Chambana Sun

After a 43-27 victory over Purdue, the University of Illinois football team has moved up to number 17 in both the AP Top 25 and the US LBM Coaches Poll. The Illini, with a current record of 5-1 overall and 2-1 in the Big Ten Conference, will face top-ranked Ohio State this Saturday at Gies Memorial Stadium.

This upcoming matchup marks the first time since 2017 that Illinois and Ohio State will compete for the Illinibuck Trophy. It is also Ohio State’s first visit to Champaign since 2015. Illinois will be hosting the nation’s number one ranked team for the eleventh time in its history and for the first time since 2006. Historically, Illinois holds a record of three wins and thirteen losses against teams ranked number one, with victories recorded in 1950, 1956, and 2007.

FOX's Big Noon Kickoff pregame show will return to Champaign for the second time this season. The program features host Rob Stone along with analysts Mark Ingram II, Matt Leinart, Urban Meyer, Brady Quinn, and Barstool’s Dave Portnoy. Chris "The Bear" Fallica will provide additional analysis, while Tom Rinaldi contributes interviews and insights.

The pregame show will broadcast live from Grange Grove on Saturday between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Central Time. From approximately 9 a.m. until 10:15 a.m., FOX Big Noon Kickoff will be on the south side of Grange Grove before moving inside Gies Memorial Stadium for the remainder of its coverage. Admission to the pregame area is free; fans are encouraged to bring signs. FOX will distribute game tickets, food items, trucker hats, and other merchandise during the event.

Following the pregame broadcast, #17 Illinois will play against #1 Ohio State at Gies Memorial Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m. Central Time on FOX.