Make way for the No. 12 Illini

Illinois football earns No. 12 spot in preseason rankings

By Laura Mendes, Senior Sports Reporter • Aug 14, 2025

Wide receiver Pat Bryant leaps into the air and reaches for the sky as a pass comes hurling towards him over the opposing Purdue player’s head in the Illinois v Purdue football game on Oct. 12, 2024 in Memorial Stadium.

Illinois football ended its 2024 season victorious and is entering the 2025 season in the polls. Last week, USA Today announced its preseason coaches’ poll and the Illini came through in the No. 12 spot. Earlier this week, Illinois was also ranked No. 12 in the preseason AP poll.

This honor is much deserved after a record-breaking 2024 season. Illinois also has the most returning starters of any team in the Big Ten, and the continuity should serve them well in 2o25.

The news also follows a wave of key players being announced on various trophy and award watchlists for the preseason.

Head coach Bret Bielema is the main force leading the Illini, and despite all of his recent success, he still makes sure to give back off the field to the community that supports his team.

“Jen and I are excited to continue our backpack and school supply drive for a second year,” Bielema said in a press release. “After last season’s successful drive, we are looking forward to again supporting the Champaign-Urbana schools and community, alongside Fighting Illini fans at FamILLy Movie Night at Memorial Stadium. We can’t wait to see all the kids in Memorial Stadium again this fall.”

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The Champaign-Urbana community rallies behind the Illini and Bielema makes sure to give back to those who support the Illini day in and day out.

The Illini will be back at Memorial Stadium on Aug. 29 against the Western Illinois University Leathernecks.

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About the Contributors

Laura Mendes, Senior Sports Reporter

Hi! My name is Laura Mendes, and I’m a junior majoring in communications and minoring in business and public relations. This is my second year as a part of The Daily Illini, and I have covered sports such as football, men’s and women’s gymnastics and women’s swim and dive. Now I am lucky to be one of the Senior Sports Reporters for the Sports section! Outside of The DI, I love to listen to music, drink coffee and spend time with my friends!

Isaac Pinkus, Photo Editor

Hello, I’m Isaac! I am a junior in materials science and engineering with a focus in metallic and ceramic materials. I started at The Daily Illini in Fall 2023 as a staff photographer; I became Assistant Photo Editor at the end of my first year and now, since Spring 2025, I am the Photo Editor. Outside of The DI, I am an avid board game enthusiast, potter and cook. I look forward to learning more about photography and photojournalism.