Bret Bielema, #Illini make a splash in annual Big Ten poll. It is the latest sign that outside perception of the program has chaned. Can't Wait For Saturday | Illinois' Bielema just misses top spot in Big Ten preseason poll https://t.co/45u4g38n0k via @news_gazette

Thanks to longtime #Illini fans the Coadys for their help with this story. John and Kathy seem like the kind of grandparents we would all want or aspire to be like. Bob Asmussen | Illini super fans sample every sport ... in one year https://t.co/kfGrmg3wg5 via @news_gazette

As I count down to the start of the #Illini season in 98 days, it is good to know the College Football Playoff is more in order. Will Illinoi make it? Can't Wait For Saturday | Again, why did it take so long to get to a 12-team playoff? https://t.co/xzrNRsMMt8 via @news_gazette

Always great to catch up with former #Illini receiver Chris James, now doing a stellar job as coach at his alma mater Morgan Park. He had plenty to say about Nasir Rankin. Bob Asmussen | 'It's like a college coach built him in a lab' https://t.co/4pVtaByTKt via @news_gazette

Thanks to Chad Altmyer for the help on this story about his son Luke, the #Illini starting QB. Luke seems primed for an even better 2025 season. Bob Asmussen | One-time catcher turned quarterback, Altmyer finds the right fit at Illinois https://t.co/phKCvQVmCF via @news_gazette

Thanks to former #Illini track standout Rob Mango for sharing his vision of a series of portraits he is painting. The works are a treat for UI fans. Bob Asmussen | Former Illini track standout painting unique portraits of Illini greats https://t.co/ueZkZwCpS5 via @news_gazette

Great to be back at SFC for #Illini game against EIU. Season couldn't get here fast enough for fans eager to see the rebuilt team. Easily hitting triple figures is good. Bob's Buzzer Beaters | New-look Illini pick up where they left off https://t.co/QBgPD7qrN2 via @news_gazette

Friday's N-G sports cover features @BobAsmussen on historic opportunity for #Illini football, plus @srrichey with update on Tomislav Ivisic. @APSE_sportmedia @ngphotostaff

After jumping into the poll last week, #Illini are up to No 19. That's exactly where I have them ranked. Excellent start to the season for Bret Bielema's team. Full AP Top 25 | Illinois moves up to 19 after upset win https://t.co/N7rpTUfhwW via @news_gazette

Friday's N-G sports cover feat. @zachpiatt13 on emphatic win for @stmvolleyball against rival St. Joseph-Ogden, plus @BobAsmussen ranks all 18 Big Ten stadiums and @mdaniels_NG takes look at #Illini's Big Ten opener in Top 25 showdown at Nebraska. @APSE_sportmedia @ngphotostaff

Game 2 at Memorial Stadium. Going to be a full house for the #Illini. First time at home in 8 years. Check out my story on Florida State transfer and Dad Dennis Briggs. https://t.co/lj0eiujboA

Thursday's N-G sports cover feat. @zachpiatt13 on three-set comeback win for @maroonathletics volleyball over Mahomet-Seymour, plus @BobAsmussen on #Illini preparing for Kansas star QB Jalon Daniels and @mdaniels_NG on @SJOFootball standout receiver Coy Taylor. @APSE_sportmedia

Wednesday's N-G sports cover features @srrichey on #Illini men's basketball team getting introduced to fans at 100th CU Kiwanis Tip-Off Classic, plus @mdaniels_NG's latest Daily Pitch and @BobAsmussen and @Tatelines on Illinois football ahead of Kansas game. @APSE_sportmedia

Great to be back at Memorial Stadium for the #Illini opener against Eastern Illinois. Here is my column today on quarterback Luke Altmyer. https://t.co/r9pfs2XvQc

Thursday's N-G sports cover features @BobAsmussen on Luke Altmyer ahead of second season as #Illini quarterback, plus @mdaniels_NG's Daily Pitch. @APSE_sportmedia @ngphotostaff

Saturday's N-G sports cover feat. @mdaniels_NG on @ParklandCobras volleyball entering another 'national title or bust' season, plus @BobAsmussen on #Illini football season opener vs. Eastern Illinois and @srrichey on EA Sports College Football 25. @APSE_sportmedia @ngphotostaff

Friday's N-G sports cover features @srrichey on @IlliniSoccer's big season-opening win against Wright State, plus @BobAsmussen on #Illini football, @zachpiatt13 on @UnityFootball and @mdaniels_NG on @ParklandCobras stopping by office among items in Daily Pitch. @APSE_sportmedia

Wednesday's N-G sports cover features @srrichey and @BobAsmussen on Bragging Rights in basketball and football, plus @mdaniels_NG on topics ranging from #Illini linebacker Dylan Rosiek and @IlliniSoccer season opener to Tanner Gordon and @UnityRockets football. @APSE_sportmedia

Many thanks to @BobAsmussen for this gracious write up in the @news_gazette, the hometown paper in Champaign where my TV journey started #Illini #FlyinIllini #tv #sports #news #doublenickel @cbschicago https://t.co/JNWYLh3qsQ

Always great to catch up with Ryan Baker, a manager for the Flyin' Illini and a fixture in Chicago media. Ryan gets back to C-U whenever possible. Bob Asmussen | Illinois alum Baker back on familiar Chicago sports beat https://t.co/cYNNZJY315 via @news_gazette Always great to