Grading college football's new coaching hires: Can Lance Leipold help Kansas get on track?
Which teams aced their selections, and which made more questionable picks? We break it down.
2021 Schedule
2021 Schedule
7th in Big Ten - West
Most compelling storylines, players and coaches to watch this spring
Is this the year Georgia finally catches up to Alabama? How will McKenzie Milton fare at Florida State? Breaking down everything to know about this year's spring football.
Cornhuskers, Illini won't play in Ireland this year
After consultation with the Irish government and medical experts, the Big Ten football game between Nebraska and Illinois will not be played in Dublin this season.
Big Ten football schedule 2021: Dates and key matchups
The 2021 Big Ten college football schedule is out. Here's a complete look at each team's slate.
Big Ten rivalries return to traditional spot in '21
The Big Ten Conference released its revised football schedule for the 2021 season, and it will return its traditional rivalry games -- including Ohio State-Michigan -- to the final week of the regular season.
Sources: Illinois hiring Missouri DC Walters
Illinois is hiring Missouri defensive coordinator Ryan Walters for the same role, sources confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday.
This Just In
Illinois is hiring Missouri defensive coordinator Ryan Walters for the same role, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. New Fighting Illini coach Bret Bielema picked Walters, who has been Missouri's primary defensive coordinator the past three seasons after two years in a co-coordinator role. Walters joined the Missouri staff in 2015 after stints at Memphis, North Texas, Oklahoma and Alabama. Football Scoop first reported Walters' move to Illinois.
When teams' social media feeds got real, made friends and started beefing
It wasn't long ago that a team's social media feed was schedules, brief news and maybe some photos. Those days are gone. They have personalities now. The people behind the avatars are trying to bring the Twitter and Instagram feeds to life.
QB Peters to return for 3rd season at Illinois
Illinois quarterback Brandon Peters will return for a third season with the Illini and play for new coach Bret Bielema.
Dotson paces Penn State in win over Illinois
— Jahan Dotson caught six passes, scored twice and racked up 239 all-purpose yards to lead Penn State to a 56-21 win over Illinois on Saturday.
Illinois hires Bielema to replace Smith as coach
Illinois is hiring former Wisconsin and Arkansas coach Bret Bielema to lead its football program, the school announced Saturday.
KJZ Hour 4: What happens with Wentz?
The guys discuss Jalen Hurts' successful first NFL start and why Doug Pederson won't just name him the starter right away. Louis Riddick joins to preview tonight's Monday Night Football matchup between the Browns & Ravens.
Who will Illinois hire to replace Lovie Smith?
Recent football history has not been kind to the Illini, but the team has a chance to turn things around with the right hire. Which direction will the program go?
Lovie Smith out at Illinois after five seasons
Lovie Smith is out as Illinois' head football coach after five seasons, the school announced Sunday.
The cleat, the kick and the game that just defined this college football season
Saturday's biggest throw came from a cornerback ... throwing a shoe. And that wasn't even the day's wildest ending (thanks, MACtion).
Sarah Fuller's historic point, the Gators booted and more must-see moments and analysis
The last regular-season week is here -- kind of -- and many of the country's best teams are off or saw games canceled. Still, there is plenty to keep track of as conference championships approach, including icy handshakes, judicial orders and more.
William Weinbaum ESPN
After its 28-10 win vs. Illinois Saturday for the Land of Lincoln Trophy, Northwestern trails UI 55-54-5 all-time in the rivalry that began with 16-16 & 0-0 ties in 1892-3. If NU wins the next one, the series'll be tied for the first time since 1970. NU's 6-game win streak is its longest vs. the Illini, who have had two 7-win runs vs. NU. The Big Ten West champion Wildcats (6-1) have their 10th 6-win conference season, including 4 in the last 6 years.
Is Northwestern Big Ten-title ready, how good is USC and more to watch in Week 15
Week 15 might not have many College Football Playoff implications, but there are still important storylines this weekend.
What -- and who -- to watch as college football's coaching carousel heats up
With Michigan and Texas status quo for another week, Adam Rittenberg shares intel he is hearing elsewhere, including around Virginia Tech, Tennessee, the NFL and more.
Coastal Carolina-BYU is the game of the year, bad teams win big and more from an upside-down Saturday
Four days ago, there was no plan to play what ended up being arguably the best game of the season. But in this year of chaos, a little flexibility gave us some Saturday magic.
Best of Week 14: Coastal Carolina downs BYU, Bama gets its revenge and more
BYU and Costal Carolina finally found high quality opponents ... each other ... while three of the teams fighting for the fourth playoff spot all hit the road on Saturday. All that plus taco orders, high quality photo editing and more ahead of Week 14.
No. 24 Iowa scores 35 unanswered to beat Illinois 35-14
— Spencer Petris threw three touchdown passes and No. 24 Iowa scored 35 unanswered points after trailing by two touchdowns early to beat Illinois 35-21 on Saturday.
Ohio State-Illinois off as Buckeyes' cases climb
No. 4 Ohio State on Friday night canceled Saturday's football game at Illinois, citing more positive tests for COVID-19 in the Buckeyes' program.
College football coaching carousel: SEC hot seats, the Jim Harbaugh Watch and more
South Carolina is already open, while Vanderbilt and Tennessee may not be far behind. Will there be a battle for Hugh Freeze? And what's the latest with Jim Harbaugh at Michigan?
Illinois gets late interception to set up winning FG (0:41)
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2020 Big Ten Standings
| EAST | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | 5-0 | 7-1 |
| Indiana | 6-1 | 6-2 |
| Penn State | 4-5 | 4-5 |
| Maryland | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| Rutgers | 3-6 | 3-6 |
| Michigan | 2-4 | 2-4 |
| Michigan State | 2-5 | 2-5 |
| WEST | CONF | OVR |
| Northwestern | 6-1 | 7-2 |
| Iowa | 6-2 | 6-2 |
| Wisconsin | 3-3 | 4-3 |
| Minnesota | 3-4 | 3-4 |
| Nebraska | 3-5 | 3-5 |
| Purdue | 2-4 | 2-4 |
| Illinois | 2-6 | 2-6 |
Team Stats
Passing Yards152.9114th
Rushing Yards196.135th
Points For20.1126th
Points Against34.931st
2021 Recruits
| NAME | POS | STATUS | GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brody Wisecarver | OT | Signed | 80 |
| Patrick Bryant | WR | Signed | 76 |
| Joriell Washington | ATH | Signed | 76 |
| Daniel Edwards | CB | Signed | 76 |
| D.D. Snyder | S | Signed | 76 |
Awards
| YEAR | PLAYER | AWARD |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | W. Mercilus | Ted Hendricks Award |
| 1995 | K. Hardy | Dick Butkus Award |
| 1994 | D. Cortez Howard | Dick Butkus Award |