Illinois has three games that could determine a College Football Playoff spot

The 2026 campaign just concluded less than a month ago, but we are already starting to think about next season.

It was a great offseason for the Illini, as we managed to replace Luke Altmyer with one of the top quarterbacks in the transfer portal. The addition of Katin Houser was huge for the Orange and Blue, but what will the newcomer have to face during the 2026 season?

On Monday night, the 2026 schedule was released with home and away games allocated. Let me tell you, this schedule looks pretty intense.

Here are the top three most intriguing games from the Illinois football 2026 schedule release

• Illinois football at Ohio State – September 26

The first game of the Big Ten slate is a slap in the face. Illinois travels to Columbus to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes.

This game is so intriguing for me because it is a chance for the Illini to either make a statement or fall back into the shadows. We want to play with the big boys, and now we get a chance to take on Ohio State early in the season and, hopefully, get a huge victory for the College Football Playoff.

A win over the Buckeyes would give us that national attention that is needed to potentially have a shot at the national championship.

• Illinois football vs Oregon – October 24

The Oregon matchup is obviously huge for Illinois for two different reasons. The first could be that this is another game to elevate the program to a College Football Playoff spot.

Oregon is going to be a top 10 program for much of the season, if not all. Illinois knocking off the Ducks would give us so much clout nationally.

The second reason would be that if Illinois drops the game to Ohio State, the only way to save the season and remain in College Football Playoff contention would be to beat Oregon. This game will likely have massive stakes regardless, and I am here for it.

• Illinois football vs Iowa – November 21

I am intrigued by this game because of what Illinois could be doing heading into the matchup.

So, realistically, Illinois could easily be 5-2 after the Oregon game on October 24. That wouldn’t be bad if the only two losses were to the Buckeyes and the Ducks.

Well, after that Oregon game, the schedule doesn’t look too tough for Illinois. We are on the road against Maryland, at home against Nebraska, and then on the road against UCLA. Those three games can be victories.

If Illinois can manage to get to 8-2, that would make the Iowa game on November 21 such a big contest. The Hawkeyes will surely be jockeying for position, and Illinois would likely have an outside chance at that point for a spot in the College Football Playoff. A win would also, potentially, mean a 10-win campaign is on the horizon, once again.