As a sophomore, he helped the Illini become the first and only Big Ten team to beat all nine conference opponents in a single season. The Illini went to the 1984 Rose Bowl where they lost to UCLA, 45-9. Trudeau earned All-Big Ten honors in 1984 and 1985.
As a sophomore, he contributed to the Illini's success in winning all nine conference games during the season, which led them to the 1984 Rose Bowl where they lost to UCLA by a score of 45-9. Trudeau was recognized as an All-Big Ten player for two consecutive years.