CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – For the first time in 35 years, the Illinois Fighting Illini will begin the college football season ranked inside the top 15 of the US LBM Preseason Coaches Poll. USA TODAY announced Monday that Illinois opens the 2025 campaign at #12, matching the program’s 1990 preseason mark and tied for the second-highest ranking in school history.
Only the 1985 Illini, who started at #10, opened a season higher in the Coaches Poll since its inception in 1978. This marks Illinois’ first appearance in the preseason rankings since 2008, when the team began the year at #19.
The high ranking follows a historic 2024 season in which the Illini tied school records with 10 total wins and four victories over ranked opponents. Illinois capped the campaign by defeating #14 South Carolina 21-17 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, finishing the year ranked #16 in the final Coaches Poll.
This year’s squad returns 16 starters — tied for the most in the nation — including standout quarterback Luke Altmyer and dominant edge rusher Gabe Jacas, both of whom were named to the Big Ten’s Preseason Honors list of the conference’s top 15 players.
Altmyer passed for 2,717 yards and 22 touchdowns last season, while Jacas led the Illini defense with 74 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks.
Illinois will begin its 2025 campaign under the lights at Memorial Stadium against Western Illinois on Friday, August 29 at 6:30 p.m.