Bielema and Whitman discuss changes in college football at Big Ten Media Days

Bret Bielema and Josh Whitman spoke at Big Ten Media Days in Chicago, highlighting the transformation in college football due to NIL and revenue sharing. Bielema noted the difficulty in comparing today's game to previous eras, emphasizing that the Illinois program is now able to recruit nationally. Whitman addressed ongoing federal legislation and its potential impact on college athletics, stressing the need for schools to remain flexible in scheduling amid continued changes. As college football evolves, Illinois aims to adapt and grow its program heading into the 2026 season.

• 3:15 AMYahoo Sports — ‘It’s a different world’: Bielema, Whitman on college football’s evolution