How Illinois coach Bret Bielema responded to an SEC quarterback's shots at the Big Ten
College football has seen sweeping changes the last few years.
One of them, Illinois coach Bret Bielema believes, is an end to the notion of the Southeastern Conference's supremacy.
Appearing at Wrigley Field on Tuesday for Illini Night, Bielema responded to shots that Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia took at the Big Ten on a podcast earlier that day.
Pavia, who transferred from New Mexico State last year and led the Commodores to their first winning season in 11 years and an upset of Alabama, joined former NFL players Will Compton and Taylor Lewan on their 'Bussin' With the Boys' podcast. Most of the conversation was about Pavia's journey, but he took a jab at the Big Ten, including specific schools, when asked about potential transfers this offseason.
'You want to play with the best, you don't want to play in the Big Ten,' Pavia told Big Ten alumni Compton (Nebraska) and Lewan (Michigan). 'You ignore those calls. You've got to think about this too: The SEC is like nothing (else). The Big Ten, you have Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan, Penn State. The SEC, you've got all dogs.
'You only have four (tough) games a year (in the Big Ten). In the SEC, it's week after week you're getting beat on. You ain't getting beat on by the Purdues or Nebraskas.'
Vanderbilt last faced a Big Ten program in 2019 — losing 42-24 to Purdue.
Bielema caught wind of Pavia's comments and defended his conference.
'I understand what he's saying — he's regurgitating what's being said to him,' Bielema said. 'I think any given Saturday, anybody can beat anybody.'
Bielema, who has coached in both conferences at Wisconsin, Arkansas and Illinois, pointed out that the SEC has no returning quarterbacks who led their team to 10-plus wins last season, while two of the Big Ten's five 10-plus-win teams return their starter: Penn State with Drew Allar and the Illini with Luke Altmyer.
Big Ten teams went 6-4 last season against SEC teams, including a 5-1 mark in the postseason that included Illinois' Citrus Bowl victory over South Carolina. The Big Ten also boasts the last two national champions (Ohio State and Michigan) after SEC teams won 13 of the previous 17 national titles.
'The last three years, the evolution of college football with the portal and NIL has created a leveled playing field never seen before,' Bielema said. 'A lot of people want to live in the past and try to stay by the rules of the past, (but) I don't see any part of (that in) our future.'
Bielema also noted that SEC coaches have pushed back against adding a ninth conference game as well as the idea of an annual 'challenge series' of games versus Big Ten teams.
'We voted unanimously as Big Ten coaches to stay at nine (conference games) and maybe have an SEC challenge,' Bielema said. 'I was told that (the SEC) voted unanimously to stay at eight and not play the Big Ten.'
While the two conferences might not see eye to eye on who's No. 1, there's no denying the SEC and Big Ten view themselves as the best two conferences. In recent College Football Playoff discussions, they initially proposed that each get four automatic qualifiers for a 16-team playoff beginning in 2026, with two each for the ACC and Big 12, one for the highest-ranked champion from other conferences and three at-large berths.
After pushback from the ACC and Big 12 — who proposed five automatic bids for conference champs plus 11 at-large spots — the CFP reportedly will 'start over' in format talks with a Dec. 1 deadline to solidify the 2026 playoff structure.
'These two leagues can beat anybody on any given Saturday,' Bielema said, 'and that's the part I'd like to see. I'd like it to be the best 16 teams. I don't think we can do a 16-team playoff if (the SEC is) not at nine (conference) games. Until you get to nine for everybody, I don't think it can work.'
The 2025 season features a Week 1 game between Texas and host Ohio State. The rematch of a CFP semifinal, which the Buckeyes won 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl, is sure to refuel the conference supremacy debate.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
2 hours ago
- CBS News
Heat select Kasparas Jakučionis in first round of NBA Draft
In the first round of the NBA Draft, the Miami Heat picked University of Illinois guard Kasparas Jakučionis. Jakučionis, who was drafted 20th overall, started all 33 games he appeared in as a freshman, averaging 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 31.7 minutes while shooting 44 percent from the field and a freshman school record 84.5 percent from the foul line. He set the freshman school record for 20-point games at 10 and tied the freshman record for total points. He led the team in points, assists and free throws made and finished second in steals, defensive rebounds and minutes. Jakučionis also set the Illinois freshman record for assists in a season opener with seven on Nov. 4. Jakučionis earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors and was named to the All-B1G Second Team by the Associated Press and the All-B1G Third Team by the coaches and media. In 2023-24, Jakučionis appeared in 19 games for FC Barcelona averaging 19.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.6 steals while shooting 48 percent from the field, 38 percent from three-point range and 88 percent from the foul line. He recorded 10 20-point games and scored a career-high 39 points on Feb. 3.
