Illini Placed 4th in Unofficial Cleveland.com Big Ten Preseason Poll

Following a 10-win season, Illinois predicted to finish fourth in the unofficial Big Ten Football Media poll.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

July 22, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

LAS VEGAS — A panel of 24 reporters throughout the Big Ten Conference selected Illinois to finish fourth in the 18-team conference going into the 2025 season.

The panel of league media members organized by Cleveland.com is an annual tradition as, unlike most every other Football Bowl Subdivision conference in college football, the Big Ten does not organize a preseason media or coaches poll. IlliniGuys.com . . .

 

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