Skip to main content
Indiana

Indiana Football Game Preview: Illinois – key question, injury report, how to watch

6I5A5606by: Drew Rosenberg09/19/25drew_rosenberg2
NCAA Football: Indiana State at Indiana
Sep 12, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) throws a pass during the first half against the Indiana State Sycamores at Memorial Stadium. © Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Indiana football begins Big Ten play with a massive test as No. 9 Illinois comes to Bloomington on Saturday.

After concluding their non-conference schedule with a 73-0 win over Indiana State, the Hoosiers have their first true test of the 2025 season.

Illinois comes into this game 3-0 with wins over Duke, Western Illinois, and Western Michigan. Head coach Bret Bielema is in his fifth year with the Fighting Illini and is coming off his best season with the program, going 10-3 last year.

Senior quarterback Luke Altmeyer is off to an impressive start, throwing for 709 passing yards and eight touchdowns without throwing an interception.

Saturday night’s game has all the feel of a playoff game as these two Big Ten programs look to add a statement win to their resume.

Below is the full preview ahead of Saturday’s week two game.

Opposing Q&A: Illinois head coach Bret Bielema, coordinators preview Week 4 clash with Indiana

Key Question

Who wins the quarterback battle?

Saturday night will be a treat for anyone who loves quarterback play, as Fernando Mendoza and Luke Altmeyer are two of the best veteran quarterbacks in the country.

Through three games, Mendoza and Altmeyer have posted extremely similar numbers.

Mendoza has completed 72.4% of his passes for 708 yards and nine touchdowns without throwing an interception. He has also run for 72 yards and two rushing touchdowns.

Altmeyer has completed 71.8% of his passes for 709 yards and eight touchdowns without an interception and also has a rushing touchdown.

The two quarterbacks are the driving forces for their teams and will have their hands all over the outcome of Saturday night’s game.

On the other side of the field, both defenses have questions surrounding their pass defense.

Illinois allowed 356 passing yards and two touchdowns in their win against Duke.

While the numbers have been better for Indiana, Curt Cignetti has expressed concern over the play of his safeties.

Both Mendoza and Altmeyer will have ample opportunity to take advantage on Saturday night as they look to lead their teams to a signature early-season victory.

‘A mock playoff game’: BTN analyst breaks down Indiana-Illinois matchup

Matchup History

Saturday’s game will be the 75th time Indiana Football and Illinois face off with their first matchup happening all the way back in 1899 .

The Hoosiers have struggled historically against the Fighting Illini with a record of 26-46-2, but have won four of the last five games.

In their most recent meeting in 2023 the Fighting Illini won an overtime thriller 48-45. Brendan Sorsby had five total touchdowns in the game including two passing touchdowns to Donaven McCulley.

ON3+ Early Look: Taking a look at Indiana’s Week 4 opponent, Illinois

Injury Report

Running back Lee Beebe suffered a knee injury against Indiana State and will miss the rest of the 2025 season.

Redshirt-senior safety Bryson Bonds also will miss the rest of the 2025 season after suffering a knee injury in week one.

True freshman safety Byron Baldwin Jr. was called day-to-day by Cignetti after week one, but has yet to play for Indiana. His status for Saturday night is in doubt.

Punter Mitch McCarthy also did not play in week two or three and was also labeled as “day-to-day” by Cignetti.

Game Week Q&A: Mikail Kamara, Kellan Wyatt preview Week 4 matchup with Illinois

Quick Hitters

Who?  #9 Illinois (3-0) vs #19 Indiana (3-0)

When?  Saturday, Sep. 20 | 7:30 p.m. ET

Where?  Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, Indiana)

TV: NBC

Radio:  Indiana Hoosiers Sports Network

Spread:  Indiana -5.5

Over/Under: 52.5

Not yet a member of TheHoosier?  Join our community for Just $1 for your first week and get a complimentary year of The Athletic included with your membership. Join here!

Use the code “IND20” on Rhoback.com for a generous 20% off for all new customers through the end of this week. Rhoback — Best Fit, Best Feel.

You may also like