Illinois Ranked #21 in the College Football Playoff Rankings

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois appeared in the College Football Playoff rankings for the first time this season, it was announced Tuesday night. The Fighting Illini are ranked #21 in the nation. 

Illinois (7-3) has won seven of its first 10 games of the season, including a victory over USC (8-2), which is ranked #15 in this week's CFP rankings. The Illini's three losses have come to #1 Ohio State (10-0), #2 Indiana (11-0), and Washington (7-3).

Illinois has been led by QB Luke Altmyer, who ranks among the best quarterbacks in the nation in passing efficiency (11th, 162.5), completion percentage (15th, 69.1), and touchdown passes (15th, 21). Altmyer is the first quarterback in program history to throw 20+ touchdowns in back-to-back seasons.

Illinois is in the CFP rankings for the seventh time since the rankings debuted in 2014. Four of the Illini's previous rankings came last season, when Illinois entered the rankings at #25 on Nov. 19 and ended the regular season at #20 prior to the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl victory over #15 South Carolina. 

#21 Illinois heads to Madison, Wisconsin, this weekend to take on the Badgers. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT on Big Ten Network. 

Illinois' All-Time College Football Playoff Rankings 
Nov. 1, 2022 — #16 
Nov. 8, 2022 — #21 
Nov. 19, 2024 — #25 
Nov. 26, 2024 — #23
Dec. 3, 2024 — #21 
Dec. 8, 2024 — #20 
Nov. 18, 2025 — #21