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2001 Illinois football team celebrates 25th anniversary of Big Ten title

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 19, 2026, 5:48 PM

Last updated Sep 19, 2026

2001 Illinois football team celebrates 25th anniversary of Big Ten title

Summary

Members of the 2001 Illinois football team gathered in Champaign-Urbana to commemorate the 25th anniversary of their Big Ten championship season. The team, coached by Ron Turner, finished the season with a 10-2 record. Despite a tough loss to LSU in the Sugar Bowl, the season marked a significant turnaround from a previous 0-11 season in 1997. Former players shared memories during a weekend reunion, reflecting on the camaraderie and challenges they faced. The gathering underscored the lasting impact of that team on their lives and the Illinois football program.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•The 2001 team finished 10-2, winning the Big Ten title.
•Illinois lost to LSU in the Sugar Bowl, 47-34.
•The reunion included around 15 former players and coaches.
•Ron Turner emphasized the importance of the team's bond.
•The players reminisced about their journey from 0-11 to champions.

Latest Updates

5:48 PMYahoo Sports — Reliving memories and moments with the 2001 Big Ten champs

What they're saying

"
Sep. 19—CHAMPAIGN — It had been five years since many of them had seen each other. But it was like no time had passed at all, continuing conversations, swapping stories and catching up on their families. That's what happens when a college football team shares a magical season together. And one rooted in the pain of an 0-11 season four years prior in 1997. The 2001 Illinois football team that ...
— Yahoo Sports

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