Chicago Tribune
2 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
4 players with Illinois ties were picked in 1st round of NBA draft. Here's what to know about them.
Four players with Illinois ties began their NBA journeys Wednesday night when they heard their names called during the first round of the NBA draft. Joliet native Jeremiah Fears went at No. 7 to the New Orleans Pelicans. Illinois teammates Kasparas Jakučionis and Will Riley were picked back-to-back, Jakučionis going 20th to the Miami Heat and Riley 21st to the Washington Wizards. They became the first Illini teammates selected in the first round of the same draft since Deron Williams and Luther Head in 2005. Finally, Glencoe native Danny Wolf waited much of the night before hearing his name called with the 27th pick by the Brooklyn Nets in an emotional moment with his family. Here's what to know about each of them. No. 7 pick, New Orleans Pelicans Fears' mother, Sekia, couldn't stop crying. Sitting beside Oklahoma coach Porter Moser at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, she watched her son cross the stage and share a photo with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. ESPN cameras caught the moment afterward, tears streaming down Sekia Fears' cheeks. Jeremiah Fears wore a suit in Sooners crimson and two chains: one that said 'Fears' and the other with the Oklahoma 'O.' 'It was super dope,' Fears said afterward. 'It was definitely one of those things that you will never forget, something that you dream about for a long time.' His journey will continue in New Orleans, but it started in Joliet. Fears began his high school career at Joliet West before transferring to Arizona Compass Prep near Phoenix after his sophomore season. He's the younger brother of Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr., and their father, Jeremy Fears, played college basketball at Ohio University and Bradley. A top-rated recruit nationally, Jeremiah Fears initially committed to Brad Underwood and Illinois. Last summer, however, he decommitted from the Illini and decided to join Moser, the former Loyola coach, at Oklahoma. He also reclassified into the Class of 2024 so he could join the Sooners a year early. Thanks to that move, he was one of the youngest players in this year's draft (he won't turn 19 until mid-October). Fears led Oklahoma with 17.1 points and 4.1 assists per game. He showed an ability to get to the rim and the free-throw line. His 183 made free throws were tied for 11th in the nation. 'Great speed with the ball, an excellent handle and dynamic in pick-and-roll situations,' ESPN analyst Jay Bilas said. 'Very productive, uses his body well, a knack to get into the lane and get fouled.' No. 20, Miami Heat Jakučionis went into the night projected as a likely lottery pick. So it was somewhat of a surprise when he was still available at No. 20. The Heat took full advantage. The 19-year-old grew up in Lithuania, a country that has produced numerous NBA talents, including 2024 Chicago Bulls first-round pick Matas Buzelis. 'In Lithuania, basketball is like (a) second religion,' Jakučionis said. He played for FC Barcelona before coming to America to play for Underwood at Illinois. Chicago Bulls draft French teen Noa Essengue at No. 12, opting for upside and versatilityJakučionis plays with a blend of size, feel and vision. He averaged 15 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists while totaling six double-doubles — including one in Illinois' first-round NCAA Tournament win over Xavier. He excelled as a playmaker in pick-and-rolls and showed a high-level ability to find his teammates for open shots. The biggest question mark with Jakučionis seems to be whether he'll develop as a scorer at the next level. He shot 32% from 3-point range last season. Turnovers were a problem from time to time during his lone season in Champaign. Underwood was in New York to support Jakučionis and his teammate Riley. Jakučionis wouldn't have had it any other way. 'I've only been there for one year, but we've connected so good,' Jakučionis said. 'I feel like they're my family and I'm so happy to share the moment with them because I really believe that they trusted me this year, they gave me the keys to the team, and I'm so grateful that they could be here with me.' No. 21, Washington Wizards (via trade with Utah Jazz) After Jakučionis went 20th, Underwood didn't have to wait long for his other freshman to be drafted. Riley went 21st, initially donning a Jazz hat, although his draft rights were traded to the Wizards. Going back-to-back was a special moment for the Illini freshmen. 'We went through the whole season together and we got to compete against each other through the whole season,' Riley said. 