Chambana Sun

No. 12 Illinois opened its 2025 football season with a decisive 52-3 win over Western Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday night. The game drew a crowd of 56,040 and marked head coach Bret Bielema’s fifth straight season-opening victory since taking over the program in 2021.

Wide receiver Hank Beatty led the team with five receptions for 108 yards, including a career-long-tying 59-yard catch. Beatty also set a new school record with 133 punt return yards, surpassing Red Grange’s previous mark of 125 set in 1923. His performance included a 69-yard punt return for a touchdown, which was the first by an Illini player since V’Angelo Bentley accomplished the feat in November 2013.

Quarterback Luke Altmyer completed 17 of his 21 passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns. Justin Bowick contributed three catches for two touchdowns, becoming the first Illini to score twice through the air in his debut since Edwin Carter did so against Western Illinois in September 2018. Running back Aidan Laughery rushed nine times for 101 yards and two touchdowns.

Illinois established control early, scoring on their opening drive when Altmyer connected with tight end Tanner Arkin for a three-yard touchdown pass. Gabe Jacas forced and recovered a fumble on Western Illinois’ next possession, setting up another score late in the first quarter as Bowick caught his first touchdown as an Illini.

The lead continued to grow throughout the second quarter as Laughery broke free for a rushing touchdown and David Olano added a field goal. By halftime, Illinois was ahead by more than thirty points following another Bowick touchdown reception.

In the third quarter, Beatty returned a punt for a touchdown to extend Illinois’ advantage further. Western Illinois managed their only points early in the fourth quarter with a field goal before Kaden Feagin and Laughery each scored additional rushing touchdowns to close out the game.

Coach Bret Bielema commented after the win: “We had a long night, but it was very productive, I was excited. We had three keys for us. First, build our routine this week as best as humanly possible. I thought our guys were really locked in, even though, obviously, we knew we were playing an FCS team in Western Illinois, I thought our guys handled this week well. We talked about respect to all, fear none, and I thought they did a good job of prepping that. Our second thing tonight was just go out and play clean and communicate. I know there were a couple penalties, but I thought our guys, for the most part, played pretty clean. There's a couple things we got to clean up. I didn't love the end of the half series with our one offense, we were able to win the toss and defer. We were trying to double dip coming out of the end of the half and start of the second. That is something we need to continue to improve on. The third thing was just to start fast and physical and finish the same way. I got a lot of guys out there, and I thought they all kind of did their best to hold their end of the rope. I'm super excited, we stayed pretty clean and health wise, didn't have anybody of significance so get this one to bed tomorrow. With the holiday weekend, we can build an advantage with the work week on Monday and get a good jump on Duke. I'm excited to get into this week. Obviously, a very talented team that won their opener as well. So we got a tremendous task on the road at Duke this week.”

On Hank Beatty’s performance breaking school records both receiving and returning punts: “I think even last year... he started to have some success in the punt returning game... going into bowl prep last year... he played well... just confidence he had... then today... There is a lot of really good effort to get that ball in the end zone.”

Bielema also spoke about linebacker Gabe Jacas: “Gabe is a very gifted player... he's been highly motivated... getting coached extremely well... He's never satisfied.”

Altmyer praised his teammates: "It was a lot of fun.Hank obviously had an awesome day,historic day,and he earned it;he's on his way to doing some really cool things.Nobody's happier ... than I am for him."

Beatty described his record-setting punt return: "A big part of that was my guys block for me on that.I really didn't have to makea moveon anybody untilIwas insidethe20-yard line.Then,Ijust wantedto getintoend zone..."

Jacas reflected on making plays after offseason preparation: "Yeah it felt great,you know obviously,...been practicing since springand fall obviously,you cant toucha quarterbackso just gooutthereand dependon my,...teammates..."

Laughery noted how local players contributed: "Yeah,you know,it’s special....all came herefor thesame reasonto be,...homegrown,...change,the program..."

Illinois extended its historical dominance against public universities within state borders—improving its record against such teams (including Northern Illinois,Southern Illinois,Eastern Illinois,and others) without any losses—and remains undefeated versus FCS opponents historically.

The Illini will travel next Saturday (Sept6)to face Duke Blue Devilsin Durham,N.C., who also won their season opener.