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The Illinois Fighting Illini are certainly a team that has come out of the woodwork in recent years. Under the reign of Bret Bielema, they have gone from conference laughingstock to a potential emergent powerhouse. With the likes of Luke Altmyer leading the pack at the QB position and linebacker Gabe Jacas anchoring the middle of a stout defensive front, the Illini are built to succeed now. The only thing that could potentially stand in their way is themselves. However, with one of the easiest Big Ten slates, they can finally start dreaming of a potential CFP bid in Champaign. Despite the fact that they have lost several key players both offensively and defensively, look for certain stars to step up and elevate their game as well. And who knows? Should they not slip, perhaps their dreams will become reality.
2024 in Review
The Fighting Illini’s 2024 season may have been one of their most successful in recent history. For the first time since 2011, the Illini were a 10-win program, going 6-3 within the conference. At the end of the year, the Illini were ranked #20 in the College Football Playoff Poll, #21 in the AP Top 25 Poll, and #21 in the Coaches Poll. After their success in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl however, they moved up to #16 in the AP Top 25 after vanquishing #14 South Carolina 21-17.
That finish proved to be their second-highest ranking in the last 35 years and only their 12th ever appearance in the AP Top 25. Most importantly, they got back to 10 wins, tying a program record and also having a program-tying four wins against AP Top 25 opponents. Their Citrus Bowl win was the first bowl win since 2011 and their highest ranked non-conference victory since 1990.
Perhaps the most stunning aspect of this shocking Illini season is that they were known for their comeback victories. Including their Citrus Bowl victory,…
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Publish date : 2025-07-01 21:02:00
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