A Big Ten football coach has signed a contract extension . Bret Bielema and Illinois have agreed to a six-year extension. The new contract will run through 2031 and will increase Bielema's salary to $7.7 million per year.

While at Illinois, Bielema's record is 28-22 overall and 18-18 in the Big Ten. He's been to two bowl games and has a 1-1 record. The former Wisconsin and Arkansas coach has a career mark of 125-80.

Bielema is 5-2 against Nebraska in his career, with a 3-0 mark while at Illinois, with a 31-24 Friday night overtime victory last season. While at Wisconsin, he was 2-2 against the Huskers, with one of those victories the infamous 2012 Big Ten Championship Game, when the Cornhuskers lost to the Badgers 70-31.

In a statement to the public, Bielema said that he is fortunate to work with an athletic director who fully believes in our football program and a coaching staff that fully believes in the players.

"Over the last four seasons, our program has been built on tough, smart, dependable people in every facet: from our players, to our coaches and staff, to our administration."

Nebraska and Illinois do not meet during the 2025 regular season.

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