2025 Illinois Fighting Illini football team

2025 Illinois Fighting Illini football
Music City Bowl champion
Music City Bowl, W 30–28 vs. Tennessee
ConferenceBig Ten Conference
Ranking
CoachesNo. 25
Record9–4 (5–4 Big Ten)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorBarry Lunney Jr. (4th season)
Offensive schemeSpread
Defensive coordinatorAaron Henry (3rd season)
Co-defensive coordinatorTerrance Jamison (3rd season)
Base defenseMultiple 3–4
Home stadiumGies Memorial Stadium
2025 Big Ten Conference football standings
Conf. Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
No. 1 Indiana y$#^   9 – 0     16 – 0  
No. 5 Ohio State y^   9 – 0     12 – 2  
No. 4 Oregon ^   8 – 1     13 – 2  
No. 21 Michigan   7 – 2     9 – 4  
No. 20 USC   7 – 2     9 – 4  
No. 17 Iowa   6 – 3     9 – 4  
Illinois   5 – 4     9 – 4  
Washington   5 – 4     9 – 4  
Minnesota   5 – 4     8 – 5  
Nebraska   4 – 5     7 – 6  
Northwestern   4 – 5     7 – 6  
Penn State   3 – 6     7 – 6  
UCLA   3 – 6     3 – 9  
Rutgers   2 – 7     5 – 7  
Wisconsin   2 – 7     4 – 8  
Maryland   1 – 8     4 – 8  
Michigan State   1 – 8     4 – 8  
Purdue   0 – 9     2 – 10  
Championship: Indiana 13, Ohio State 10
  • # – College Football Playoff champion
  • ^ – College Football Playoff participant
  • $ – Conference champion
  • y – Championship game participant
As of March 22, 2026
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2025 Illinois Fighting Illini football team represented the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as a member of the Big Ten Conference during the 2025 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by fifth-year head coach Bret Bielema, the Fighting Illini played home games at Gies Memorial Stadium (renamed from "Memorial Stadium" shortly after the start of the 2025 season)[1] in Champaign, Illinois.

The Illinois Fighting Illini recorded the highest average home attendance among football teams in the state of Illinois, with 58,350 spectators per game.[2] The Chicago Bears recorded a slightly lower average with 58,282.[3]

Offseason

Transfers

Outgoing

Player Position Destination
Declan Duley P Central Michigan
Morrison Giggetts WR Chicago
Zylon Crisler IOL Colorado
Ronan Poynton LB Drake
Demetrius Hill S FIU
Kenari Wilcher WR Florida A&M
Enyce Sledge DL Florida Atlantic
Steven Scott III OT Fresno State
Josh McCray RB Georgia
Cal Swanson QB Holy Cross
Nick True TE Illinois State
Alex Bray DE Kansas
Henry Boyer TE Kentucky
Joep Engbers IOL Liberty
Fabrizio Pinton K McNeese
Weston Adams WR Montana
Chase Canada CB North Texas
Zach Aamland OL Rutgers
Blayne Sisson DB Southern Illinois
Donovan Leary QB Tulane
Carlos Orr-Gillespie WR Utah State
Nate Guinn TE Utah Tech
Kevin Wigenton II OL Virginia
Ethan Moczulski K Washington
Hunter Whitenack OL Western Michigan
Jake Huber QB Wisconsin–La Crosse
Kirkland Michaux QB Mary Hardin–Baylor
Hugh Robertson P Unknown
Jake Furtney TE Withdrawn
Tyler Strain DB Withdrawn

Incoming

Player Position Previous school
Christian Abney TE Ball State
Justin Bowick WR Ball State
Eli Coenen DL Bemidji State
Tomiwa Durojaiye DL Florida State
Ayden Knapik OL Idaho
Nathan Knapik OT Idaho
Lucas Osada K North Carolina
Ethan Hampton QB Northern Illinois
Carter Hewitt DL Northern Iowa
Keelan Crimmins P Purdue
Davin Stoffel TE South Dakota State
Tyler McMillan OL Southeast Missouri State
Lars Rau P Texas State
Murphy Clement RB West Virginia
Hudson Clement WR West Virginia
Leon Lowery Jr. DE Wisconsin
James Thompson Jr. DL Wisconsin
Curt Neal DL Wisconsin

[4][5]

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
August 296:30 p.m.Western Illinois*No. 12
PeacockW 52–356,040
September 611:00 a.m.at Duke*No. 11
ESPNW 45–1923,893
September 136:00 p.m.Western Michigan*No. 9
  • Gies Memorial Stadium
  • Champaign, IL
FS1W 38–060,670
September 206:30 p.m.at No. 19 IndianaNo. 9
NBCL 10–6356,088
September 2711:00 a.m.No. 21 USCNo. 23
FOXW 34–3260,670
October 411:00 a.m.at PurdueNo. 22
BTNW 43–2756,551
October 1111:00 a.m.No. 1 Ohio StateNo. 17
  • Gies Memorial Stadium
  • Champaign, IL (Illibuck, Big Noon Kickoff)
FOXL 16–3460,670
October 252:30 p.m.at WashingtonNo. 23
BTNL 25–4268,630
November 111:00 a.m.Rutgers
  • Gies Memorial Stadium
  • Champaign, IL
NBCW 35–1360,670
November 152:30 p.m.Maryland
  • Gies Memorial Stadium
  • Champaign, IL
FS1W 24–656,416
November 226:30 p.m.at WisconsinNo. 21
BTNL 10–2767,876
November 296:30 p.m.Northwestern
  • Gies Memorial Stadium
  • Champaign, IL (rivalry)
FOXW 20–1353,317
December 304:30 p.m.vs. Tennessee*
ESPNW 30–2852,815

