Illinois Picked 4th in Big Ten Preseason Poll, Highest Ranking Under Bielema
LAS VEGAS — In a major sign of rising respect within the Big Ten, Illinois was picked to finish 4th in the 2025 Cleveland.com preseason media poll, trailing only Penn State, Ohio State, and Oregon. This is the Illini’s highest preseason ranking since the poll began in 2011 and comes on the heels of a breakthrough 10–3 season under head coach Bret Bielema.
Illinois received 353 points and an average rank of 4.88, beating out traditional powers like Michigan (5th), Iowa (7th), and USC (9th). Bielema, now entering his fifth season, holds a 28–22 record in Champaign and has guided Illinois to back-to-back bowl appearances, including last season’s Citrus Bowl win over South Carolina.
The Illini return one of the most experienced rosters in the Big Ten, led by quarterback Luke Altmyer, offensive line anchor JC Davis, and star pass rusher Gabe Jacas, who had 15.5 TFLs and 8 sacks in 2024. The defense also brings back its full starting secondary, including safeties Matthew Bailey, Miles Scott, and nickel back Xavier Scott. Illinois ranks among the league leaders in returning production.
2025 Cleveland.com Big Ten Preseason Poll – Full Rankings
| Rank | Team (1st Place Votes) | Points | Avg. Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Penn State (11) | 435 | 1.60 |
| 2. | Ohio State (10) | 431 | 1.76 |
| 3. | Oregon (2) | 405 | 2.80 |
| 4. | Illinois | 353 | 4.88 |
| 5. | Michigan (1) | 346 | 5.16 |
| 6. | Indiana | 305 | 6.80 |
| 7. | Iowa | 287 | 7.52 |
| 8. | Nebraska | 277 | 7.92 |
| 9. | USC | 269 | 8.24 |
| 10. | Washington | 216 | 10.36 |
| 11. | Minnesota | 192 | 11.32 |
| 12. | Wisconsin | 159 | 12.60 |
| 13. | Michigan State | 135 | 13.60 |
| 13. | Rutgers | 135 | 13.60 |
| 15. | UCLA | 134 | 13.64 |
| 16. | Maryland | 91 | 15.36 |
| 17. | Northwestern | 65 | 16.40 |
| 18. | Purdue | 39 | 17.44 |
