Did Bret Bielema throw shade at James Franklin, Penn State for using NIL in recruiting?

The Penn State football team hits the road this week to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini. This game features two teams that are eager to get conference play started. James Franklin and his team want to continue to build momentum early in the season. Illinois is looking to rebound after a tough loss at Kansas last Friday night. The last time these two teams met was in 2021, a game that Penn State fans would rather forget. As the Nittany Lions lost 20-18 in 9 overtime periods to a team they should have beaten. Regardless, that was almost two years ago and these programs have changed. On Monday, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema spoke to the media. He had some interesting comments about the Nittany Lions, and even hinted at Penn State using NIL to its advantage on the recruiting trail.

Did Illinois football coach Bret Bielema throw shade at Penn State for using NIL in recruiting?

On Monday during Bret Bielema’s media availability, he spoke about how his team needs to rebound from their loss against Kansas. But he also made some comments about the Penn State football team.

Bielema said, “They do a tremendous job in recruiting and they’re allowed to do things there at Penn State that allow them to get a lot of skill players in the program.”

But what exactly does that mean? It could be one of two things. Just as James Franklin has openly spoken about resources or lack thereof in years past is Bielema trying to do the same? Or he is taking a shot at how the Nittany Lions have used NIL to secure recruits?

If it is the latter, that is how the world of college football works these days. NIL packages, facilities, and the players’ fit onto a team is what allows schools to land big-time recruits. PSU has worked incredibly hard to fundraise and get its fanbase on board with these efforts. But we will let you be the judge. Is Bret Bielema throwing shade at Penn State with his comments?

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