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Illinois Football Earning Early Praise in 2025 Projections
The excitement surrounding Illinois football is reaching new heights. Several early rankings place the Illini among the top teams for the 2025 season, a testament to the program’s growth under head coach Bret Bielema.
On3’s Ari Wasserman ranks Illinois at No. 7 in his way-too-early top 25 and even includes the team in his early College Football Playoff projections. Sports Illustrated places Illinois at No. 9, while ESPN and other outlets have them in the top 15.
Illinois is set to return key players across the board. Quarterback Luke Altmyer leads an offense that retains its entire starting offensive line and a deep running back group. Defensively, standouts like Gabe Jacas and Xavier Scott are back, along with nearly the entire coaching staff.
The 2025 schedule provides exciting matchups. Illinois will face Duke and Indiana on the road in September before hosting USC and reigning national champion Ohio State in two highly anticipated home games. Tough road contests at Wisconsin and Washington will test the Illini, but the team appears well-prepared for the challenge.
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Recruiting momentum is also building. Illinois secured a major commitment from Victor Singleton, the No. 1 player in Ohio, marking Bielema’s highest-rated recruit. The Illini’s 2026 recruiting class currently ranks No. 18 nationally, with strong positioning for other top prospects.
With rising expectations and a growing reputation, Illinois football appears poised for a breakthrough season.
I-L-L.
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