Illinois cracks the top 10 in both major polls
Illinois football cracks top 10 rankings after a dominant road win at Duke. The Illini jumped to No. 9 in both the AP Top 25 and the Coaches Poll on Sunday, marking their highest national ranking since 2001.
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CHAMPAIGN — Illinois football is climbing. After pounding Duke 45–19 on Saturday night in Durham, the Illini landed at No. 9 in both the AP Top 25 and the Coaches Poll, their highest ranking in more than two decades.
The jump reflects more than just another win. Illinois put together its most complete performance of the young season, turning a close game at halftime into a runaway in the final two quarters. Quarterback Luke Altmyer threw for 296 yards and three touchdowns, while the defense forced turnovers and choked out Duke’s momentum in the second half. Illinois outscored the Blue Devils 31–6 after the break to leave Wallace Wade Stadium with a statement victory.
The climb to No. 9 marks Illinois’ best AP ranking since December 2001. Head coach Bret Bielema has now had the Illini appear in the AP poll 20 times during his five seasons in Champaign — the most consistent presence the program has had in nearly 35 years.
The Big Ten continues to carry weight in the national picture. Ohio State holds steady at No. 1 after a 70–0 blowout of Grambling State, while Penn State sits just behind at No. 2. Oregon checks in at No. 4 after a 69-3 drubbing of Oklahoma State. Illinois’ jump gives the league four teams inside the top 10. Michigan slid to No. 23 after losing to Oklahoma, while future Illinois opponent Indiana checked in at No. 22. That sets up a ranked matchup in Bloomington on September 20.
Next up: Memorial Stadium will be packed on Saturday night when Illinois hosts Western Michigan. The game is sold out, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. CT on FS1. A win would give the Illini a 3–0 start heading into Big Ten play, with their highest ranking in a generation fueling the buzz.
Full AP Top 25 following Week 2:
- Ohio State
- Penn State
- LSU
- Oregon
- Miami
- Georgia
- Texas
- Notre Dame
- Illinois
- Florida State
- South Carolina
- Clemson
- Oklahoma
- Iowa State
- Tennessee
- Texas A&M
- Ole Miss
- USF
- Alabama
- Utah
- Texas Tech
- Indiana
- Michigan
- Auburn
- Missouri
Others receiving votes: Arizona State, BYU, Georgia Tech, Florida, Southern Cal, TCU, Mississippi State, Louisville, SMU, Nebraska, Tulane, Baylor, UNLV, Pittsburgh, Navy, Memphis, Vanderbilt.
