Illinois head coach spoke with Paul Chryst and Jim Leonhard about Wisconsin transfer additions
Meeting with the media on Sunday, Bielema elaborated on his pursuit of three key former Wisconsin transfers: defensive linemen James Thompson Jr. and Curt Neal, and outside linebacker Leon Lowery. All three committed to Illinois after gauging other transfer interest
Related: Power ranking all 18 Big Ten football programs after the 2024 season
Both Neal and Thompson Jr. were Chryst recruits in the class of 2022 and 2020, respectively. Each played under the longtime Wisconsin head coach before electing to remain with the program for the first two years of the Luke Fickell era. They each then entered the portal after the 2024 campaign concluded.
Neal was arguably the Badgers' best defensive lineman over the last few seasons, totaling 42 tackles, five for loss and 1/2 sack. Thompson Jr., meanwhile, held that title in 2023 before missing most of the 2024 season with an injury.
Each figure to now lead an Illinois defense coached by defensive coordinator Aaron Henry (Wisconsin DB from 2007-11) and defensive line coach Terrance Jamison (former Wisconsin DL).
https://twitter.com/JWerner247/status/1883577408370164221
Leonhard just wrapped up the 2024 NFL season as the Denver Broncos' secondary coach. Chryst, meanwhile, was out of coaching this past season after spending 2023 as an offensive analyst at Texas.
The Wisconsin connection still exists for Bielema, Chryst and Leonhard, as well as those two former Badgers on the Illinois staff. The Fighting Illini prioritizing several former Badgers in the portal shows that reality. As the years pass, Bielema's Illinois program resembles Wisconsin, where he coached from 2006-12, more and more.
Luke Fickell and Wisconsin will host Illinois on Nov. 22 next season. It will be a rematch of the Badgers' 25-21 road win over the Fighting Illini in 2023.
Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
26 minutes ago
- USA Today
Houston Astros at Detroit Tigers odds, picks and predictions
The Houston Astros (69-55) visit the Detroit Tigers (73-53) Monday in the opener of a 3-game set between division leaders. First pitch at Comerica Park is slated for a 6:40 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Astros vs. Tigers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets. Season series: Astros lead 2-1 Houston embarks on a Detroit-Baltimore road trip after a 3-3 home stand ending with a 12-0 loss to the Orioles Sunday. The Astros coughed up 6 runs or more in 4 of their 6 games in the Aug. 11-17 stand. Houston leads the AL West, but the Astros are well under .500 since early July. They are 14-20 across their last 34 games. Detroit is back in the Motor City after a 7-2 road swing that ended with a Sunday loss at the Minnesota Twins. Sunday's setback snapped a 4-game win streak for the AL Central leaders. Astros at Tigers projected starters RHP Spencer Arrighetti vs. RHP Jack Flaherty Arrighetti (1-3, 6.38 ERA) is making his fifth start. He has logged a 1.47 WHIP, 5.4 BB/9 and 7.9 K/9 through 18 1/3 innings. Flaherty (6-12, 4.76 ERA) is making his 25th start. He has a 1.31 WHIP, 3.5 BB/9 and 11.1 K/9 through 124 2/3 innings. Win your fantasy baseball league with For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! BHQ offers full-season subscriptions. Sign up today and start winning! Astros at Tigers odds Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:12 a.m. ET. Astros at Tigers picks and predictions Tigers 4, Astros 3 Moneyline The Tigers are 4-1 in their last 5 series openers. Detroit is the side that has been in better form of late. Arrighetti is making his third start off the IL after missing much of the season with a thumb fracture. He was not sharp across several rehab efforts in the minors and is coming off a clunker in his last start at the Major League level. Arrighetti is backed by a Houston bullpen which has struggled its way to a 6.12 ERA this month. Flaherty figures as better than what shows in his surface line, and he has a nice history against Houston. Per ESPN, current Astros batters own an aggregate .686 OPS against him. Flaherty owns a 3.79 ERA at Comerica vs. a 6.08 ERA elsewhere. TAKE THE TIGERS (-155). Run line/Against the spread No interest. PASS. Over/Under The Under is 3-1-1 across Detroit's last 5 games. The analytics present mixed signals here, but with Flaherty's overall prognosis, the Astro offense struggling of late (.678 OPS since July 22), and an inward breeze in the Comerica weather forecast (with fly-ballers on the mound), the UNDER 8.5 (-115) is worth a partial-unit lean. Play our free daily Pick'em Challenge and win! Play now! For more sports betting picks and tips, check out and BetFTW. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook. Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose. While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling. We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site. Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice. Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
The Jackson T. Stephens Cup Announces 2025 Sponsorship Lineup: Stephens, Workday, and Old National Bank
