A three-time Big Ten championship-caliber coach, Bret Bielema knows what it takes to win on the field.

Starting at a program that is coming up on a decade of futility on the field is going to be quite the challenge for the newly hired Illini football coach but Illini beat writer Bob Asmussen says there are a few keys to immediate success for the former Wisconsin and Arkansas head man. According to Asmussen, it all starts with keeping as many seniors around as possible going into 2021.

Former Coach Lovie Smith took full advantage of the transfer portal in his time at Illinois, scoring starting quarterbacks Brandon Peters and AJ Bush, along with highly touted front-seven players Milo Eifler and Oluwole Betiku and wideout Josh Imatorbhebhe, among others. With transfer eligibility being waived for the 2021 season, Asmussen believes Bielema will be aggressive in seeking out transfers.

Asmussen believes Bielema has a great plan for getting Illinois back on track and becoming a winning program again.

If Bielema can build the program, in three to four years the issue will quickly become how does Illinois keep him around - something Asmussen calls a good problem to have.