NFL Draft declarations. And make no mistake, that churn is coming.
While the portal doesn’t officially open until Jan. 2, Bielema noted that some players have already informed the staff they won’t be returning. Others are expected to follow after the bowl game.
“I probably have another six to 10 guys that have expressed to me that they will probably be in the portal after the bowl game,” Bielema said.
That puts Illinois in the same boat as just about every other Power Five program right now - navigating a delicate balance of holding onto key pieces, saying goodbye to others, and identifying new talent to bring in. And with quarterback Luke Altmyer expected to take his final snaps in the bowl game, the Illini will be looking at a new face under center next fall - another major storyline to watch as the offseason unfolds.
For now, though, Bielema is keeping his team focused on the task at hand. A win over Tennessee would be more than just a nice cap to the season - it would be a statement that Illinois isn’t just building something, but sustaining it.
There’s a lot left to sort out once the calendar flips to January. But in the meantime, the Illini are still in the fight - and Bielema, as always, is already thinking a few steps ahead.