Rankings

Further information: 2025 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings
Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre123456789101112131415Final
AP121199232217RV23RVRVRVRVRVRVRVRV
Coaches1212982322172523—RVRVRVRVRVRV25
CFPNot released——21———Not released

Game summaries

vs Western Illinois

See also: 2025 Western Illinois Leathernecks football team
Western Illinois Leathernecks (0–0) at No. 12 Illinois Fighting Illini (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Leathernecks 0 0 033
No. 12 Fighting Illini 14 17 71452

at Memorial Stadium • Champaign, Illinois

  • Date: August 29
  • Game time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 72 °F (22 °C) • Wind: SW at 6 miles per hour (9.7 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 56,040
  • Referee: Andrew Speciale
  • TV announcers (Peacock): Paul Burmeister (play-by-play), Phil Simms (analyst), and Zora Stephenson (sideline reporter)
  • [8]
Game information
First quarter
  • (6:43) Illinois – Luke Altmyer 3-yard pass to Tanner Arkin (David Olano kick) (Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:14; Illinois 7–0)
  • (3:48) Illinois – Luke Altmyer 3-yard pass to Justin Bowick (David Olano kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 26 yards, 2:48; Illinois 14–0)
Second quarter
  • (13:20) Illinois – Aidan Laughery 25-yard rush (David Olano kick) (Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 3:43; Illinois 21–0)
  • (7:54) Illinois – David Olano 35-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 3:25; Illinois 24–0)
  • (3:09) Illinois – Luke Altmyer 13-yard pass to Justin Bowick (David Olano kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 62 yards, 2:34; Illinois 31–0)
Third quarter
  • (8:00) Illinois – Hank Beatty 69-yard punt return (David Olano kick) (Drive: 3 plays, 1 yard, 2:13; Illinois 38–0)
Fourth quarter
  • (14:57) Western Illinois – Antonio Chadha 20-yard field goal (Drive: 16 plays, 73 yards, 8:03; Illinois 38–3)
  • (8:27) Illinois – Kaden Feagin 7-yard rush (David Olano kick) (Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 6:30; Illinois 45–3)
  • (5:27) Illinois – Aidan Laughery 57-yard rush (David Olano kick) (Drive: 2 plays, 67 yards, 0:55; Illinois 52–3)
Statistics WIU ILL
First downs 11 21
Plays–yards 56–163 61–440
Rushes–yards 26–29 37–209
Passing yards 134 231
Passing: comp–att–int 14–29–0 18–22–0
Time of possession 27:18 32:42
Team Category Player Statistics
Western Illinois Passing Chris Irvin 14/29, 134 yards
Rushing Markell Holman 12 rushes, 20 yards
Receiving Demari Davis 4 receptions, 65 yards
Illinois Passing Luke Altmyer 17/21, 217 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Aidan Laughery 9 rushes, 101 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Hank Beatty 5 receptions, 108 yards

at Duke

See also: 2025 Duke Blue Devils football team
No. 11 Illinois Fighting Illini (1–0) at Duke Blue Devils (1–0) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 11 Fighting Illini 7 7 141745
Blue Devils 3 10 6019

at Wallace Wade Stadium • Durham, North Carolina

  • Date: September 6
  • Game time: 11:00 a.m.
  • Game weather:  
  • Game attendance:  
  • Referee:  
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Dusty Dvoracek (analyst), and Taylor McGregor (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
  • DUKE – Todd Pelino 40-yard field goal, 10:26. Blue Devils 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 4:34.
  • ILL – Kaden Feagin 1-yard run (David Olano kick), 1:51. Fighting Illini 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 18 yards, 2:14.
Second quarter
  • DUKE – Todd Pelino 40-yard field goal, 11:08. Fighting Illini 7–6. Drive: 14 plays, 52 yards, 5:43.
  • ILL – Cole Rusk 8-yard pass from Luke Altmyer (David Olano kick), 5:01. Fighting Illini 14–6. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 6:07.
  • DUKE – Andrel Anthony 5-yard pass from Darian Mensah (Todd Pelino kick), 0:08. Fighting Illini 14–13. Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 1:03.
Third quarter
  • ILL – Justin Bowick 4-yard pass from Luke Altmyer (David Olano kick), 9:34. Fighting Illini 21–13. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:26.
  • ILL – Hank Beatty 25-yard run (David Olano kick), 6:54. Fighting Illini 28–13. Drive: 4 plays, 61 yards, 1:06.
  • DUKE – Andrel Anthony 6-yard pass from Darian Mensah (pass failed), 4:00. Fighting Illini 28–19. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:54.
Fourth quarter
  • ILL – David Olano 35-yard field goal, 14:04. Fighting Illini 31–19. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 4:56.
  • ILL – Collin Dixon 2-yard pass from Luke Altmyer (David Olano kick), 4:14. Fighting Illini 38–19. Drive: 12 plays, 89 yards, 6:45.
  • ILL – Ca'Lil Valentine 23-yard run (David Olano kick), 3:58. Fighting Illini 45–19. Drive: 1 play, 23 yards, 0:06.
Statistics ILL DUKE
First downs 25 21
Plays–yards 73–419 63–438
Rushes–yards 42–123 24–82
Passing yards 296 356
Passing: comp–att–int 22–31–0 25–39–1
Turnovers 0 5
Time of possession 36:12 23:48
Team Category Player Statistics
Illinois Passing Luke Altmyer 22/31, 296 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Kaden Feagin 17 rushes, 48 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Hank Beatty 8 receptions, 128 yards
Duke Passing Darian Mensah 23/24, 234 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Jaquez Moore 6 rushes, 30 yards
Receiving Cooper Barkate 4 receptions, 88 yards

