The 2025 college football season is poised to be a thrilling chapter for the Big Ten.
With ESPN’s Bill Connelly putting out his Top 10 Big Ten games coming up in the 2025 campaign, it is filled with the likes of Ohio State, Penn State, and Oregon, but one game doesn't feature any of the traditional national championship contenders.
Connelly lists the Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Indiana Hoosiers game, on September 20, 2025, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana, standing out as "the biggest Illinois-Indiana game of all time."
Bret Bielema of Illinois and Curt Cignetti of Indiana, in a battle that will most likely determine the team in the Big Ten with the best chances to make the playoffs outside of the top three or four teams. Connelly states, "The loser will have to be just about perfect to get to 10-2 and a potential bid."
Coaches’ Backgrounds and Stakes
Bielema, the head coach of Illinois, brings a wealth of Big Ten experience. As a player with Iowa in 1990, he was part of a team that won a share of the Big Ten title. As a coach, he led Wisconsin to three consecutive Big Ten championships from 2010 to 2012 and has since revitalized the Illinois program, turning it into a competitive force after years of struggle. His track record is one of proven success in the conference in a variety of ways, making him a dangerous opponent.
On the other side, Cignetti is the “new hot shot” at Indiana, entering his second year in the Big Ten after a remarkable 2024 season.
In his first year, Cignetti executed one of the greatest transformations of a program in college football history. Not only is Indiana historically a doormat, but the Hoosiers had the worst or second-worst odds to win the conference in the preseason, and Cignetti took them to the College Football Playoff.
Indiana achieved an 11-win season for the first time in program history, including eight Big Ten victories. The Hoosiers' only two losses all season were to the teams that competed for the national championship. Now, Cignetti aims to prove that Indiana is not a one-hit wonder, building on his success to establish the Hoosiers as a consistent contender.
This game is a clash of experience versus momentum, with Bielema’s seasoned approach facing Cignetti’s aggressive, transformative leadership. The stakes are high for both: Illinois seeks to solidify its resurgence, while Indiana looks to cement its place among the Big Ten elite.
Position-by-Position Breakdown
To determine which team has the edge, we’ll analyze each position group and, based on player experience, performance, and depth, I will decide which team I would give the edge.
Quarterback
Illinois: Luke Altmyer is the returning starter, having led the Illini to a 9-3 record in 2024. His experience in the Big Ten, with 23 career starts, provides a solid foundation for managing games effectively. Although he has not been one to rack up stats, he is a proven leader, gamer, and one who always remains calm in the clutch moments.
Indiana: Fernando Mendoza, a transfer from Cal, is highly rated and steps into the starting role after Kurtis Rourke’s departure. Mendoza completed 68.7% of his passes in 2024, showing promise despite playing behind a weaker offensive line at Cal. Mendoza is a future NFL prospect who some believe even has the potential to be a No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Analysis: Both quarterbacks are experienced, and although Mendoza has what seems like better potential, Altmyer’s familiarity with the Big Ten and Illinois’ system gives him a slight edge, especially in this early-season matchup. The evidence leans toward Illinois here, given Altmyer’s proven track record.
Edge: Illinois Fighting Illini
Running Backs
Illinois: Aidan Laughery is the likely starter, having had a breakout performance against Northwestern in 2024 with 172 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries. Kaden Feagin, another key back, missed part of 2024 due to injury but has potential.
Indiana: Lee Beebe Jr., a transfer from UAB, had 1,103 yards from scrimmage in 2024, while Roman Hemby, from Maryland, had 1,247 yards from scrimmage. Both are proven commodities with significant production at the FBS level.
Analysis: Indiana’s duo has more established production, with Beebe and Hemby bringing Power-Four experience. Laughery’s breakout game is promising, but similar to the quarterback position, I'm going to go with proven production here rather than potential.
Edge: Indiana Hoosiers
Wide Receivers
Illinois: Isaiah Williams and Pat Bryant were key contributors the past two years for Luke Altmyer. Bryant had 914 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024, while Williams had 1055 yards and five touchdowns in 2023. But who will that be in 2025?
Hudson Clement comes in after leading West Virginia in receiving last year, and teammates Colin Dixon, Justin Bowick, and more have been receiving buzz for their performances this offseason.
Indiana: Elijah Sarratt had 957 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024, earning third-team All-Big Ten honors, and Omar Cooper Jr. adds depth. The Hoosiers return their two best receivers, but lost their projected slot receiver in Tyler Morris to injury this spring. There is excitement for the Cal transfer Jonathan Brady, who has managed to catch for 300+ yards each of his three seasons in the FBS.
Analysis: Both teams have capable wide receivers, but right now, it seems like Indiana is the team that has the one star receiver who can be a go-to guy for his quarterback, and that is Elijah Sarratt. Because of that, I am going to give the edge here to Indiana.
