SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Central Illinois recently became the stage for a memorable celebration as two illustrious former Illini athletes returned to be enshrined in the Illinois Sports Hall of Fame.
Recognized as part of the distinguished 2026 class were Brad Hopkins and Rashard Mendenhall, whose careers blossomed from their Illinois high school beginnings to successful tenures with the Illini and in the NFL.
The two former players expressed their excitement over the football program’s revitalization, noting that its renewed success rekindles a profound sense of pride in their alma mater.
Hopkins, who achieved All-American status in 1992, praised, “I’ve always known Bret as an outstanding player who’s become an even more impressive coach, with the ability to connect with his players.” He continued, “His talent for putting together a capable staff and recruiting athletes that elevate Illinois’ competitiveness is undeniable.”
Mendenhall, the 2007 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, said seeing the impact of NIL encouraged him to get involved in supporting the team himself.
“Even in the new landscape of NIL, my wife and I also donated to Illinois, when we understood how important it was,” Mendenhall said. “To be close to the program, close to the team, and still put our hands in the pile any way that we can is great. And to see the success it’s having it just makes you proud to be an alumni.”