vs Western Michigan

See also: 2025 Western Michigan Broncos football team
Western Michigan Broncos (0–2) vs No. 9 Illinois Fighting Illini (2–0) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 0 000
No. 9 Fighting Illini 3 7 141438

at Gies Memorial Stadium • Champaign, Illinois

  • Date: September 13
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 90 F, Wind: South East 6 mph
  • Game attendance: 60,670
  • Referee: Mark Kluczynski
  • TV announcers (FS1): Noah Reed (play-by-play) and Robert Smith (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
  • (8:47) ILL – David Olano 28-yard field goal (Drive: 14 plays, 65 yards, 6:13; Illinois 3-0)
Second quarter
  • (13:31) ILL – Hank Beatty 6-yard pass from Luke Altmyer, David Olano kick (Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 3:53; Illinois 10-0)
Third quarter
  • (10:59) ILL – Kaden Feagin 3-yard run, David Olano kick (Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, 2:01; Illinois 17-0)
  • (2:48) ILL – Luke Altmyer 2-yard run, David Olano kick (Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:54; Illinois 24-0)
Fourth quarter
  • (13:31) ILL – Ashton Hollins 6-yard pass from Luke Altmyer, David Olano kick (Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, 2:08; Illinois 31-0)
  • (5:15) ILL – Ca'Lil Valentine 2-yard run, David Olano kick (Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards, 4:24; Illinois 38-0)
Statistics WMU ILL
First downs 12 20
Total yards 204 358
Rushes–yards 34-113 37-162
Passing yards 91 196
Passing: comp–att–int 13-24-0 17-26-0
Time of possession 28:27 31:33
Team Category Player Statistics
Western Michigan Passing Broc Lowry 10/16, 78 yards
Rushing Ofa Mataele 8 carries, 46 yards
Receiving Baylin Brooks 3 receptions, 24 yards
Illinois Passing Luke Altmyer 17/26, 196 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Kaden Feagin 20 carries, 100 yards, TD
Receiving Hank Beatty 6 receptions, 53 yards, TD

at No. 19 Indiana

See also: 2025 Indiana Hoosiers football team and Illinois–Indiana rivalry
No. 9 Illinois Fighting Illini (3–0) at No. 19 Indiana Hoosiers (3–0) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 9 Fighting Illini 7 3 0010
No. 19 Hoosiers 14 21 141463

at Memorial Stadium • Bloomington, Indiana

  • Date: September 20
  • Game time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Game weather: Clear • Temperature: 75 °F (24 °C) • Wind: S at 2 miles per hour (3.2 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 56,088
  • Referee: Chris Coyle
  • TV announcers (NBC): Noah Eagle (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst), and Kathryn Tappen (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
  • IU – D'Angelo Ponds 11-yard return of blocked punt (Nico Radicic kick), 9:26. Hoosiers 7–0.
  • ILL – Collin Dixon 59-yard pass from Luke Altmyer (David Olano kick), 8:24. Tied 7–7. 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:02.
  • IU – Omar Cooper Jr. 11-yard pass from Fernando Mendoza (Nico Radicic kick), 4:41. Hoosiers 14–7. 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:43.
Second quarter
  • IU – E.J. Williams Jr. 11-yard pass from Fernando Mendoza (Nico Radicic kick), 11:05. Hoosiers 21–7. 7 plays, 56 yards, 3:41.
  • IU – Riley Nowakowski 43-yard pass from Fernando Mendoza (Nico Radicic kick), 6:17. Hoosiers 28–7. 4 plays, 80 yards, 2:19.
  • IU – Elijah Sarratt 9-yard pass from Fernando Mendoza (Nico Radicic kick), 1:09. Hoosiers 35–7. 9 plays, 65 yards, 3:14.
  • ILL – David Olano 46-yard field goal, 0:00. Hoosiers 35–10. 8 plays, 47 yards, 1:09.
Third quarter
  • IU – Kaelon Black 40-yard run (Nico Radicic kick), 11:38. Hoosiers 42–10. 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:22.
  • IU – Elijah Sarratt 5-yard pass from Fernando Mendoza (Nico Radicic kick), 5:02. Hoosiers 49–10. 9 plays, 44 yards, 4:57.
Fourth quarter
  • IU – Khobie Martin 31-yard run (Nico Radicic kick), 14:09. Hoosiers 56–10. 8 plays, 69 yards, 5:07.
  • IU – Khobie Martin 8-yard run (Nico Radicic kick), 6:38. Hoosiers 63–10. 8 plays, 67 yards, 5:23.
Statistics ILL IU
First downs 9 31
Plays–yards 45–161 72–579
Rushes–yards 20–2 49–312
Passing yards 159 267
Passing: comp–att–int 16–25–1 21–23–0
Time of possession 20:17 39:43
Team Category Player Statistics
Illinois Passing Luke Altmyer 14/22, 146 yards, TD
Rushing Kaden Feagin 5 carries, 18 yards
Receiving Collin Dixon 4 receptions, 86 yards, TD
Indiana Passing Fernando Mendoza 21/23, 267 yards, 5 TD
Rushing Khobie Martin 12 carries, 107 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Elijah Sarratt 9 receptions, 92 yards, 2 TD

