Chambana Sun

On Friday night, No. 24 Illinois (3-0) will face No. 22 Nebraska (3-0) in Lincoln, marking the first road game for the Fighting Illini this season and the Big Ten opener for both programs. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. CT and will be nationally televised on FOX.

Illinois comes into the matchup after a Homecoming victory over Central Michigan, winning 30-9 and improving to 3-0 for the first time since 2011. Wide receiver Pat Bryant had seven catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns, while kicker Ethan Moczulski set a new program record with a 59-yard field goal as time expired in the first half. Defensive back Xavier Scott recorded his third interception of the season.

Nebraska also boasts a perfect record, having completed its nonconference slate with a 34-3 win over Northern Iowa. This week’s game concludes Nebraska's season-opening four-game homestand.

The Illini have not played in a ranked vs. ranked game since 2008 when they lost to Penn State. The last meeting between Illinois and Nebraska as ranked teams was in September 1985 when Nebraska defeated Illinois.

Illinois has won its last two games in Lincoln, including victories in both 2020 and 2022, but fell to Nebraska last season at home with a score of 20-7.

The broadcast team on FOX includes Tim Brando (play-by-play), Devin Gardner (analyst), and Josh Sims (reporter). The Busey Bank Illini Sports Network will provide statewide radio coverage with Brian Barnhart (play-by-play), Carey Davis (analyst), and Michael Martin (reporter).

Head coach Bret Bielema has led Illinois back into the Top 25 rankings for the first time since reaching as high as No.14 in October-November of 2022. This marks his second time achieving such rankings within his initial four seasons—a feat last accomplished by Ron Zook during his tenure from 2007 to 2008.

Illinois is slated to play five ranked opponents over their next seven games, tying their program record for most ranked opponents faced during a regular season—a benchmark set previously in 2005.

Key players include wide receiver Pat Bryant who ranks fourth nationally with four touchdown receptions entering Week Four; offensive lineman Melvin Priestly who is rated as one of the top tackles nationwide; defensive backs Xavier Scott and Miles Scott who rank among national leaders in interceptions; and kicker Ethan Moczulski whose record-setting field goal ties for longest nationally this season.

The Illini have started their season strong under Coach Bielema’s leadership, marking their best start since going undefeated through six games in 2011.

Historically, Illinois trails Nebraska with an all-time series record of six wins against fourteen losses and one tie dating back to October 1892. However, recent encounters have seen Illinois secure victories against Nebraska on multiple occasions including three consecutive wins from 2020 through early-season matchups before falling short last year at home.

Connections between both teams include shared histories among coaching staff members like Jeremy Busch—formerly part of Nebraska’s athletic training team—and various player affiliations linking both states' schools through high school or college transfers.