Tag: Bret Bielema

Former Wisconsin transfer defensive lineman set to visit former Big Ten West rival

Former Wisconsin transfer defensive lineman set to visit former Big Ten West rival

Former Wisconsin top defensive lineman James Thompson Jr. is set to visit Illinois, according to his post on X.

Thompson entered the transfer portal this week after five years with the Badgers. He was a prominent force along their defensive line in 2022 and 2023 before missing most of the 2024 season with a torn pectoral muscle.

Related: Wisconsin football 2024 transfer portal departure tracker

The experienced lineman received a flurry of offers after entering the portal. He has announced visits to Texas A&M and the Illini at this point.

Were he to commit to the Aggies, he’d follow in the footsteps of former Wisconsin lineman Rodas Johnson, who did so after the 2023 campaign.

If Illinois is the choice, he’d not only join a Big Ten rival but also a program set to play the Badgers in 2025. Illini coach Bret Bielema’s connection to Wisconsin will further that storyline.

Thompson Jr. totaled 52 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and five sacks in two seasons as a starter for the Badgers. He’d be a significant addition for an Illinois team that is set to lose production off its defensive line.

The Illini are 9-3 in 2024, tied for fifth in the Big Ten. It’s the program’s first nine-win season since 2007. A win in the Citrus Bowl over South Carolina would bring the program its first 10-win season since 2001.

Wisconsin, meanwhile, is working to build its defensive line with Thompson Jr., Curt Neal (transfer) and Elijah Hills (eligibility) all gone from the 2024 group. This position could do a lot to decide the result when these two teams meet in late-November.

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Bret Bielema a big fan of Penn State tight end Tyler Warren

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema respects how well Penn State uses tight end Tyler Warren.

If there is one thing Illinois head coach Bret Bielema respects, it is how Penn State makes use of tight end [autotag]Tyler Warren[/autotag]. Bielema saw firsthand just how versatile and valuable Warren is to Penn State’s offense under offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki.

“Like number 44 I just love him,” Bielema said in his postgame press conference Saturday night when referring to Warren when discussing how Penn State uses some of their players in multiple ways. Warren played a key role in helping Penn State earn a 21-7 victory over Bielema’s Illini.

Penn State asked Warren to catch the football (four catches for 34 yards) and run the football out of a run-pass option package (13 yards and 1 touchdown) while taking snaps at the quarterback position. As a former quarterback, Warren looked comfortable handling those tasks

“One of the things I took from the league is when a guy has a lot of position flex which means he can do multiple things besides what he’s slatted into,” Bielema said.

Bielema spent three seasons in the NFL following his run as head coach at Arkansas, so he’s picked up a little more insight about players at the next level on top of his years as head coach at Wisconsin, Arkansas, and now Illinois. As far as Bielema is concerned, the NFL hype for Warren is legitimate.

“I just think the skillset of him just allows a lot of other things to happen.”

Warren and Penn State will host UCLA next weekend for another Big Ten matchup. Kickoff is set for a noon Eastern start time and Fox will bring its pregame show to Happy Valley for the game.

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Best Penn State football photos from the Illinois game

Check out some of the best photos from Penn State’s win over Illinois.

Penn State played its first night game of the season on Saturday night, and what better setting to do so than at home in an electric Beaver Stadium? Although this was not an officially scheduled white-out game, the fans packed the stadium dressed for the occasion and later celebrated a 21-7 victory over Illinois as Penn State improved to 4-0 overall and opened Big Ten play with a win.

Penn State’s running game and defense led the way in what turned out to be a competitive defensive slugfest between two programs known for their hard-nosed defensive styles. Penn State eventually proved to have the upper hand with a stronger and more consistent running attack and the defense came up with seven sacks and a couple of turnovers to help put a cap on the first Big Ten win of the season in front of the home crowd.

Here are some of the best photos from Penn State’s primetime win over the Illini in Week 5.

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PHOTOS: Former Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema through the years

PHOTOS: Former Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema through the years

Former Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema is leading the college football news cycle this morning.

The longtime Badgers head coach (2006-2012) led his No. 24-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini to a statement 31-24 overtime victory over No. 22 Nebraska on Friday night. The win moved Illinois to 4-0 on the young season and 1-0 in Big Ten play.

More significantly, it moved Bielema to 4-5 against ranked teams during his Illinois tenure. That mark comes after the program went just 3-28 in those matchups in the 10 years before his arrival.

The win shakes up a complicated Big Ten landscape with conference play beginning to heat up. Nebraska was considered a sleeper contender to reach the Big Ten title game, though now will face a daunting path to that destination. Illinois, meanwhile, could enter College Football Playoff contention if it continues its stellar play against upcoming opponents No. 10 Penn State, No. 18 Michigan and No. 9 Oregon.

Friday’s result had major implications for the rest-of-season race. It also had many discussing Bielema’s coaching history and undeniable winning track record.

