Rankings: Illini climb one spot to No. 11 in AP Poll
Illinois moved up one spot in the polls. The Illini climbed to No. 11 in the AP Top 25 on Tuesday, their best ranking since 2001. The Coaches Poll has them right behind at No. 12, a strong nod of respect after their dominant season opener.
Illinois earned the bump by steamrolling Western Illinois 52–3 in Week 1. Quarterback Luke Altmyer threw for 217 yards and three touchdowns. Hank Beatty put on a show with 108 receiving yards and a punt return touchdown—the program’s first since 2013—while tying a school record with 133 punt return yards. On defense, Gabe Jacas came up big with two sacks and a forced fumble, leading a unit that didn’t give the Leathernecks much of a chance.
The Illini’s ranking highlights just how stacked the Big Ten looks this year. Ohio State jumped to No. 1 after beating Texas, while Penn State held firm at No. 2. Oregon landed at No. 6, Michigan checked in at No. 15, and Indiana made the list at No. 23. Even Nebraska got some love by receiving votes. Illinois is right in the thick of it, giving the league a strong national presence.
Up next, the Illini hit the road for their first true test of the season: a Saturday morning showdown at Duke. The Blue Devils are also 1-0 after beating Elon 45–17. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT on ESPN.
AP Top 25 – week of September 2, 2025
- Ohio State (55)
- Penn State (7)
- LSU (3)
- Georgia
- Miami (FL)
- Oregon
- Texas
- Clemson
- Notre Dame
- South Carolina
- Illinois
- Arizona State
- Florida
- Florida State
- Michigan
- Iowa State
- SMU
- Oklahoma
- Texas A&M
- Ole Miss
- Alabama
- Tennessee
- Indiana
- Texas Tech
- Utah
