The college football world readily acknowledges how the Illinois Fighting Illini surprised the nation. Now, can Bret Bielema live up to the hype in 2025? Or will they fade away into Big Ten obscurity?
Predicting Illinois’ 2025 Season
Developing a program from the charred embers of failure takes time.
For Bielema, building Illinois into a serious Big Ten contender once seemed impossible. Riding the momentum of a 10-win campaign in 2024, the Illini now appear poised to reach double-digit wins for only the fourth time in team history.
Three factors bolster that prediction. First, the entire offensive line returns to Champaign —a level of cohesiveness that will only improve — the second of our factors — the return of quarterback Luke Altmeyer.
Lastly, West Virginia transfer wide receiver Hudson Clement emerges as a reliable target with enough agility to create separation.
Meanwhile, Bielema’s strength remains on the defensive side, though the team’s 68th-ranked defense clearly needs improvement.
2025 Illinois Football Schedule
Sat., August 30 vs. Western Illinois
Kickoff time: tbd
Sat., September 6 @ Duke
Kickoff time: tbd
At first glance, the Duke matchup seems tough. However, Duke inked a two-year, $8 million deal for former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah. Bielema will look to disrupt the vertical passing game; Mensah averaged 9.5 yards per throw in 2024.
Sat., September 13 vs. Western Michigan
Kickoff time: tbd
Sat., September 20 @ Indiana
Kickoff time: tbd
Neither Curt Cignetti nor the Hoosiers are ones to be taken lightly. Former Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza adds an element of agility to Indiana’s offense.
This game is perhaps the most important of the season for Bielema. Even after just one year, Indiana represents where Illinois aspires to be. In many ways, the contest isn’t just about bragging rights—a College Football Playoff berth could hang in the balance.
Sat., September 27 vs. USC (Homecoming)
Kickoff time: tbd
Sat., October 4 @ Purdue
Kickoff time: tbd
Sat., October 11 vs. Ohio State
Kickoff time: tbd
This game marks the first meeting between these programs since 2018, and Illinois seeks its first win against the Buckeyes since 2007. With Illinois playing as underdogs, the pressure mounts on Ohio State to remain dominant.
Expect a physical matchup.
Although the Buckeyes are reloading rather than rebuilding, replacing a quarterback is never a simple task. Alabama transfer Julian Sayin faces the Illini at home. Any hesitation from him could prove costly.
Sat., October 18 OFF
First of two bye weeks.
Sat., October 25 at Washington
Kickoff time: tbd
Sat., November 1 vs. Rutgers
Kickoff time: tbd
Sat., November 8 OFF
Second of two bye weeks.
Sat., November 15 vs. Maryland
Kickoff time: tbd
Sat., November 22 @ Wisconsin
Kickoff time: tbd
When Bielema left Madison for Fayetteville, the mudslinging began and lines were crossed. With a 1-2 record against his former team, Bielema will look to rebound.
Wisconsin likely needs the win for bowl eligibility, so expect Illinois to keep piling on the points if it can build a solid lead. On the field, Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell’s team continues to search for an offensive identity.
Sat., November 29 vs. Northwestern
Kickoff time: tbd
Expert Picks for Illinois’ Season
Media voices are optimistic about what Illinois will accomplish in 2025.
Joel Klatt, FOX Sports Analyst
“I think Illinois can be a sneaky team next year, and here are the factors/“They’re coming off a 10-win season. They beat South Carolina in the bowl game. Luke Altmeyer is back at quarterback with the entire offensive line. So now you’re getting that veteran presence that I think is very important.”
KEEP READING: How Ryan Day made the right choices for Ohio State
Jason Langendorf, On SI
“How does 10-2 going into a CFP matchup sound to Illinois fans? Hopeful? Sure. A pipe dream? Not after what we witnessed in 2024 and what we’re seeing (admittedly, far ahead) on the schedule for next year. If nothing else, there’s reason to believe that what Bielema and the Illini pulled off this season is repeatable – and perhaps the dawn of an expectation of excellence.”
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