Anonymous Big Ten coach feels Illinois making College Football Playoff would be 'massive' for league

The Big Ten got a surprise team into the College Football Playoff in the first year of the expanded field. They’ll now have a chance at another, although they’re already being discussed, this fall in Illinois.

As part of Athlon Sports’ preview magazine, anonymous coaches talked about teams around the Big Ten. That included the Fighting Illini, who some think could be the success of the conference this season if they get another playoff team for the Big Ten.

“I think it would be massive for this league if this program could make the playoff,” they said. “This is proof of concept for a long-term vision of recruiting and developing at a place that isn’t Ohio State, Penn State or Michigan, and it’s paying off.”

That’s with a team in Illinois that tied their program record for wins last season going 10-3 in 2024. Also, of the three losses, two came on the road to Oregon and Penn State, the teams who played in Big Ten Championship and went on to make the CFP themselves. That had them ranked for much of the season and, had they been ranked higher, another coach felt like they could’ve competed last year had they made it into the College Football Playoff then.

“I think if they would’ve made the playoff instead of SMU, they could’ve made some noise,” they said.

The Illini now bring back much of that team, namely QB Luke Altmyer, to Champaign for this upcoming season. It’s made up of a core of players that fit Bret Bielema for his fifth season there as head coach.

“They’re a hard, physical team that’s more talented than people realize, and the program has never looked more competent,” a coach said. “They have a clear identity from a guy who’s been smart enough to hold true to his core ideas but learn from his mistakes.”

“They’re returning a ton, too, so that gives them a real advantage going into the fall,” said another. “(Luke) Altmyer doesn’t get enough love; that kid has become a great quarterback.”

Illinois has expectations coming into this season after returning a large part of the roster that had their best record since the turn of the century back in 2001. If they meet those expectations, the Big Ten would be more than happy with it as it’d give them yet another program set to compete in the CFP.