Bret Bielema is heading into his fifth season as the head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini, a milestone that once seemed like a distant prospect considering the program's state upon his arrival. Now, the expectations are significantly higher, fueled by a near miss at a College Football Playoff berth last season. A November loss to Minnesota was the only thing standing between Illinois and its first-ever CFP appearance. Despite this setback, the team finished strong with a bowl game victory, reaching double-digit wins.
Pundits anticipate Bielema to elevate the team further, even if a Big Ten title isn't in the cards. On3's Ari Wasserman projects Illinois to reach the CFP, drawing parallels to Indiana's unexpected success in 2024. Wasserman envisions Illinois facing Notre Dame in South Bend during the opening weekend of the playoffs. This projection, however, comes with a caveat, as Wasserman anticipates a swift exit for Bielema's squad due to a perceived talent gap between the two teams, labeling Illinois as an "upstart Big Ten foe."
Despite this seemingly disrespectful assessment, the projection serves as additional motivation for quarterback Luke Altmyer as he enters his final season with the Illini. Altmyer previously called out South Carolina after a bowl game where Illinois was mistakenly identified as Syracuse, highlighting the team's hunger for recognition and respect. The Illini are returning 18 of 22 starters from last year's team.
ESPN's Heather Dinich also expressed strong belief in Illinois, ranking them as the team most likely to make their first CFP appearance in 2025. Dinich emphasized the team's returning starters, including Altmyer and the entire offensive line, as well as a favorable schedule that avoids traditional powerhouses like Oregon, Michigan, and Penn State. She echoed the sentiment that Illinois could be this year's version of Indiana, a team that exceeded expectations.
The favorable schedule presents a significant opportunity for Illinois. Their toughest matchup is likely to be against defending national champion Ohio State in Champaign. If they navigate the rest of their schedule successfully, a CFP berth is within reach. This projection highlights the remarkable progress Bielema and athletic director Josh Whitman have made in elevating the program. When Whitman was hired in 2016, the Illini were coming off a five-win season and a prolonged bowl game drought. Now, the program is being discussed as a potential CFP contender.
While a playoff victory would be a monumental achievement, simply reaching the CFP would represent a significant milestone for Illinois. It would be a testament to the program's growth under Bielema and a reward for the team's hard work and dedication. Whether Illinois can live up to the hype remains to be seen, but the projections and expectations surrounding the program demonstrate the significant strides they have made under Bielema's leadership.
