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I've added a "rivals" section to the infobox. It was tough to decide who really constitutes a major rival, so I added only those team with which the Illini have trophy games (Ohio State, Purdue, and Northwestern). I know Iowa and Michigan are also very hated schools by Illinois fans however. Any input on what teams should be listed here?Chiwara 02:39, 25 May 2007 (UTC)[reply]
To me, a rivalry requires both sides consider it to be a rivalry. I don't think that Ohio State nor Purdue view Illinois as a rival in football beyond the normal conference member level. Northwestern certainly considers Illinois to be a rival, but I don't know that the feeling is entirely mutual. By official Big Ten Conference scheduling, Northwestern and Indiana are designated to be our permanent football rivals. But the conference page linked does consider the traveling trophy games to be rivalries as well.. In my opinion, I'd either list Northwestern and Iowa or just Northwestern, but I'd like further input as well. -- Upholder 05:42, 25 May 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Purdue actually lists Illinois as a rival on their Wiki infobox, so I think we can keep that one. I agree with you on OSU, however. I say add Iowa, since the rivalry there is pretty mutual. So Purdue, Northwestern, and Iowa it is.Chiwara 15:17, 25 May 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Just one fan's opinion and a couple of facts for keeping tOSU listed as Illinois' rival. 1) leaving aside from the 1968-1982 "Big Two" era of league history, Illinois has won 40% of the games in the series; 2) Nov 10, 2007 upset of undefeated, number one ranked Ohio State has clearly raised Buckeyes' fans awareness of Illini football; 3) As Coach Zook and at least one of his key assistants are Ohio natives, the program intends to continue to recruit Ohio high school talent for years to come.Rp79 (talk) 13:11, 10 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Not even a debate on keeping tOSU as a rival. Illinois is listed as a rival on tOSU's page, and also the fact that a trophy is at stake, plus reasons noted above. Purdue's main rivals are ND and IU, but there is a trophy. Northwestern is the other major rival, being in state, and also Indiana to an extent. Iowa's rivalry takes more shape during basketball season, although the schools do hate each other. Tool2Die4 (talk) 15:36, 10 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Number 3) above of course dependent on Illinois' program being able to provide RZ with the proper financial/facilities support to make the relationship long-lasting. Tool's remark on the two "U of I's" hating each is factual--speaking as Illinois alumnus who resides in Eastern Iowa.
