Illinois Athletics

September 29, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Following a 4-1 start with two ranked wins, the Illinois football team enters its first off week of the season ranked #24 in the AP Top 25 and #25 in the Coaches Poll. The Illini are ranked in the AP poll for the third straight week.

Illinois (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten) ranks 17th in the nation in scoring defense (14.2) through five games. The defense has forced 10 turnovers, the eighth-most in the nation, and features the 23rd-ranked passing efficiency defense (110.7). Xavier Scott leads the team with three interceptions, tied for third in the nation, and Gabe Jacas has 3.0 sacks to help Illinois rank 20th in the nation in sacks (13.0).

Offensively, QB Luke Altmyer has been one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, ranking 15th nationally in completion percentage (70%) and 17th in passing touchdowns with a Big Ten-best 11 touchdown throws. Altmyer has found WR Pat Bryant on six touchdown passes, ranking Bryant third in the nation in receiving TDs.

Illinois sits at 4-1 with two AP Top 25 wins for the first time since 1991.

The #24 Fighting Illini are entering a bye week and return to Memorial Stadium for back-to-back weeks against Purdue on Oct. 12 and #10 Michigan on Oct. 19 for the Memorial Stadium Rededication Game. Kickoff times and broadcast information will be announced at a later date.