By IlliniGuys Staff

August 11, 2025

The most-hyped preseason in decades continues for the Fighting Illini football team.

Today, the Associated Press released its preseason Top 25 and placed Illinois at No. 12. It's their highest ranking since finishing at No. 11 after the 2001 season and their loftiest preseason showing since opening the 1990 season at No. 11.

Illinois is coming off a 10-3 season after defeating South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl on New Year's Day. It's their first 10-win season since the Big Ten championship year of 2001 and just the fifth in school history.

The 2024 success now gives Bret Bielema a chance to etch his name in Illini program history as just the third head coach to post back-to-back eight-win season. Edgar Holt led Illinois to an 8-2 season in 1901 and followed it up with a 10-2-1 campaign in 1902.  The Illini went 10-2 under John Mackovic in 1989, who guided the team to an 8-4 showing the next season.

Illinois returns 16 starters from last season and many observers predict they will be in contention for their first-ever playoff bid.

The Illini also landed in the number 12 spot in the coaches poll when its first set of rankings was released last week.