'It was amazing building a brotherhood with him. Going back-to-back picks, it was super nice and (we're) family for life, for sure.' Riley grew up in Ontario but spent the last two years of his high school career at The Phelps School in Malvern, Pa. Last summer he reclassified into the Class of 2024 and committed to Illinois. He blossomed into the Big Ten's Sixth Man of the Year, averaging 12.6 points and 4.1 rebounds coming off the bench for the Illini. His 6-foot-8 height combined with the ability to move without the ball and create off the dribble makes him an intriguing prospect. On the flip side, at 186 pounds Riley will have to bulk up if he's going to handle the physical rigors of the pro game. At Illinois, Riley was never afraid to try a contested shot. He credited his more veteran teammates with helping him navigate his freshman season. 'I feel like I already went through all that adversity, so I know how to deal with it now and I know how to stay confident and stay modest through it all and stay level-headed,' Riley said. No. 27, Brooklyn Nets Wolf had his head down, eyes glued to his phone. One of the last players sitting on the floor at the Barclays Center, the nervous energy had long since turned to worry. Worry that he would leave the arena Thursday night and not hear his name announced at all. When the Nets selected Wolf with the 27th pick, the 6-11 big man let out a huge exhale and shared a hug with his brother. Much of Wolf's family was soon in tears. 'It's really hard to put into words,' Wolf said of the emotions involved. 'It's such a unique, special opportunity and experience. In terms of being in the green room, I didn't exactly know how long I would've been sitting there for.' Wolf played his first three years of high school ball at Lake Forest Academy before transferring to Northfield Mount Hermon, a prep school in Massachusetts, for his senior season. He initially played two years at Yale and was a member of the 2023-24 team that upset Auburn as a No. 13 seed in the NCAA Tournament. After that season, Wolf transferred to Michigan to play for first-year Wolverines coach Dusty May. During his lone season in Ann Arbor, Wolf averaged 13.2 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists and totaled 50 blocks in 37 games. Wolf has excellent footwork, is able to handle the ball at his size and can knock down the occasional 3-pointer (34% for the season). After waiting several hours to hear his name, Wolf likened it to his entire basketball journey. His path has been unconventional — he hardly played his freshman year at Yale — but it has led him to Brooklyn. 'I don't think where you're drafted defines you. It's just the start of getting into the league,' Wolf said. 'It's been my basketball journey thus far, having to go step by step. Underrecruited out of high school, unranked, so to speak, and Yale took a chance on me.' The Nets are taking a chance on him too.
CNBC
2 hours ago
- CNBC
PayPal teams up with the Big Ten and Big 12 to enable payments to student-athletes
Global payment company PayPal announced on Thursday that it has inked a deal with the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences to allow student-athletes to receive compensation through the fintech company's platform. The announcement comes just weeks after a court settlement in the House v. NCAA case, which dramatically shifts the college sports landscape by allowing schools to compensate student-athletes for the first time. The settlement allows individual schools to distribute up to $20.5 million to current athletes over the next year, and provides up to $2.8 billion in compensation to former players across the NCAA. The new agreement will allow Big Ten and Big 12 athletic departments to dispense these payments using PayPal exclusively. PayPal said the initial rollout is expected to begin this summer. The House settlement takes effect on July 1. The deal will allow students at Big Ten and Big 12 universities to receive their compensation quickly and securely, PayPal said. The company added students will also have the option to pay their college tuition via PayPal, which will become a preferred payment partner at select schools. "We're proud to help lead this transformation in college athletics by making it easier and fasterfor student-athletes to get paid and continue to bring trusted and innovative commerce solutions to the heart of campus life," PayPal President and CEO Alex Chriss said in a statement. PayPal's mobile payment service Venmo is also expanding its position in college sports. Venmo will be the presenting partner for the first-ever Big Ten Rivalry Series and will serve as the official partner of the Big 12 Conference. The company is also working with Big Ten and Big 12 schools to allow students to use Venmo at college bookstores and for campus athletics for items such as tickets, concessions and merchandise. The Big Ten Conference expanded to 18 schools last August includes the University of Maryland, Penn State University, University of Michigan and the Ohio State University. The Big 12 Conference includes 16 schools such as Arizona State University, the University of Central Florida and the University of Houston.
