Chambana Sun

The Illinois football team will start the 2025 season ranked #12 in the AP Preseason Poll, according to an announcement by the Associated Press on Monday. This marks the first time since 1990 that the Fighting Illini have been ranked in the AP Poll top 15 at the start of a season, when they were placed at #11.

It is also the first time since 2008, when Illinois was ranked #20, that the team has appeared in the AP Preseason Poll. The current #12 ranking is the ninth-highest for Illinois since the AP began its preseason poll in 1950.

Illinois brings back 16 starters from last season, which ties for the most returning starters in college football this year. The team also returns 18 starters from last year's Cheez-It Citrus Bowl squad that ended its season ranked #16 in the final AP Poll. Last year’s team matched program records with 10 wins and four victories over ranked opponents. The Illini concluded their season with a win against #14 South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, finishing with a score of 21-17.

Quarterback Luke Altmyer and outside linebacker Gabe Jacas are among those returning. Both players were selected by media to appear on the Big Ten's Preseason Honors list of top conference players. Jacas led Illinois’ defense last season with 74 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss and eight sacks. Altmyer threw for 2,717 yards and recorded 22 touchdowns during the 2024 campaign.

Illinois opens its season at home against Western Illinois on Friday, August 29 at 6:30 p.m. Central Time on Peacock.

Illinois’ all-time highest placements in the AP Preseason Poll include: #3 (1964), #5 (1960, 1954, and 1952), #8 (1950), #10 (1951), #11 (1990 and 1985), and now #12 (2025). Other appearances include rankings at #20 (2008 and 1956), #21 (2000 and 1994), and #22 (1989).