vs No. 21 USC

See also: 2025 USC Trojans football team
No. 21 USC Trojans (4–0) vs No. 23 Illinois Fighting Illini (3–1) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 21 Trojans 7 3 71532
No. 23 Fighting Illini 7 7 101034

at Gies Memorial Stadium • Champaign, Illinois

  • Date: September 27
  • Game time: 11:00 a.m.
  • Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 84 °F (29 °C) • Wind: W at 4 miles per hour (6.4 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 60,670
  • Referee: Kole Knueppel
  • TV announcers (FOX): Gus Johnson (play-by-play), Joel Klatt (analyst), and Jenny Taft (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
  • (5:49) ILL – Luke Altmyer 2-yard run, David Olano kick (Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 5:00; Illinois 7-0)
  • (1:22) USC – Waymond Jordan 1-yard run, Ryon Sayeri kick (Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:27; 7-7)
Second quarter
  • (10:49) ILL – Luke Altmyer 3-yard pass from Hank Beatty, David Olano kick (Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:33; Illinois 14-7)
  • (0:02) USC – Ryon Sayeri 21-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 0:47; Illinois 14-10)
Third quarter
  • (11:34) ILL – David Olano 45-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 3:26; Illinois 17-10)
  • (6:59) ILL – Kaden Feagin 64-yard pass from Luke Altmyer, David Olano kick (Drive: 2 plays, 66 yards, 0:45; Illinois 24-10)
  • (1:46) USC – Waymond Jordan 2-yard run, Ryon Sayeri kick (Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards, 5:08; Illinois 24-17)
Fourth quarter
  • (14:34) ILL – Justin Bowick 25-yard pass from Luke Altmyer, David Olano kick (Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:12; Illinois 31-17)
  • (9:54) USC – Makai Lemon 19-yard pass from Jayden Maiava, Jayden Maiava pass to Makai Lemon for two-point conversion (Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:40; Illinois 31-25)
  • (1:55) USC – Makai Lemon 16-yard pass from Jayden Maiava, Ryon Sayeri kick (Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:26; USC 32-31)
  • (0:00) ILL – David Olano 41-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 1:55; Illinois 34-32)
Statistics USC ILL
First downs 29 25
Total yards 490 502
Rushes–yards 34-126 35-171
Passing yards 364 331
Passing: comp–att–int 30-43-1 21-27-0
Time of possession 32:34 27:26
Team Category Player Statistics
USC Passing Jayden Maiava 30/43, 364 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Waymond Jordan 20 carries, 94 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Makai Lemon 11 receptions, 151 yards, 2 TD
Illinois Passing Luke Altmyer 20/26, 328 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Kaden Feagin 14 carries, 60 yards
Receiving Collin Dixon 4 receptions, 90 yards

at Purdue

See also: 2025 Purdue Boilermakers football team and Illinois–Purdue football rivalry
No. 22 Illinois Fighting Illini (4–1) at Purdue Boilermakers (2–2) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 22 Fighting Illini 0 27 13343
Boilermakers 7 7 7627

at Ross–Ade Stadium • West Lafayette, Indiana

  • Date: October 4
  • Game time: 11:00 a.m.
  • Game weather:  
  • Game attendance:  
  • Referee:  
  • TV announcers (BTN): Mark Followill (play-by-play), Yogi Roth (analyst), and Rhett Lewis (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
  • (7:27) PUR – Ryan Browne 1-yard run, Spencer Porath kick (Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 4:05; Purdue 7-0)
Second quarter
  • (14:56) ILL – David Olano 35-yard field goal (Drive: 14 plays, 58 yards, 7:31; Purdue 7-3)
  • (12:50) ILL – Hank Beatty 62-yard pass from Luke Altmyer, David Olano kick (Drive: 1 play, 62 yards, 0:23; Illinois 10-7)
  • (3:52) ILL – Kaden Feagin 6-yard run, David Olano kick (Drive: 8 plays, 94 yards, 5:03; Illinois 17-7)
  • (2:25) ILL – Ca'Lil Valentine 25-yard run, David Olano kick (Drive: 2 plays, 80 yards, 0:38; Illinois 24-7)
  • (1:13) PUR – Corey Smith 60-yard pass from Ryan Browne, Spencer Porath kick (Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:12; Illinois 24-14)
  • (0:00) ILL – David Olano 42-yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 51 yards, 1:13; Illinois 27-14)
Third quarter
  • (11:44) ILL – David Olano 45-yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 38 yards, 3:16; Illinois 30-14)
  • (9:01) PUR – Antonio Harris 41-yard run, Spencer Porath kick (Drive: 6 plays, 81 yards, 2:39; Illinois 30-21)
  • (5:16) ILL – David Olano 34-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, -7 yards, 1:56; Illinois 33-21)
  • (1:19) ILL – Kaden Feagin 1-yard run, David Olano kick (Drive: 5 plays, 68 yards, 2:56; Illinois 40-21)
Fourth quarter
  • (12:34) PUR – Devin Mockobee 1-yard run, two-point pass conversion failed (Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 3:45; Illinois 40-27)
  • (1:06) ILL – David Olano 40-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:31; Illinois 43-27)
Statistics ILL PUR
First downs 22 25
Total yards 507 453
Rushes–yards 41–117 25–151
Passing yards 390 302
Passing: comp–att–int 19–22–0 30–50–2
Time of possession 34:32 25:28
Team Category Player Statistics
Illinois Passing Luke Altmyer 19/22, 390 yards, TD
Rushing Ca'Lil Valentine 22 carries, 95 yards, TD
Receiving Hank Beatty 5 receptions, 186 yards, TD
Purdue Passing Ryan Browne 30/50, 302 yards, TD
Rushing Antonio Harris 4 carries, 69 yards, TD
Receiving Michael Jackson III 14 receptions, 94 yards

