It is onerous responsible Bret Bielema for feeling good about himself today. In the previous couple of months, the outspoken Illinois coach has achieved battle with fellow coaches, be it on social media or, extra famously, on the sector with South Carolina coach Shane Beamer throughout a 21-17 win over the Gamecocks within the Citrus Bowl.

That win was Illinois’ tenth for the season, marking this system’s first 10-win feat since 2001 (10-2) below the management of Ron Turner.

Bielema’s confidence should not be mistaken as solely a celebration of his 2024 workforce, although. It is extra about what he believes he can accomplish subsequent. Bielema has each purpose to consider the success Illinois skilled on the sector final season will proceed into this 12 months, and probably past.

Bielema might have had his tongue planted firmly in his cheek when debating Lane Kiffin on social media about their respective playoff circumstances, however it’s no secret he thinks the Illini can compete for a Faculty Soccer Playoff spot in 2025.

It is the form of perception that causes school soccer followers across the nation to lift an eyebrow, together with Illini followers themselves. It’s, in any case, extraordinarily out of character for this system.

For greater than 70 years now, it has been almost not possible for Illinois to maintain success. This system claimed 4 nationwide titles below Robert Zuppke from 1914 to 1927, after which one other in 1951, however all of of them got here earlier than this system joined the Massive Ten in 1953. 

Since then, for each profitable season, there have been three or 4 dangerous ones. There was a resurgence within the late Eighties below John Mackovic when the Illini went to 4 straight bowl video games — the one time Illinois ever made three straight bowl video games, not to mention 4 — however Mackovic left for Texas in 1992. His alternative, Lou Tepper obtained the Illini to a fifth straight bowl in his first season, however could not keep it. 

Bielema himself has had a style of this system’s one step ahead, two steps again trajectory. He took the helm forward of the 2021 season following a failed venture below Lovie Smith. This system Bielema inherited had been to 2 bowl video games in 9 seasons below three totally different coaches, and recruiting was a multitude. Smith’s strategy to recruiting alienated Illinois highschool coaches, and one among Bielema’s major targets was to fix these fences.

However first, he needed to win soccer video games. After a 5-7 debut, the Illini broke via in 2022, beginning the season 7-1 and reaching as excessive as No. 14 within the AP High 25. That workforce would lose 4 of its final 5 video games, although it got here near knocking off eventual Massive Ten champion Michigan on the highway. Whereas the vibes had been excessive, the acquainted story struck. After shedding lots of key gamers to the NFL (OK, in order that half wasn’t as acquainted), in addition to defensive coordinator Ryan Walters to Purdue, the Illini took their ordinary step again in 2023, ending 5-7 and lacking out on a bowl.

So you possibly can think about why many Illini followers are understandably hesitant to get too excited as they wait to see if the rug will likely be pulled out from beneath them as soon as extra; nonetheless, there’s much more purpose to be optimistic heading into the 2025 season.

To begin with, the core of the workforce that received 10 video games in 2024 is returning. ESPN’s Invoice Connelly launched his returning manufacturing rankings for all 134 FBS groups, and Illinois ranks third nationally behind two playoff groups in Clemson and Arizona State. Whereas it will not be simple to interchange the manufacturing of high receiver Pat Bryant (54 receptions, 984 yards, 10 TD), it is simpler to do it when you will have your quarterback and whole offensive line returning.

Then there’s recruiting. These fences Bielema needed to mend with Illinois highschool coaches? Think about them mended. As I write this, Illinois’ 2026 recruiting class is ranked seventh nationally, per 247Sports. That is proper, seventh. Forward of packages like Notre Dame, LSU, Georgia, Alabama, and convention foes Ohio State and Michigan. It is not prone to keep within the high 10, however there’s sufficient optimism across the program on the recruiting entrance to consider this might nonetheless be a top-25 class by the point the early signing interval arrives in December.

Whereas that is not sufficient to launch this system into nationwide title contender standing, it is vital to notice Illinois hasn’t had a highschool recruiting class end ranked within the high 25 since 2008 (No. 22). Illinois has had extra courses end outdoors the highest 50 than inside the highest 40 since. (The 2025 class was ranked No. 45.) The mix of success on the sector and within the NFL Draft, coupled with rekindled relationships with native coaches, is paying main dividends for Bielema and his employees relating to buying the form of expertise wanted to maintain success.

Then there’s Illinois’ 2025 schedule. In 2024, Indiana was a superb soccer workforce. It was additionally a superb soccer workforce that benefitted from a pleasant schedule. Whereas Illinois’ 2025 slate is not fairly on the identical stage, it shapes as much as be one of many simpler schedules any workforce within the Massive Ten will face.

Whereas the nonconference slate has a highway journey to Duke, in Massive Ten play, the Illini will face solely two groups who completed final season with successful information within the Massive Ten: at Indiana and residential in opposition to Ohio State. The remainder of the schedule consists of residence video games in opposition to USC, Rutgers, Maryland and Northwestern. The highway journeys are to Purdue, Washington and Wisconsin.

It is onerous responsible Bielema for feeling assured as he prepares for his fifth season at Illinois. You’d be, too.