It's safe to assume that Illinois, having already celebrated its Rededication Game in October against Michigan, the helmet choice ... turnaround of Illinois football over the past four seasons.

On New Year’s Eve, when Illinois takes the field in sunny Orlando, Florida, to face South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl (2 p.m. CT, on ESPN), it will be a day of firsts for Illini football.

After Illinois' reveal, college football fans were quick to show support, specifically praising the design of the helmet. The Purdue Boilermakers made their first uniform adjustment since 2016 by ...