vs No. 1 Ohio State

See also: 2025 Ohio State Buckeyes football team and Illibuck
No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (5–0) vs No. 17 Illinois Fighting Illini (5–1) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 1 Buckeyes 10 10 7734
No. 17 Fighting Illini 0 3 7616

at Gies Memorial Stadium • Champaign, Illinois

  • Date: October 11
  • Game time: 11:00 a.m.
  • Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 67 °F (19 °C) • Wind: NE at 10 miles per hour (16 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 60,670
  • Referee: Tim O'Dey
  • TV announcers (FOX): Gus Johnson (play-by-play), Joel Klatt (analyst), and Jenny Taft (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
  • (9:35) OSU – Jayden Fielding 26-yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 5:25; Ohio State 3–0)
  • (3:40) OSU – CJ Donaldson 1-yard run, Jayden Fielding kick (Drive: 6 plays, 35 yards, 3:15; Ohio State 10–0)
Second quarter
  • (6:43) OSU – Jayden Fielding 31-yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards, 2:39; Ohio State 13–0)
  • (3:48) OSU – Bo Jackson 17-yard pass from Julian Sayin, Jayden Fielding kick (Drive: 5 plays, 26 yards, 2:50; Ohio State 20–0)
  • (1:05) ILL – David Olano 24-yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 2:43; Ohio State 20–3)
Third quarter
  • (10:06) ILL – Aidan Laughery 1-yard run, David Olano kick (Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 4:54; Ohio State 20–10)
  • (2:08) OSU – CJ Donaldson 2-yard run, Jayden Fielding kick (Drive: 14 plays, 63 yards, 7:52; Ohio State 27–10)
Fourth quarter
  • (13:25) OSU – Jeremiah Smith 2-yard pass from Julian Sayin, Jayden Fielding kick (Drive: 7 plays, 24 yards, 3:08; Ohio State 34–10)
  • (4:25) ILL – Collin Dixon 4-yard pass from Luke Altmyer, pass failed (Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 4:07; Ohio State 34–16)
Statistics OSU ILL
First downs 17 22
Plays–yards 64–272 71–295
Rushes–yards 27–47 37–106
Passing yards 166 248
Passing: comp–att–int 19–27–0 30–44–1
Time of possession 33:11 26:49
Team Category Player Statistics
Ohio State Passing Julian Sayin 19/27, 166 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Bo Jackson 10 carries, 47 yards
Receiving Jeremiah Smith 5 receptions, 42 yards, TD
Illinois Passing Luke Altmyer 30/44, 248 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Aidan Laughery 8 carries, 50 yards, TD
Receiving Cole Rusk 5 receptions, 68 yards

at Washington

See also: 2025 Washington Huskies football team
No. 23 Illinois Fighting Illini (5–2) at Washington Huskies (5–2) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 23 Fighting Illini 3 14 0825
Huskies 14 7 71442

at Husky Stadium • Seattle, Washington

  • Date: October 25
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m.
  • Game weather:  
  • Game attendance:  
  • Referee:  
  • TV announcers (BTN): Jeff Levering (play-by-play), Jake Butt (analyst), and Brooke Fletcher (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
  • (9:31) WASH – Dezmen Roebuck 13-yard pass from Demond Williams Jr., Grady Gross kick (Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:23; Washington 7-0)
  • (5:05) ILL – David Olano 33-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 39 yards, 4:20; Washington 7-3)
  • (0:46) WASH – Dezmen Roebuck 13-yard pass from Demond Williams Jr., Grady Gross kick (Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 4:12; Washington 14-3)
Second quarter
  • (7:26) ILL – Collin Dixon 2-yard pass from Luke Altmyer, David Olano kick (Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 8:20; Washington 14-10)
  • (1:55) ILL – Tanner Arkin 5-yard pass from Luke Altmyer, David Olano kick (Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 4:15; Illinois 17-14)
  • (0:40) WASH – Jonah Coleman 12-yard pass from Denzel Boston, Grady Gross kick (Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 1:15; Washington 21-17)
Third quarter
  • (7:45) WASH – Jonah Coleman 7-yard run, Grady Gross kick (Drive: 11 plays, 90 yards, 5:37; Washington 28-17)
Fourth quarter
  • (14:39) WASH – Denzel Boston 6-yard pass from Demond Williams Jr., Grady Gross kick (Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards, 2:50; Washington 35-17)
  • (11:07) ILL – Jordan Anderson 1-yard run, Luke Altmyer pass to Cole Rusk for two-point conversion (Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:32; Washington 35-25)
  • (8:16) WASH – Decker DeGraaf 2-yard pass from Demond Williams Jr., Grady Gross kick (Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:51; Washington 42-25)
Statistics ILL WASH
First downs 22 27
Total yards 337 449
Rushes–yards 29-138 33-157
Passing yards 199 292
Passing: comp–att–int 22-34-2 27-34-0
Time of possession 30:21 29:39
Team Category Player Statistics
Illinois Passing Luke Altmyer 22/34, 199 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Luke Altmyer 7 carries, 48 yards
Receiving Hank Beatty 6 receptions, 73 yards
Washington Passing Demond Williams Jr. 26/33, 280 yards, 4 TD
Rushing Jonah Coleman 14 carries, 75 yards, TD
Receiving Denzel Boston 10 receptions, 153 yards

