CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — After decades of false starts, fading streaks, and mid-season collapses, the Illinois Fighting Illini are finally fielding a football team worthy of national respect — and maybe even a spot in the College Football Playoff.
That’s the bold projection from College Football News, which released its 2025 Illini preview this week. The verdict? This is no fluke. Illinois has the talent, schedule, and coaching edge to make real postseason noise.
A Look Back: From 0-11 to Bielema’s Big Ten Contenders
Illinois’ program history has been nothing short of erratic. In 1997, the Illini went winless at 0–11 under Ron Turner. Four years later, they won ten games and reached the Sugar Bowl. But instead of consistency, Illinois slipped back into mediocrity, winning just 13 total games over the next five seasons.
In 2007, Coach Ron Zook led Illinois to the Rose Bowl — but two years later, they were again out of contention. Between coaches like Tim Beckman, Bill Cubit, and Lovie Smith, Illinois failed to record even one eight-win season over 14 years.
Then came Bret Bielema.
Bielema brought a hard-nosed, disciplined style to Champaign, culminating in a breakthrough 10-win season and a headline-grabbing Citrus Bowl win over South Carolina. Now entering his fifth season, Bielema has elevated Illinois to a preseason Top 25 team, with some even putting them inside the Top 15.
What Makes This Team Different
According to the full CFN breakdown, this year’s Illini squad features:
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One of the best defensive backfields in the Big Ten
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Solid kicking and special teams units
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Explosive skill players on offense
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A schedule that misses several top-tier Big Ten threats
Most notably, Illinois is not scheduled to play Michigan or Penn State this regular season — a major structural advantage.
“It’s okay for Illinois to have nice things,” wrote analyst Pete Fiutak. “Like a trip to the College Football Playoff — if it plays up to the experience and potential.”
What It Would Take to Reach the CFP
To break into the College Football Playoff, Illinois would likely need to:
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Win at least 10–11 games
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Beat rivals like Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota
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Earn a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game
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Win that game or at least finish strong with no bad losses
And in the new 12-team playoff format, even a second-place Big Ten finish could be enough to secure an at-large bid.
Can Illinois finally punch through the Big Ten elite and make a playoff run?
What are your predictions for Coach Bielema’s fifth year at the helm?
Sound off now at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com and tell us what you’re hoping for this season.