That all started at Wisconsin in 2006. Here is a look Bielema then, and through the years with the Badgers, Arkansas Razorbacks and now Illinois:

Former Wisconsin coach leads program to signature win over Nebraska

Former Wisconsin coach gets signature win over Nebraska

Former Wisconsin and current Illinois head coach Bret Bielema led his No. 24-ranked Fighting Illini to a signature win over No. 22 Nebraska on Friday night.

The 31-24 overtime triumph moved his team to 4-0 on the season and 1-0 in Big Ten play. The ranked matchup, paired with the hype surrounding Nebraska’s 3-0 start, the national profile of freshman QB Dylan Raiola and the Friday night national television stage makes the win arguably the biggest of Bielema’s Illinois tenure.

Related: Ranking Wisconsin’s remaining Big Ten opponents from easiest to toughest

The former Badger coach is in his fourth season at Illinois. His best season with the Illini came in 2022 — an 8-5 finish with as high as a No. 14 ranking in the AP Poll. The Nebraska win puts 2024 on pace to surpass that finish.

Illinois’ 4-0 start also includes a home win against a ranked Kansas team, plus blowout wins against Eastern Illinois and Central Michigan. The win moves Illinois’ record against ranked teams under Bielema to 4-5. In the 10 years before his arrival, the program went just 3-28 in those matchups.

Bielema’s postgame excitement captures the gravity of the road victory.

Bielema coached at Wisconsin from 2006-2012. He went 68-24, including Big Ten titles in 2011 and 2012. His controversial departure to Arkansas in 2012 cast a shadow over his tenure. Given Wisconsin’s ongoing struggles since firing Paul Chryst in 2022, many have turned around to appreciate Bielema’s ability to win during his time in Madison.

To add to the Wisconsin connection, the Illinois staff includes former Badger players Aaron Henry (defensive coordinator) and Terrance Jamison (defensive line coach).

Wisconsin does not play Illinois this season for the first time since 2010. It beat Bielema and the Fighting Illini 25-21 last season on a last-minute touchdown pass to OT Nolan Rucci.

The Badgers do play Nebraska, however. Friday’s loss halts the Cornhuskers’ momentum after a flawless start to the season. The late-season matchup between the two teams could go on to largely define each of their respective seasons.

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Bret Bielema explains significance behind Iowa tattoo at Big Ten Media Days

At Big Ten Media Days Illinois coach Bret Bielema discussed the significance of his Iowa tattoo.

One of the biggest warnings they always give you about tattoos is that they are permanent. They don’t fade or wash away, that design is on you forever. Situations in life may change, but that ink on your body does not update along with it.

Now some out there take that warning to heart, others not quite as literally. I do have a tattoo of a heart that says mom, but it is flipped upside-down so it says wow just like in that one Spongebob episode. You can tell which camp I belong to. It turns out Bret Bielema is also from that camp!

Bret Bielema has a tattoo in honor of his alma mater Iowa. It’s an honorable tattoo, but there’s a slight problem. He is no longer with Iowa. He is the head coach of their Big Ten competitor Illinois.

It is really funny the idea that Illinois’ current coach, who was also the head coach at Wisconsin earlier in his career, has the image of a tigerhawk above his left ankle.

Bielema, though, is not ashamed of what the tattoo represents.

“I never met a successful person who wasn’t proud of where they come from,” Bielema stated about the tattoo at Big Ten Media Days on Tuesday.

While it may just be a silly image that he decided to get at 19 on a rainy Iowa night, it does still carry heavy meaning for the coach. Bret Bielema walked onto the University of Iowa’s football team under coach Hayden Fry. He proceeded to earn a scholarship, letter four years, and served as a captain in his senior season. He then got his start as a coach at Iowa, working under Fry and then eventually Kirk Ferentz.

With everything he gained from his time in Iowa City, Bielema has become a Big Ten Coach of the Year, a three-time Big Ten Champion, and he even won a Super Bowl ring with New England.

Sometimes even the silly decisions we make as bored 19-year-olds can help remind us where we come from even as we progress forward.

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Wisconsin’s game-winning touchdown pass vs. Illinois is now a penalty, and Bret Bielema is not pleased

Wisconsin’s game-winning touchdown pass vs. Illinois is now a penalty, and Bret Bielema is not pleased

There is a new rule entering the 2024 season that directly addresses Wisconsin’s game-winning touchdown pass to beat Illinois in 2023.

The rule notes that changing a player into a different jersey during the game to complete a tackle-eligible pass is now considered an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Related: 10 developing opinions entering year two of the Luke Fickell era at Wisconsin

This is, of course, exactly what Wisconsin did in switching backup left tackle Nolan Rucci from No. 66 to No. 93, then running him out on a swing route to catch the game-winning touchdown pass with 30 seconds left in the game.

Illinois HC Bret Bielema went to X to react to this rule change, posting ‘Isn’t it crazy how rules are emphasized on a yearly basis after a year in review.’

