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Big Ten football standings predictions for the 2023 season

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 12: A detailed view of a Big Ten end zone pylon seen before the Illinois Fighting Illini and Michigan Wolverines game at Memorial Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 12: A detailed view of a Big Ten end zone pylon seen before the Illinois Fighting Illini and Michigan Wolverines game at Memorial Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Illinois football
Oct 1, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema looks on during the second quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Illinois Fighting Illini (9-3 overall, 6-3 B1G)

  • Prediction

Illinois was a great story in 2022, and I think they have a chance to be a special team once again. The Illini went 8-4 last season, which was the most wins the program has had since 2007. I think they can hit that mark again this season as well.

I have Illinois going 9-3 overall and 6-3 in the Big Ten. The only three losses for the Orange and Blue would come from No. 7 Penn State, at Maryland, and No. 19 Wisconsin. I have Illinois beating Iowa, which would give us a second-place finish in the Big Ten West.

  • Reasoning

I think the Illini got a little lucky with scheduling. The 2023 campaign doesn’t feature Michigan or Ohio State, which is amazing for the program. We also have some bad teams coming to Champaign, like Northwestern, Indiana, Nebraska, and Florida Atlantic. I think this schedule sets up well for the Illini.

Illinois did take some hits on the roster, though. Tommy DeVito and Chase Brown departed. They were Illinois’ leading quarterback and running back. But DeVito was replaced with a former four-star, Luke Altmyer. He should be able to pick up where DeVito left off. I think the running back situation is fine, as Reggie Love III will lead a potential running back-by-committee scenario.

I love the weapons Illinois has on the outside. Altmyer is going to have plenty of options. Wide receiver Isaiah Williams has a legit shot to make first-team All-Big Ten this season. Three out of the top four pass catchers for 2022 return, and the top tight end is back on the depth chart.

Illinois had a tremendous defense that everyone was talking about in 2022. They gave up 14.2 points per game, which ranked No. 2 in the nation. Despite losing some pieces, I think the defense will be fine.

I believe Illinois is going to have one of the best front sixes in college football. The Illini return four out of the top seven players in tackles and seven out of the top seven players in sacks. That is a lot of talent coming back, which includes preseason first-team All-American, Jer’Zhan Newton.

The only worry I have for the Illini is in the secondary. Illinois lost four out of the top five players in interceptions, but there are some good players coming back. This will be a challenge for new defensive coordinator, Aaron Henry.

Illinois’ defense might take a step back this season, but I think the offense will be solid. The schedule will be friendly to the Orange and Blue as well. Look for Illinois to stay near the top of the Big Ten.

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