Last updated on Oct. 8, 2025 at 10:15 p.m.
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema heads back to the locker room before the start of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl game.
South Carolina’s band performs before the game begins.
The Marching Illini trumpets play on the Camping World Stadium field for the pregame band performance.
The Illini head back to the locker room as the preshow band performance begins.
The Illinettes lineup during the Marching Illiniʼs performance before the game.
The Marching Illini high five Illinois fans wearing Cheez-It merch after the preshow performance.
Jets soar in the sky as the singing of the National Anthem takes place.
Ched-Z waves a Cheez-It flag as he is driven around the field.
A member of the Illini Cheerleading team holds a Block I flag before Illinois makes its entrance to the stadium.
Illinois makes its entrance to the Camping World Stadium.
An Illini fan talks to members of the crowd during the first quarter of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl game.
The Marching Illini watch the game from the stands during the first quarter.
A giant bowl of Cheez-It sits at a corner of the field during the game.
Ched-Z and South Carolinaʼs mascot, Cocky, dance in the South Carolina end zone.
Sophomore linebacker James Kreutz and his teammates stand around the benches during the first half of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
Illinois Cheer hypes up the crowd before the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl game begins.
Sophomore running back Aidan Laughery navigates through South Carolinaʼs defense in the first quarter.
A couple are wed by Ched-Z on the field of Camping World Stadium.
A punt sends the ball flying to the goalpost during the first quarter.
Defensive coordinator/secondary coach Aaron Henry talks to the team.
An Illini Cheez-It Citrus Bowl helmet sits on the bench during the game.
The Illini huddle together at their bench.
Red Grange races to the end zone.
The Carolina Band waits for the quarter to end to perform the halftime show.
Newlywed couple Erin Doolin and Erik Yates on the Cheez-It dance floor by the stands.
Newlyweds Erin Doolin and Erik Yates kiss during the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl game.
Illini fans in the stands during the halftime show.
Head coach Bret Bielema returns to the field as the second half begins.
Sophomore defensive back Matthew Bailey attempts to stop sixth year running back Oscar Adaway III. However, Bailey is too late, as Adaway makes a touchdown in the third quarter.
South Carolina fans wave rags in the air.
Gamecocks fans shout in excitement.
Sir Big Spur stands in front of South Carolina fans as the game proceeds behind.
Illini cheerleaders run with Block I flags after Illinois scores against South Carolina.
Junior outside linebacker Gabe Jacas powers through the Gamecocks’ defense.
Ched-Z is raised in the air and navigated toward the goalpost.
Junior running back Josh McCray pushes Gamecock offensive lineman Cason Henry.
The Illini and Gamecocks struggle during the fourth quarter.
Junior quarterback Luke Altmyer slips through South Carolina’s defense during the fourth quarter.
Junior running back Josh McCray navigates the ball through the Gamecocksʼ defense with the support of his team.
Sophomore edge Desmond Umeozulu sits on a crate during the second half of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl game.
Junior running back Josh McCray sprints to the end zone to score during the fourth quarter of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
Junior running back Josh McCray raises his hands in the air toward the stands after scoring against the Gamecocks.
The Illini run up to their teammate, junior running back Josh McCray, after he makes a touchdown.
The Illini stands get loud as the game comes to a close with Illinois in the lead.
South Carolinaʼs cheer team raises cards to lift the Gamecocksʼ spirits.
Junior quarterback Luke Altmyer attempted an unsuccessful pass to junior defensive back Torrie Cox Jr. in the fourth quarter.
Junior quarterback Luke Altmyer avoids the Gamecocks as he holds possession of the ball.
Director of Athletics Josh Whitman hugs offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Barry Lunney Jr. after Illinois officially defeats South Carolina, making them the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl champions.