For those who need a refresher, here is the play in question, plus Bielema’s full reaction to the rule change:

We can confidently say that we probably witnessed one of the last instances of a tackle changing his number to catch a touchdown pass. We’ve definitely seen the last one that’s worked without being a 15-yard penalty.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

Longtime Wisconsin HC among college football’s winningest active Power Four coaches entering 2024

Most of his wins came with the #Badgers…

Former Wisconsin and current Illinois head coach Bret Bielema is one of college football’s winningest active Power Four coaches entering the 2024 season.

His 115 wins sit No. 7 overall, ranked behind only North Carolina‘s Mack Brown (276 wins), Iowa‘s Kirk Ferentz (196), LSU‘s Brian Kelly (186), Clemson‘s Dabo Swinney (170), Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy (166) and Utah’s Kyle Whittingham (162).

Related: 10 developing opinions entering year two of the Luke Fickell era at Wisconsin

Bielema tallied 68 of those wins during his seven-year stretch with the Wisconsin Badgers from 2006-2012. He was 68-24 overall, good for a winning percentage of .739.

His eight years of coaching since leaving the Badgers before the 2012 Rose Bowl have not been as successful. He went 29-34 in five years at Arkansas before taking three years off, then going 18-19 in his first three years at Illinois.

Bielema’s record at Wisconsin: 68-24 (.739)

Bielema’s record since leaving Wisconsin: 47-53 (.470)

Regardless, the former Badger head coach is one of the longest-tenured active head coaches in the sport. He now must prove at Illinois that he can have success outside of Madison, Wisconsin, however, or that tenure may not extend for much longer.

Other coaches who will soon pass Bielema on the active wins list include Penn State‘s James Franklin (112 wins), NC State’s Dave Doeren (104) and UCF’s Gus Malzahn (101).

Current Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell, for reference, has 71 career wins.

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WATCH: Former Wisconsin football coach sings ‘Take Me Out To The Ball Game’ at Cubs game

Your thoughts on former Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema?

Former Wisconsin Badgers and current Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema entertained the Chicago Cubs faithful on Tuesday night with a rendition of ‘Take Me Out To The Ball Game.’

He led the seventh-inning-stretch tradition during the Cubs’ eventual 6-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Related: Three Wisconsin football assistants among Big Ten’s top recruiters for class of 2025

Bielema was the head coach for the Badgers for seven highly successful years from 2006-2012. He finished with a 68-24 overall record (0.739 win percentage), including three Rose Bowl trips in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

The controversial figure took the head coach job at Arkansas toward the end of the 2012 season, which did not sit well with much of the Badger faithful.

So not only do many remember Bielema’s headline-grabbing exit, but he is also currently the head coach at Illinois — one of Wisconsin’s regional rivals. He is only 18-19 overall in his first three seasons at the helm. One of those wins, however, effectively ended the Paul Chryst era in 2022.

Somehow, the Bielema vs. Wisconsin story seems to never reach its end. The Badgers and Fighting Illini are not scheduled to play in 2024. It will not be until 2025 when Wisconsin gets another shot at a win over its former coach.

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Wisconsin legend appears ready for his next coaching move

Wisconsin legend appears ready for his next coaching move

Longtime Wisconsin defensive coordinator and program legend Jim Leonhard has flown under the radar since leaving the program after the 2022 season.

Leonhard spent the 2023 season as an analyst on Bret Beilema’s staff at Illinois. An immediate jump back into the head coach or defensive coordinator ranks wasn’t in the cards; his name was seldom mentioned among hot candidates during the latest coaching carousel.

Related: Win totals released for Wisconsin, every Big Ten team in 2024 football season

A recent comment by Bielema gives clarity to Leonhard’s status entering the 2024 season. 247Sports’ Jeremy Werner posted to X that Leonhard is still on the Fighting Illini staff, and he could stay there entering the season if he doesn’t get a job elsewhere. The disclaimer: Leonhard is looking for a job not in college.

Connecting the dots, Leonhard is looking to jump to an NFL coaching staff and work his way up the ranks at that level. The league doesn’t require year-round recruiting or name, image and likeness licensing related headaches so it’s easy to see why it’s an attractive next step for his coaching career.

Related: Former NFL Coach Of The Year will ‘be around Wisconsin football in some capacity’ this year

Here’s Bielema’s full quote on Leonhard’s future:

“In theory, he is (on our staff), but we signed him with the idea that if he wants to do this then it would be open to come back to him,” Bielema said. “If he doesn’t have the things that he wants … not in college, I think we would be back at it. He literally sent a report a couple weeks ago that was unbelievably detailed and great ideas and thoughts. I reached out to him Tuesday night. I know he’s got some irons in the fire. That’s his business. Jimmy has been awesome. A very gifted coach in a lot of ways.”

The NFL is getting to the later stages of its coaching carousel. Most coaching staffs are in the process of being filled out after the head coaching carousel stopped.

Bielema said Leonhard has “some irons on the fire,” though. So maybe we should expect some news on the matter.