CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The Fighting Illini finished the regular season ranked 21st in the AP Top 25 poll. Illinois also holds the #21 spot in this week’s Coaches Poll, marking a triumphant end to an impressive season.
The Illini closed out the year with a 9-3 overall record, their best since 2007, which was also the last time they were ranked at the end of the regular season. That year, they finished at #15.
This season, Illinois surged with a three-game winning streak in November, including a 38-28 victory over Northwestern at Wrigley Field this past Saturday. It was their fifth win as a ranked team this year, the most for the program since 1990.
This marks the 13th time in program history Illinois has finished the regular season ranked in the AP Top 25—and only the third time in the last 30 years.
The Illini now await their postseason fate, with bowl game and College Football Playoff announcements set for Sunday, December 8.