Bret Bielema discusses CFP expansion and new defensive strategies
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 13, 2026, 1:39 PM
Last updated Jun 13, 2026
In an interview with the Pardon My Take podcast, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema discussed potential College Football Playoff (CFP) expansion, advocating for a format that includes '24' teams. He noted that this change could enhance the competitiveness of end-of-season games, especially for Illinois, which has seen top 25 finishes in consecutive years. Bielema also addressed the departure of Defensive Coordinator Aaron Henry, whose exit has led to the implementation of a new 3-3-5 defensive system with veteran players stepping up. Approximately 48% of the roster is new this season as well. Construction of the world’s largest video board at Gies Memorial Stadium is also underway, enhancing the game-day experience for players and fans alike.
- •Bielema favors expanding CFP to include 24 teams.
- •Illinois football's defensive philosophy is shifting to a 3-3-5 system.
- •Nearly half of Illinois' roster is new for the 2026 season.
- •Construction of a massive video board at Gies Memorial Stadium is in progress.
- 1:39 PMYahoo Sports — Bielema on CFP expansion: ‘I think 24’
"Illinois’ coach dove into the offseason on PMT.
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