Bret Bielema Receives Surprising CFP Verdict as FOX Analyst Reveals Illinois’ Major Advantage

Bret Bielema Receives Surprising CFP Verdict as FOX Analyst Reveals Illinois’ Major Advantage

Illinois isn’t usually the first team that pops into our heads when we think of college football playoff contenders. However, that may change. After finishing 10-3 in 2024, the Fighting Illini turned heads with some big wins over programs like Nebraska (31-24) and Michigan (38-16), as well as the Citrus Bowl win over South Carolina (21-17). Head coach Bret Bielema has slowly but surely been building something big for the Illinois fans, and who k…

Joel Klatt names team with best shot to make first-ever CFP appearance in 2025

Joel Klatt is ready to name the team he has with the best chance to make their first-ever trip to the College Football Playoff, and that team hails from the Big Ten. On Monday, his latest episode of The Joel Klatt Show tackled the top 10 teams in the country with the best shot to reach the Playoff field for the first time. That includes Illinois in the No. 1 spot, a team others have already begun predicting as “this year’s Indiana,” a traditiona…

Illinois & Ole Miss in Joel Klatt’s most likely to make first CFP appearance

Joel Klatt revealed his top three teams that are most likely to make their first CFP appearance. He explained why he believes that the Illinois Fighting Illini will make their first CFP appearance. Joel examined why their veteran team and leadership under Bret Bielema are primed to make the CFP.