Illinois football wrapped up another successful season in the Music City Bowl. What's next for the Fighting Illini this offseason?

The college football transfer portal window opened Jan. 2 and will stay open until Jan. 16. The Tribune is tracking some of the key portal moves for local teams and players. Want the latest news? Subscribe to the Chicago Tribune to read it all — and sign up for our free sports newsletter.

CHAMPAIGN — Illinois football added a pair of elite junior college transfers to its Class of 2026, according to the players' social media. Illinois added cornerback Jakwon Morris and offensive lineman TJ Taylor just hours apart over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Matthew Bailey #7 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on Nov. 22, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin. Illinois Fighting Illini tight end Cole Rusk (14) runs the ball after a catch ...

Former Fighting Illini lineman from Princeville has found his college football home out of the transfer portal.

Are there any college football games on TV today? Find out the upcoming college football bowl schedule for Tuesday, Jan. 6 to Friday, Jan. 9.

The Illinois Fighting Illini football team wrapped up the 2025 regular season with a 20-13 win against Northwestern in Champaign, Illinois, on Saturday, Nov. 29. The Fighting Illini concluded the regular season at 8-4 overall and 5-4 in the Big Ten Conference.

2026 will usher in one of the most exciting recruiting classes in Illinois Football history, with the potential for some youngsters to immediately make their mark on the program.