Illinois Moves Up to #9 in the AP Top 25
September 7, 2025 | Football
News
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Illinois football team moved up two spots to #9 in the AP Top 25, the Associated Press announced Sunday. Illinois also moved up to #9 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, a three-spot jump following the 45-19 win at Duke.
The #9 AP ranking is Illinois' highest since December 2001.
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema has had the Illini ranked in 20 AP polls during his first five seasons in Champaign. It is the most weeks ranked for the Illini during a five-year stretch in 35 years.
The Illini hosts Western Michigan on Saturday in front of a sold out crowd at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT on FS1.
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