Confirmed: the University of Illinois is a pretty great school. Forbes recently released their list of Top-25 public institutions for 2016, and UIUC cracked the list at No. 11 overall. Illinois was also ranked as one of the best colleges in the Midwest. So, congratulations, now you can officially brag to your not-as-smart friends.

ICYMI: #ILLINOIS named to Top 25 Midwest Colleges Of 2016 by @Forbeshttps://t.co/K56Pt5lS5X — Univ. of Illinois (@Illinois_Alma) July 8, 2016

The United States Military, Naval, and Air Force academies took the top three spots this year. The other Big Ten schools on the list are (No. 7) Michigan, (No. 10) Wisconsin, (No. 14) Maryland, (No. 20) Indiana, and (No. 23) Minnesota.

Illinois Fighting Illini Links

- Hardy Nickerson Jr. named to Nagurski Trophy Watch List (TCR)

Illinois' Hardy Nickerson Jr. has been named to the 2016 Bronco Nagurski Trophy Watch List. The program's new starting middle linebacker is one of 88 players to make the preseason spotlight for the annual award, which is presented to the nation's top defensive player.

- First look at Te'Jon Lucas, Kipper Nichols in O&B (TCR)

We got our first glimpse of newcomers Te'Jon Lucas and Kipper Nichols wearing Illinois uniforms this week. The two freshmen will wear No. 3 and No. 2, respectively.

- Tracy Abrams: Show is better than tell (STL Post-Dispatch)