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Illinois Football: 5 most intriguing games of the 2023 season

By Jason Klaer

Oct 29, 2022; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema greets linebacker Tarique Barnes (8) on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2022; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema greets linebacker Tarique Barnes (8) on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports /
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BOCA RATON, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 20: Peny Boone #33 of the Toledo Rockets in action against the Liberty Flames during the first half of the game during the RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium on December 20, 2022 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 20: Peny Boone #33 of the Toledo Rockets in action against the Liberty Flames during the first half of the game during the RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium on December 20, 2022 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /

Entering his third season at the helm of the Illinois football program, Bret Bielema and company will look to build from last season’s success despite exits from key starters on both sides of the ball.

This weekend, the Illini kicks off its season at Memorial Stadium against Toledo. For the final time, Illinois will be playing within the West Division of the Big Ten. This may be the Fighting Illini’s final shot for a chance to play for the Big Ten Championship at Indianapolis this December.

Let’s dive into the five most interesting games for the Illinois football team in 2023

5. Illinois vs. Toledo (September 2)

Despite both university football programs being over the century mark, the 2023 season opener at Memorial Stadium will see the Rockets and Fighting Illini play head-to-head for the first time ever.

Illinois is just the second Big Ten team the Rockets have played since 2011. Last season, Ohio State whiplashed Toledo, 77-21. To be clear, this season’s Illinois squad is not equivalent to the 2022 Buckeyes. Furthermore, the Rockets bounced back the rest of the season, winning the Mid-American Conference Championship Game in early December.

For Illinois, University of Mississippi transfer Luke Altmyer will be under center. Last season for the Runnin’ Rebels, Altmyer played in only four games before redshirting for the rest of the season.

According to 247Sports, Altmyer was ranked the 10th-best transfer quarterback in the country following the 2022 season. Tommy DeVito’s departure may hinder Illinois through the early portion of the season, especially due to Altmyer’s inexperience.

There is good news for Altmyer. Illinois is returning two of its top receivers: Isaiah Williams and Casey Washington. Williams had a team-high 82 receptions for 715 yards and five scores while Washington had 31 catches for 306 yards.

Williams is the first Illinois receiver with more than 700 yards in a season since 2016. Nonetheless, Illinois is returning key pieces on the defensive side of the ball. The Fighting Illini are 19-6 all-time versus the MAC.

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