The Illinois football program opens the 2025 season on Friday night under the lights against Western Illinois.
While this game might have been a nail-biter in the past, the Illini should be able to handle business and not worry about the Leathernecks.
One thing in particular that I am hoping too is that Illinois comes out of the game unscathed. I don’t want a team like Western Illinois to take out a player or two who we need against future opponents.
Heading into the game on Friday night, the Illini are the healthiest I have ever seen them to start a season. Sure, we have a few injured players, but most of the talent was going to redshirt, so they aren’t hits to the roster.
Here is the Illinois football injury report vs Western Illinois
TE Grant Smith – Out for season
OG JJ Hirdes – Out for season
RB John Forster – Out for season
DB Tywan Cox – Out for a while, maybe season
Illinois football has one of the most important pieces suiting up against Western Illinois
For much of the past few weeks, there was a worry that the Illini would be without left tackle JC Davis. He has been dealing with some foot issues, and without him, the offensive line was sure to struggle.
Davis was a full participant in practice in the past week, and he is a green light to go against Western Illinois. But here is my question. Should Davis play a lot against the Leathernecks?
I think Davis should start, but if the game is flowing well, should we tailor the game plan around having him sit and rest up for the Duke game? Illinois could run the ball more, especially to the right side, and this won’t put Luke Altmyer in much trouble, as a missing Davis might put a target on Altmyer’s back.
Regardless, Illinois is pretty much 100% heading into the 2025 season. Coming off a 10-win campaign, that is the best news we could hear.