vs Rutgers

See also: 2025 Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4–4) vs Illinois Fighting Illini (5–3) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Scarlet Knights 0 6 0713
Fighting Illini 7 14 14035

at Gies Memorial Stadium • Champaign, Illinois

  • Date: November 1
  • Game time: 11:00 a.m.
  • Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 47 °F (8 °C) • Wind: W at 8 miles per hour (13 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 60,670
  • Referee: Ron Snodgrass
  • TV announcers (NBC): Paul Burmeister (play-by-play), Jason Garrett (analyst), and Zora Stephenson (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
  • (4:04) ILL – Kaden Feagin 7-yard pass from Luke Altmyer, David Olano kick (Drive: 12 plays, 99 yards, 6:11; Illinois 7-0)
Second quarter
  • (13:41) RUTG – Jai Patel 26-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 67 yards, 5:23; Illinois 7-3)
  • (5:45) RUTG – Jai Patel 40-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 24 yards, 4:49; Illinois 7-6)
  • (2:04) ILL – Luke Altmyer 3-yard run, David Olano kick (Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:41; Illinois 14-6)
  • (0:29) ILL – Hank Beatty 1-yard pass from Luke Altmyer, David Olano kick (Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 0:58; Illinois 21-6)
Third quarter
  • (10:40) ILL – Hudson Clement 20-yard pass from Luke Altmyer, David Olano kick (Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:20; Illinois 28-6)
  • (3:25) ILL – Collin Dixon 7-yard pass from Luke Altmyer, David Olano kick (Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 5:47; Illinois 35-6)
Fourth quarter
  • (5:47) RUTG – KJ Duff 3-yard pass from Athan Kaliakmanis, Jai Patel kick (Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 4:33; Illinois 35-13)
Statistics RUTG ILL
First downs 19 26
Plays–yards 72–312 69–445
Rushes–yards 27–59 38–210
Passing yards 253 235
Passing: comp–att–int 25–45–0 19–31–1
Time of possession 27:25 32:35
Team Category Player Statistics
Rutgers Passing Athan Kaliakmanis 25/45, 253 yards, TD
Rushing Ja'shon Benjamin 8 carries, 37 yards
Receiving KJ Duff 9 receptions, 93 yards, TD
Illinois Passing Luke Altmyer 19/31, 235 yards, 4 TD, INT
Rushing Luke Altmyer 7 carries, 88 yards, TD
Receiving Hudson Clement 5 receptions, 84 yards, TD

vs Maryland

See also: 2025 Maryland Terrapins football team
Maryland Terrapins (4–5) vs Illinois Fighting Illini (6–3) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Terrapins 3 3 006
Fighting Illini 7 7 7324

at Gies Memorial Stadium • Champaign, Illinois

  • Date: November 15
  • Game time: 2:30 p.m.
  • Game weather: Cloudy • Temperature: 72 °F (22 °C) • Wind: W at 17 miles per hour (27 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 56,416
  • Referee: Mark Kluczynski
  • TV announcers (FS1): Noah Reed (play-by-play) and Robert Smith (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
  • (9:15) MD – Sean O'Haire 29-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 65 yards, 5:45; Maryland 3-0)
  • (0:00) ILL – Hudson Clement 22-yard pass from Luke Altmyer, David Olano kick (Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 4:05; Illinois 7-3)
Second quarter
  • (6:12) MD – Sean O'Haire 43-yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 1:44; Illinois 7-6)
  • (1:38) ILL – Kaden Feagin 3-yard run, David Olano kick (Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 4:34; Illinois 14-6)
Third quarter
  • (10:05) ILL – Hudson Clement 23-yard pass from Luke Altmyer, David Olano kick (Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 4:00; Illinois 21-6)
Fourth quarter
  • (4:19) ILL – David Olano 33-yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 82 yards, 5:53; Illinois 24-6)
Statistics MD ILL
First downs 18 24
Plays–yards 64–293 72–397
Rushes–yards 18–55 48–225
Passing yards 238 172
Passing: comp–att–int 25–46–1 15–25–1
Time of possession 24:03 35:57
Team Category Player Statistics
Maryland Passing Malik Washington 25/46, 238 yards, INT
Rushing DeJuan Williams 9 carries, 43 yards
Receiving Shaleak Knotts 4 receptions, 62 yards
Illinois Passing Luke Altmyer 15/25, 172 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Kaden Feagin 14 carries, 81 yards, TD
Receiving Hudson Clement 3 receptions, 72 yards, 2 TD

at Wisconsin

See also: 2025 Wisconsin Badgers football team
No. 21 Illinois Fighting Illini (7–3) at Wisconsin Badgers (3–7) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 21 Fighting Illini 0 7 3010
Badgers 7 3 71027