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., August 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Jackson T. Stephens Cup (The JTS Cup) today announced its official sponsor lineup for the 2025 tournament, Stephens, Workday, and Old National Bank. The tournament will take place September 15-17 at Shoreacres in Lake Bluff, Illinois. Entering its fifth year, the tournament continues to build on its reputation the premier event in collegiate golf. Support from key partners plays a critical role in delivering a world-class championship experience while reinforcing the tournament's commitment to excellence, integrity, and the development of amateur golf. Stephens, the presenting partner since the event's inception in 2021, continues its foundational role in shaping the Jackson T. Stephens Cup's identity and impact. Founded in 1933 and headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, Stephens is a privately held, independent financial services firm. The firm was co-founded by Jackson (Jack) T. Stephens, whom the tournament honors, and it continues to be owned, and run by the Stephens family. The company's enduring support of The JTS Cup underscores both its namesake's devotion to the game and the belief that competitive amateur golf fosters the same leadership qualities intrinsic to Stephens' culture. Workday, the AI platform for managing people, money, and agents, returns as an official partner. In 2025, Workday will once again serve as the presenting sponsor of the welcome reception, which sets the tone for a week centered on sportsmanship and competition. The event brings together players, coaches, and tournament partners for an evening that celebrates championship play and the values that define The JTS Cup. Old National Bank joins the tournament as a new official partner. Founded in 1834, Old National is a regional bank with deep midwestern roots and a passion for strengthening and supporting the communities where its team members live and work. As the Presenting Sponsor of the College-Am, Old National will also host the Old National Bank Chalk Talk, a new, private event that brings together women in finance, business, and the golf industry. This gathering will culminate in a viewing of the Women's Match Play Finals, celebrating both competitive excellence and community connection. The three-day competition will be televised live on the GOLF Channel. Air times are as follows: Monday, September 15 from 5–8 p.m. ET; Tuesday, September 16 from 4–7 p.m. ET; and Wednesday, September 17 from 4–7 p.m. ET. Tickets are available now at with daily and weekly passes and VIP hospitality options. Admission is free for fans under 17 when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Complimentary parking is included with every ticket. 2025 Tournament Schedule: Sunday, September 14 – Official Practice Round (AM) & College-Am presented by Old National Bank (PM) Monday, September 15 – Stroke Play (Rounds 1 & 2) Tuesday, September 16 – Stroke Play (Round 3) Wednesday, September 17 – Match Play Final Round by Seed (1 vs. 2, 3 vs. 4) For more information, visit or follow the tournament on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. About The Jackson T. Stephens CupThe Jackson T. Stephens Cup (The JTS Cup) is an annual collegiate golf tournament that honors the legacy of the late Jackson (Jack) T. Stephens, former Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and a lifelong advocate for the game of golf. This premier three-day event features a combination of stroke play and match play, highlighting NCAA Division I men's and women's teams that contend for national championships, along with standout individuals from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and U.S. Military Service Academies. The JTS Cup was created by Warren A. Stephens, son of Jack Stephens, and was first played in September 2021 at The Alotian Club. Miles Stephens and John Stephens, grandsons of the tournament's namesake and Stephens Co-CEOs, serve as tournament co-chairs—carrying forward their family's legacy of sportsmanship, excellence, and a commitment to developing the next generation of elite golfers. Bill Macatee, one of sports' preeminent broadcasters, serves as Vice Chairman. The Alotian Club in Roland, Arkansas, serves as the tournament's home course, with the event also rotating among other premier venues across the country. For more information, visit or follow the tournament on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. View source version on Contacts MEDIA CONTACTS: Curtis Jeffries, cjeffries@ Kevin Miller, kmiller@ Heather Durga, hdurga@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Bears HC Ben Johnson reacts to Caleb Williams' preseason debut
The relationship between Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams is continuing to grow, and that was never more evident than the Week 2 preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Williams was kept out of action in the team's first preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, but he got the start Sunday night against Buffalo, playing two offensive series and finishing the day going 6-10, for 107 passing yards, one touchdown and no interceptions or sacks taken. On the first possession of the game, Williams orchestrated a seven-play, 92-yard touchdown drive, capped off by a 36-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus. It's still just the preseason, but Williams answered early questions in Johnson's new offense as the two work to build each other up in their first year together. Following the 38-0 win over the Bills, Johnson spoke about the growth he's seen from Williams, acknowledging that there are going to be growing pains regardless, but he's shown improvement as of late. 'He's really been locked in. Anytime you're a young player, there's usually a couple of steps forward and one step back. And that's really been the story of this training camp. He and I have been really open and honest about it as we've gone through. And he's had some really good practices, and he's had a couple where, it's not good enough. I thought really the three days of practice we had this week and this game were the most he's stacked up good days in a row right now. The challenge is going to be keep pushing that direction.' Riding on momentum from during practice this past week and then his short performance against Buffalo, Johnson said the new focus is maintaining that good play for the young quarterback. After last season in which Williams played well but the Bears as a team had an extremely disappointing year, the new coaching staff, especially Johnson, are tasked with bringing back winning football, and they'll need Williams at his best to reach those goals. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC Ben Johnson reacts to Caleb Williams' preseason debut
