Chambana Sun

The Illinois football team has secured the #25 spot in this week's USA TODAY US LBM Coaches Poll. This comes after the team dropped out of the Associated Press Top 25 following a run of 12 consecutive weeks in those rankings, now sitting just outside the AP poll.

Illinois holds a record of 5-2 overall and 2-2 in Big Ten play as it enters its off weekend. The team's schedule has been among the most challenging in college football this season. According to ESPN, Illinois has faced the fourth toughest schedule nationally and the toughest within the Big Ten. The program's strength of record is also ranked 13th-best in the country.

Both losses for Illinois have come against undefeated, top-three ranked teams: #1 Ohio State and #3 Indiana. The Illini's notable win came with a narrow 34-32 victory over USC, which is currently ranked #20 after defeating Michigan last weekend. Additionally, Illinois earned nonconference wins over Duke and Western Michigan, both of whom remain undefeated in their respective conferences.

Quarterback Luke Altmyer has been a key contributor for Illinois. He is currently sixth in the nation for passing yards with 1,821, seventh in completion percentage at 72.4%, and ninth in passing efficiency with a rating of 173.4.

Looking ahead, Illinois will continue its challenging schedule with an away game at Washington on Saturday, October 25. The Huskies are currently two spots behind Illinois in the AP Top 25's receiving votes section.