at Camp Randall Stadium • Madison, Wisconsin

  • Date: November 22
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m.
  • Game weather: Clear, 43 °F (6 °C); Wind: SW 13 mph
  • Game attendance: 67,876
  • Referee: Kole Knueppel
  • TV announcers (BTN): Rhett Lewis (play-by-play), Anthony Herron (analyst), and Dannie Rogers (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
  • WIS – Vinny Anthony II 6-yard run (Nathanial Vakos kick), 1:21. Wisconsin 7–0. 16 plays, 80 yards, 9:30.
Second quarter
  • ILL – Luke Altmyer 12-yard run (David Olano kick), 5:45. Tie 7–7. 7 plays, 55 yards, 3:08.
  • WIS – Nathanial Vakos 47-yard field goal, 0:14. Wisconsin 10–7. 5 plays, 17 yards, 0:36.
Third quarter
  • WIS – Darrion Dupree 84-yard run (Nathanial Vakos kick), 9:40. Wisconsin 17–7. 2 plays, 84 yards, 0:10.
  • ILL – David Olano 24-yard field goal, 1:23. Wisconsin 17–10. 10 plays, 67 yards, 4:30.
Fourth quarter
  • WIS – Darrion Dupree 4-yard run (Nathanial Vakos kick), 8:16. Wisconsin 24–10. 4 plays, 14 yards, 1:56.
  • WIS – Nathanial Vakos 32-yard field goal, 4:23. Wisconsin 27–10. 7 plays, 31 yards, 2:24.
Statistics ILL WIS
First downs 19 14
Plays–yards 64-298 69-301
Rushes–yards 29-50 44-209
Passing yards 248 92
Passing: comp–att–int 21-35-0 11-15-0
Time of possession 28:15 31:45
Team Category Player Statistics
Illinois Passing Luke Altmyer 21/35, 248 yards
Rushing Luke Altmyer 13 carries, 20 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Collin Dixon 3 receptions, 62 yards
Wisconsin Passing Carter Smith 9/11, 75 yards
Rushing Darrion Dupree 17 carries, 131 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Trech Kekahuna 5 receptions, 39 yards

vs Northwestern

See also: 2025 Northwestern Wildcats football team and Illinois–Northwestern football rivalry
Northwestern Wildcats (0–0) vs Illinois Fighting Illini (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 Total
Wildcats 0
Fighting Illini 0

at Gies Memorial Stadium • Champaign, Illinois

  • Date: November 29
  • Game time:  
  • Game weather:  
  • Game attendance:  
  • Referee:  
  • TV announcers ( ):  
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Statistics NU ILL
First downs 19 14
Plays–yards 65-254 52-284
Rushes–yards 29-91 36-120
Passing yards 163 164
Passing: comp–att–int 19-36-3 11-16-0
Time of possession 30:34 29:26
Team Category Player Statistics
Northwestern Passing Preston Stone 19.36, 163 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT
Rushing Robby Preckel 22 carries, 82 yards
Receiving Hayden Eligon II 8 receptions, 99 yards, 1 TD
Illinois Passing Luke Altmyer 10/15, 136 yards
Rushing Ca'Lil Valentine 14 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Collin Dixon 2 receptions, 53 yards

vs. Tennessee (Music City Bowl)

See also: 2025 Tennessee Volunteers football team and 2025 Music City Bowl
2025 Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl
Tennessee Volunteers (8-4) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (8-4) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Volunteers 7 0 71428
Fighting Illini 7 3 14630

at Nissan Stadium • Nashville, TN

  • Date: December 30
  • Game time: 4:30 p.m. CST
  • Referee: Riley Johnson (ACC)
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (analyst) and Cole Cubelic (sideline)
Game information
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Statistics TENN ILL
First downs 18 27
Total yards 278 417
Rushing yards 157 221
Passing yards 121 196
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 14–18–0 20–34–0
Time of possession 24:14 35:46
Team Category Player Statistics
Tennessee Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Illinois Passing
Rushing
Receiving

