Illinois football sees increased NFL draft presence under Bret Bielema
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 1, 2026, 10:32 AM
Last updated Aug 1, 2026
At Big Ten Media Days, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema highlighted the team's NFL Draft success, noting they rank fourth in the Big Ten in top 100 picks since he took over in 2021. The Illini outperform traditional powerhouses like Michigan and Penn State in this regard. With around three dozen former players in NFL training camps, Illinois is experiencing its highest representation in the league ever. Bielema expressed pride in both drafted players and undrafted free agents making significant contributions in the NFL.
- •Illinois ranks fourth in Big Ten for top 100 NFL Draft picks since 2021.
- •The program outperforms Michigan, Penn State, and Nebraska in player development.
- •Illinois has around three dozen former players in NFL training camps.
- •Bret Bielema emphasizes importance of both drafted players and undrafted success.
- 10:32 AMYahoo Sports — The Illini are producing NFL players at their highest rate ever
"Illinois was a factory for producing NFL players during the Ron Zook era, but then fell off for awhile. Bielema has brought the program back.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- NFL•Aug 1, 2026, 11:34 AM3 standouts from Day 2 of Chicago Bears training camp
- NFL•Aug 1, 2026, 11:01 AMBroncos coach Sean Payton pleased with Bo Nix's return from injury
- NFL•Aug 1, 2026, 11:00 AM3-Point Stance: Patriots’ training camp expectations have changed
- NFL•Aug 1, 2026, 10:13 AMTony Romo placed on leave, CBS names temporary replacement for NFL games
- NFL•Aug 1, 2026, 10:04 AMBengals News: Barrett Carter Growing into Leadership Role
- NFL•Aug 1, 2026, 10:02 AMAre Titans practicing today? What to know about NFL training camp, injury updates
