The ReliaQuest Bowl ends a chapter, not a book

The Book of Bielema is coming to an end. The 2022 chapter has been an intriguing mix of the classics and the real world. It's a far cry from the previous chapters in which Illini football looked like the left-behind students struggling through the remedial class. There was significant progress with the development of Witherspoon and Newton into NFL prospects. Secondary characters took more prominent roles. Tommy DeVito, Isaiah Adams, and Gabe Jacas took star turns.

The ReliaQuest Bowl ends a chapter, not a book.

The ReliaQuest Bowl ends a chapter, not a book. The next chapter is unknown.

The ReliaQuest Bowl ends a chapter, not a book. Five questions will determine the immediate future of this program.

Luke Altmyer is the 9th-ranked quarterback according to 247Sports’ transfer rankings. He is also a 4-star prep prospect. Alt myer will play for Illinois in 2023.

Illinois is going into 2023 with a significant lack of experience at the most important position on the field. Art Sitkowski was a power five backup at Rutgers. Illinois will have only two scholarship quarterbacks on its roster. Cal Swanson and Donovan Leary are freshmen.

Chase Brown is no longer a member of the Illinois football team. Josh McCray is the favorite to be the team's lead back next season. Aidan Laughery was injured for the majority of 2022 season, but his breakaway speed and Central Illinois ties could make him an immediate fan favorite. Jordan Anderson has a similar physical profile to McCay and incoming freshman Kaden Feagin. Reggie Love showed he can succeed against Big Ten defenses.

Bielema will announce his defensive backs coach in a day. Kevin Kane and Cory Patterson are leaving the Illinois football team. Bielea has talked about OLB and RB hires at the end of the NFL season.  

The ReliaQuest Bowl ends a chapter, not a book. Dre Brown from Notre Dame and Jay Valai from Oklahoma will play in the next game.

Isaiah Williams wants to return to Illinois next season. Johnny Newton had an amazing season and is a potential NFL selection. Keith Randolph's partner in the law firm has moved to West Lafayette. Julian Pearl is no surefire draft pick, but he has been in college for five years. Isaiah Adams, Tarique Barnes, and Brian Hightower would make a big difference in Champaign. The current staff can bring back the foundation of a winning team coming off a wining season if they are able to keep their homegrown, developing stars in town long enough to reach their collegiate ceiling.