Top Storylines Entering the Season
The Illinois Fighting Illini enter the 2025 season with high expectations under head coach Bret Bielema in his fifth year, building on a breakthrough 10-win campaign in 2024 that included a Citrus Bowl victory over South Carolina.
With 16-19 starters returning—the second-most among Power Four teams—the Illini are no longer a dark horse but a legitimate contender for the Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff berth.
Key storylines include:
- Quarterback Stability and Growth: Senior Luke Altmyer returns as the starter after a strong 2024, improving his touchdown passes and yardage while reducing turnovers. His performance will be crucial in a revamped passing game.
- Running Back Committee: With Josh McCray transferring out after being the Citrus Bowl MVP, the backfield relies on juniors Aidan Laughery and Kaden Feagin, along with sophomore Ca’Lil Valentine, to maintain a balanced offense.
- Receiver Rebuild: The departure of top receivers Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin (69% of 2024 production) to the NFL leaves a void. West Virginia transfer Hudson Clement, who led his former team in receiving yards, is expected to step up.
- Defensive Strength: Anchored by All-Big Ten safety Xavier Scott and linebacker Gabe Jacas (8 sacks in 2024), the defense returns key pieces like Dylan Rosiek and bolsters the line with transfers James Thompson Jr. and Curt Neal from Wisconsin.
- Manageable Schedule: Avoiding Michigan, Penn State, and Oregon provides an opportunity, but road tests at Indiana, Rutgers, Michigan State, and Washington, plus home clashes with USC and Ohio State, will define the season.
Key Players
- Luke Altmyer, QB (Sr.): The veteran signal-caller is the engine of the offense, coming off a season with increased production and efficiency.
- Gabe Jacas, LB (Jr.): A preseason watch list staple for the Lott Impact and Bronko Nagurski Trophies, Jacas’ pass-rushing prowess (8+ sacks, 3+ forced fumbles in 2024) makes him a defensive standout.
- Xavier Scott, S (Sr.): Two-time All-Big Ten honoree who opted to return, anchoring a deep secondary.
- Hudson Clement, WR (Jr.): Transfer from West Virginia brings proven production (1,221 yards, 9 TDs in 2024) to a rebuilt receiving corps.
- Kaden Feagin, RB (Jr.): Expected to lead the running back rotation after recovering from injury, providing power and depth.
- Dylan Rosiek, LB (Sr.): Team-leading tackler in 2024 before a late injury; his return bolsters the linebacker unit.
Key Games Preview
- vs USC (Sep. 27)
- Why It Matters: Hosting the Trojans for Homecoming in a marquee Big Ten matchup, this game tests Illinois’ rebuilt offense against a high-powered USC attack. A win could propel the Illini into the CFP conversation early.
- Key Matchup: Illinois’ secondary (led by Xavier Scott) vs. USC’s passing game. Containing the Trojans’ aerial threat will be essential for the win.
- vs Ohio State (Oct. 11)
- Why It Matters: Facing the defending national champions at home is a defining moment. With Illinois potentially undefeated entering, a competitive showing or victory could solidify CFP aspirations.
- Key Matchup: Gabe Jacas and the defensive line vs. Ohio State’s offensive front. Pressuring the Buckeyes’ quarterback is key to disrupting their rhythm.
- at Washington (Nov. 15)
- Why It Matters: A late-season road trip to the Pacific Northwest against a rebuilding Washington team could impact bowl positioning. Illinois needs to avoid a letdown to close strong.
- Key Matchup: Luke Altmyer vs. Washington’s secondary. Altmyer’s accuracy on the road will determine if the Illini can outscore the Huskies.
Final Prediction
The Illinois Fighting Illini are poised for a strong season, leveraging their veteran core and favorable schedule to contend in the Big Ten. However, losses to top-tier opponents will keep them just short of perfection. Projected record: 10-2 (7-2 Big Ten). If Illinois can get a win at home against USC or at Washington, they are likely an at-large CFP team at 10-2.
- Wins: vs Western Illinois, at Duke, vs Western Michigan, at Indiana, at Rutgers, at Michigan State, vs Purdue, vs Northwestern, vs Minnesota, at Washington.
- Losses: vs USC, vs Ohio State.
Want more Big 10 coverage? Here is a preview of the Big 10 season based on Vegas’ projected win totals. More Big 10 previews: Minnesota, Nebraska and Wisconsin.
