Bielema Named to Dodd Trophy Preseason Watch List

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 Bret Bielema


 CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois head coach Bret Bielema was named to the Dodd Trophy Preseason Watch List, the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc. announced Monday. Bielema is one of five Big Ten coaches on the list, which features 26 of the nation's top college football coaches.

Last season, Bielema led Illinois to 10 wins, tying the Fighting Illini program record. Illinois was ranked by the CFP selection committee for a program-record four straight weeks, appeared in 12 AP Top 25 polls, and tied the program record for ranked wins with four. The Fighting Illini capped one of the best seasons in program history by beating #14 South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, 21-17, in one of the top bowl game victories in Illinois history and finished the season ranked #16 in the AP Top 25.

The 2025 Fighting Illini return 18 starters from its Cheez-It Citrus Bowl victory, the most starters returning among any bowl team in the nation. 

Bielema, who signed a six-year agreement in 2025 that will keep him at Illinois through 2030, has elevated Illinois to new heights during his first four seasons with 28 wins and 18 Big Ten victories. He has brought national relevance to the Fighting Illini program with continued appearances in the AP Top 25 and College Football Playoff rankings, two New Year's Bowls, three national award finalists, 11 All-Americans, and 12 NFL Draft picks since he arrived in 2021. 

The Fighting Illini kick off the 2025 season on Friday, Aug. 29, against Western Illinois at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT on Peacock.


University of Illinois Athletics

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