Illinois coach Bret Bielema announced the hire Thursday. Neu went 40-63 at Ball State from 2016-24. He was fired in November, ...

Illinois landed Cardinals transfer Christian Abney, who brings additional depth and athleticism to the tight end position ...

Bielema has turned the Illini football program around, and has been rewarded with a lucrative contract extension.

How he fits: Abney is an intriguing addition with long-term upside, and Neu obviously gives Illinois great insight into Abney as a player. Abney is still relatively new to the tight end position ...