Bret Bielema jumped three spots to No. 7 in CBS Sports’ Big Ten coach rankings, putting him among the conference’s biggest risers after Illinois completed its first 10-win season since 2001.
The Fighting Illini return 16 of 22 starters from last season’s breakthrough campaign. Luke Altmyer is back at quarterback, and Bielema retained both coordinators – Barry Lunney Jr. on offense and Aaron Henry on defense.
Illinois gets seven home games at Memorial Stadium this fall.
The Illini nearly went unbeaten at home last season, losing only to Minnesota 25-17. But the 2025 home schedule brings much tougher competition, with defending national champion Ohio State and USC both visiting Champaign.
Victories in one or both of those games could determine Illinois’ College Football Playoff chances.
CBS Sports’ Cody Nagel noted Bielema’s rapid rise reflects the program’s five-win improvement from a disappointing 5-7 record in 2023.
“Bret Bielema jumped into the top 25 of the Power Four coach rankings after leading Illinois to its first 10-win season since 2001. In four seasons, Bielema has compiled a 28-22 record with the Fighting Illini. Now, entering Year 5, Bielema has positioned Illinois as a popular preseason pick to reach the College Football Playoff.”
But Illinois faces one significant hurdle: a 15-year drought without back-to-back winning seasons.
Nagel cautioned that bettors should be careful when picking Illinois for the College Football Playoff, citing the program’s inconsistent postseason history.
The early hype will face its first real test when conference play begins this fall.
