September 14, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Illinois - Luke Altmyer and Patrick Bryant connected on a pair of touchdowns and Ethan Moczulski kicked a school-record 59-yard field goal as Illinois defeated Central Michigan on Homecoming, 30-9.

The victory lifts the Illini to their first 3-0 start since 2011, when coach Ron Zook guided the program to a 6-0 start.

Kaden Feagin added a fourth quarter touchdown run for his third score in as many games this season as the Illini defense kept an opponent out of the end zone for the second time in 2024. Illinois shut out visiting Eastern Illinois 45-0 in their season opener last month.

Xavier Scott, who gained national player of the week honors for his two interceptions and a forced fumble effort in the win over Kansas last weekend, recorded his third interception of the season.

Illinois now has a shot at landing in the Top 25 ahead of their first road trip of the season at #23 Nebraska Friday night (7pm, FOX). The Cornhuskers host Northern Iowa later tonight in Lincoln. The last time an undefeated, ranked Illinois played another Top 25 opponent was in 2001, when 22nd ranked Illinois lost at #12 Michigan, 45-20. The Illini went to win the rest of their regular season games en route to their last Big Ten championship.

Stay with IlliniGuys.com for complete postgame coverage.