Illinois’ 2024 season under Bret Bielema was his best with the team so far. The Fighting Illini finished 10–3, won the Citrus Bowl against South Carolina, and ended the season ranked No. 16 in the AP Poll.
With Illinois showing strong performances on the field, Bielema is confident that success will continue into the 2025 season. So, he took to social media to flex his team’s progress—but that didn’t last long, as fans brutally responded, bringing up his past record.
In response, the head coach tried to clap back at the Ole Miss fan, defending his coaching resume while doubling down on his stance that recent history matters more than outdated narratives.
Bret Bielema Fires Back at SEC Critics, Shuts Down Ole Miss Fan With Facts
Bielema has been with the team since 2020, but before last season, there was nothing extraordinary from the former Arkansas coach. He struggled with an 11–29 SEC record during his tenure at Arkansas, leading to his firing in 2017. But things have changed with last season’s record. And now, he finally has a reason to be proud.
Leading the Fighting Illini to a 10–3 season in 2024—especially with a modest $5 million NIL budget—suggests he’s built a strong program despite financial constraints. When you compare this to some programs spending $35–40 million annually on NIL deals to reach a similar record, Illinois’ success under Bielema stands out even more.
Great work. Headed into the weekend maybe have this EXTREMELY talented working group look at running the numbers on:
1- the last 2-3 years where legal NIL and portal transfer rules have balanced rosters like never before
2- look at head to head in the same time frame head to… https://t.co/tvGmQOw6aV
— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) May 30, 2025
So, he took to X to poke fun at the SEC.
“Great work. Headed into the weekend, maybe have this EXTREMELY talented working group look at running the numbers,” Bielema said. “2- Look at head-to-head in the same time frame with Power 4, especially with a possible B1G vs SEC challenge that is being discussed.
“3- And there is no better reality than recent history for reality. Maybe the 2025 season, playoffs, and bowl matchups head-to-head.”
This statement didn’t sit well with an Ole Miss fan, who responded by reminding Bielema of his past struggles at Arkansas, saying, “Remember when you got fired from Arkansas with an 11-29 SEC conference record over five years?”
Obviously, this comment was too personal, and the 55-year-old coach took it personally. He chose to respond aggressively to the fan, penning, “Yes, I do, and the SEC was an awesome experience and extremely tough before today’s rules. And also remember going 3-1 vs Ole Miss during that time 🤷♂️.”
KEEP READING: NFL Draft Analyst Props Up Ohio State’s Caleb Downs as First Defensive Player Off Board in 2026 NFL Draft
Their back-and-forth might seem a bit childish, but let’s be honest, it was entertaining. But beyond the playful trash talk, this debate highlights bigger issues, like how NIL deals and the transfer portal are changing the game.
Plus, a possible Big Ten vs. SEC challenge could finally settle the power debate on the field. Most importantly, Bielema has already shifted the power dynamics in college football, something everyone must acknowledge.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
