blog posts Illini Football opens season against Western Illinois on Friday night Aug 26, 2025 10:45 am by Division of Intercollegiate AthleticsAthletics Share on Facebook Tweet Email Images Illinois is ranked #12 in the Preseason AP Top 25 and the Preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, the program's highest preseason ranking since 1990, when the Illini started #11 in the Preseason AP Top 25. Share on Facebook Tweet Email