Roster

2025 Illinois Fighting Illini football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
WR 0 Justin Bowick Jr
WR 1 Mario Sanders II Jr
WR 2 Ashton Hollins  Jr
RB 3 Kaden Feagin Jr
QB 4 Carson Boyd Fr
RB 5 Ca'lil Valentine So
WR 7 Alexander Capka-Jones Sr
WR 8 Malik Elzy Jr
QB 9 Luke Altmyer Sr
QB 10 Ethan Hampton  Sr
WR 11 Brayden Trimble Fr
QB 12 Trey Petty  Fr
WR 13 Hudson Clement  Jr
TE 14 Cole Rusk Sr
QB 15 Jershaun Newton Fr
TE 16 Logan Farrell Fr
WR 17 Collin Dixon  So
WR 18 Michael Bartolotta Sr
RB 20 John Forster  Fr
RB 21 Aidan Laughery  Jr
RB 22 Cedric Wyche II Fr
TE 23 Jordan Anderson  Jr
RB 25 Aaron Ball  Fr
RB 27 Corey Rashad  So
RB 31 Murphy Clement  Fr
TE 39 Trey Peters Fr
OL 54 Griffin Rousseau Fr
OL 55 T. J. McMillen  So
OL 56 J. J. Hirdes Fr
OL 57 Zach Barrett  Fr
OL 58 Melvin Priestly Sr
OL 63 Dezmond Schuster Sr
OL 64 Josh Kruetz Sr
OL 65 Kellen Francis  So
OL 66 Brandon Hansen So
OL 68 Michael McDonough Fr
OL 70 Tyler McMillan  Jr
OL 71 Nathan Knapik  Fr
OL 72 Ayden Knapik Sr
OL 73 Josh Gesky Sr
OL 74 J. C. Davis  Sr
OL 75 Brandon Henderson Jr
OL 76 Dylan Frechette Fr
OL 78 Eddie Tuerk  Fr
OL 79 Zafir Stewart  Fr
WR 80 Hank Beatty Sr
TE 82 Jake Furtney  Fr
WR 83 Tysean Griffin  Fr
TE 84 Grant Smith Fr
TE 85 Tanner Arkin Sr
TE 86 Christian Abney Jr
WR 87 Tyler McClure Sr
TE 88 Davin Stoffel  So
TE 89 Tanner Hollinger  Fr
Defense
Pos. # Name Class
DB 0 Mac Resetich Jr
DB 1 Kaleb Patterson  Jr
DB 2 Saboor Karriem Jr
OLB 3 Alec Bryant Sr
OLB 4 Daniel Brown  Jr
DB 5 Torrie Cox Jr. Sr
DB 6 Jaheim Clarke Jr
DB 7 Matthew Bailey  Jr
DL 8 Jeremiah Warren  So
OLB 9 Leon Lowery Jr. Sr
DB 10 Miles Scott Sr
DB 11 Donovan Turner Jr
DB 12 Amar Reynolds  Fr
DB 13 Xanai Scott Fr
DB 14 Xavier Scott Sr
DB 15 Andre Lovett Jr. Fr
DB 16 Tanner Heckel So
OLB 17 Gabe Jacas Sr
OLB 18 Mason Muragin  So
DB 19 Tyson Rooks  Jr
DB 20 Tyler Strain Sr
DB 21 Ben Clawson  Jr
DB 22 R. J. Jones III Fr
DB 24 Vernon Woodward III  Fr
DB 25 Des Straughton Fr
OLB 26 Ismael Kante Jr
LB 28 Dylan Rosiek  Sr
LB 29 T. J. Griffin  Jr
LB 30 JoJo Hayden  So
DB 32 Tywan Cox Fr
LB 33 Grant Beerman Fr
OLB 34 Erik Gayle Fr
DB 35 Grayson Griffin  Sr
DL 36 Tomiwa Durojaiye  Jr
LB 38 Jack Paris Fr
LB 39 Kenenna Odeluga Sr
LB 41 James Kruetz  Jr
LB 42 Luke Zardzin  Sr
OLB 43 Joe Barna So
DL 44 Angelo McCullom So
LB 45 Malachi Hood  Jr
LB 47 Easton Baker  Fr
OLB 48 Carter Smith  Fr
OLB 51 Clayton Leonard  Jr
DL 52 Pat Farrell  So
DL 54 Demetrius John  Fr
DL 56 Guillermo Gallardo  Jr
DL 90 James Thompson Jr.  Sr
DL 91 Cameron Brooks Fr
DL 92 Gentle Hunt  Sr
DL 94 Carter Hewitt  Sr
DL 95 Isaiah White Fr
DL 96 Eli Coenen  So
DL 99 Curt Neal  Jr
Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
K 24 David Olano Jr
K/P 27 Lucas Osada So
LS 36 Lane Hansen Sr
P 40 Keelan Crimmins Sr
LS 44 Patrick Mahoney III  So
P 81 Lars Rau So
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • Thad Ward – Assistant head coach/running backs
  • Barry Lunney Jr. – Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks
  • Aaron Henry – Defensive coordinator/secondary
  • Terrance Jamison – Co-defensive coordinator/defensive line
  • Robby Discher – Special teams coordinator/tight ends
  • Archie McDaniel – Linebackers
  • Bart Miller – Offensive line
  • Corey Parker – Defensive backs
  • Justin Stepp – Wide receivers
  • Trent Harris – Outside linebackers
  • Ben Miller – Senior head coach analyst
  • Myers Hendrickson – Senior analyst
  • Mike Neu – Senior offensive assistant
  • Joe Kim – Skill development coordinator
  • Chris Hurd – Senior special teams assistant
  • Alex Panos – Assistant outside linebackers
  • Artur Sitkowski – Assistant quarterbacks
  • Byron Bell – Assistant offensive line
  • Danny Cameron – Assistant tight ends
  • Matt Ellerbrock – Assistant linebackers
  • Dan Ellington – Assistant wide receivers
  • Houston Griffith – Assistant defensive backs
  • Antonio James – Assistant defensive line
  • Ryan Simerson – Assistant secondary
  • James White – Assistant running backs
  • Harper Cole – Offensive skill and special teams assistant
  • Blake Smithback – Offensive front assistant
  • Tank Wright – Director, Strength and Conditioning
  • G. C. Yerry – Associate Director, Strength and Conditioning
  • Matt Manninger – Assistant, Strength and Conditioning
  • Nick Elicone – Assistant, Strength and Conditioning
  • Tyler Mayo – Assistant, Strength and Conditioning
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured
  • Redshirt

Roster
Last update: 9/25/2025

References

  1. ^ "Larry Gies Makes Transformational $100 Million Gift to Illinois Athletics" (Press release). Illinois Fighting Illini. September 9, 2025. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
  2. ^ "2025 FBS Attendance Trends". D1.ticker.com.
  3. ^ "2025 NFL Attendance Data | Pro-Football-Reference.com". pro-football-reference.com.
  4. ^ "Illinois Football Transfer Portal". ON3.
  5. ^ "Illinois Fighting Illini 2025 College Football Transfer Portal". 247Sports.
  6. ^ Neveau, James (December 11, 2024). "Illinois football schedule 2025 set as Illini will battle Ohio State, Indiana". NBC5.com. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  7. ^ "2025 Illinois Football Schedule". FBSchedules.com. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  8. ^ Hess, Elizabeth (August 30, 2025). "Illini dominate season opener, rout Western Illinois 52-3 behind record-breaking performances from Beatty and Jacas". Chambana Today - Today's News for Champaign & Urbana, IL. Retrieved December 31, 2025.
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