Edge: Indiana Hoosiers
Tight Ends
Illinois: The Illini's tight end room is a veteran group. Tanner Arkin and Cole Rusk are both entering their 5th year of playing college football. Arkin was a team captain last year who made plays in a clutch moment vs Nebraska, and on a fake punt vs the defending national champions, Michigan. Rusk was an All-American at Murray State in 2023.
Indiana: The Hoosiers have a pair of experienced seniors in Holden Staes and Riley Nowakowski. Staes has played for both Notre Dame and Tennessee in his career, but injuries have held him back from being a consistent contributor. Nowakowski transferred in from Wisconsin, where he played nine games or more each of the last three seasons.
Analysis: Indiana has two tight ends who have played at the power conference level their whole careers, but they have never been able to produce at a consistent rate. Illinois’ tight end situation features a clutch team captain and a former FCS All-American who have been with Illinois longer. Give me the leadership and the longevity.
Edge: Illinois Fighting Illini
Offensive Line
Illinois: All five starters from 2024 return, providing continuity and experience. This group is a strength, protecting Altmyer and opening holes for the run game.
Indiana: The starting offensive line includes Carter Smith at left tackle, Drew Evans at left guard, Pat Coogan at center, Bray Lynch at right guard, and, most likely, Ohio State transfer Zen Michalski at right tackle, with transfers like Kahlil Benson adding depth. It’s a mix of returning players and new faces.
Analysis: Illinois’ returning starters give them a significant advantage in cohesion and experience. Indiana’s line is solid and will be better than they had last year, but they may need time to gel with new transfers. You might be detecting a trend here, but give me the proven players and cohesion over the potential.
Edge: Illinois Fighting Illini
Defensive Line
Illinois: Tomiwa Durojaiye, Curt Neal, and James Thompson Jr. will aim to be an improvement over the defensive line issues Illinois had last year. Last year's group was a weakness, but this year, none of these individuals should be liabilities. I have some concerns about depth, but overall, this is a solid group.
Indiana: Mikail Kamara is the star of the Indiana defensive line. He is an All-American at defensive end and leads the line, with Tyrique Tucker and Hosea Wheeler on the inside. Kamara’s presence is a game-changer, and although they will miss CJ West, I think this group presents upside for the team and is one I am confident in.
Analysis: Kamara’s elite status gives Indiana the edge. While Illinois has solid players, they don’t have a star who can match Kamara’s impact. If I were considering Gabe Jacas a defensive lineman, things might be different, but without him, I have to lean toward Indiana here.
Edge: Indiana Hoosiers
Linebacker
Illinois: This is where I will mention the star outside linebacker for Illinois, Gabe Jacas. But Jacas isn't by himself. Seniors Dylan Rosiek and Kenenna Odeluga are also experienced players who forced two fumbles each last year, and had defensive PFF grades of 69+.
Indiana: Aiden Fisher, Isaiah Jones, and Rolijah Hardy form a strong group with depth. Fisher was a key player in 2024 from James Madison who will be crucial to Indiana's defense in 2025. The Hoosiers have a star player in Fisher, and a young player with tons of potential in Rolijah Hardy who I am really high on.
Analysis: I like both of these groups a lot, so if I could, I would make this a push, but I want to make a pick. Both Fisher and Jacas are exceptional players who will make a huge impact this year, but I'm going to stick with my theme of siding with proven production and experience. I'm going with Illinois here.
Edge: Illinois Fighting Illini
Secondary
Illinois: Bielema and defensive coordinator Aaron Henry have quietly built one of the best programs for developing defensive backs in the country at Illinois.
With multiple defensive backs in the NFL making significant impacts from Illinois, I have no doubt Matthew Bailey, Kaleb Patterson, Miles Scott, and Xavier Scott will get their shots in the NFL soon. Having that many future NFL players in one secondary is remarkable, and this is one of the best secondaries, not only in the Big Ten but all of college football.
Indiana: D’Angelo Ponds, a first-team All-Big Ten cornerback in 2024, and Jamier Johnson will be aided by Amare Ferrell and others in 2025. This is an underrated group in terms of experience and talent. Ponds is one of the best cornerbacks in college football, and the secondary is a strength they can rely on.
Analysis: Again, these are two groups I really like and I think could be game changers in this game. Whoever can turn Altmyer and Mendoza over more will have a great chance to win this matchup. However, I am going to give the edge to the Illini here with their cohesion, experience, and Illinois' track record of producing talent.
Edge: Illinois Fighting Illini
Prediction and Final Thoughts
This matchup is going to be a great clash. Illinois has an advantage on the offensive line and secondary, which will clash with Indiana's advantages at the defensive line and wide receiver.
Although Illinois has the advantage at linebacker, it is more because of Jacas' pass rush than their run defense. If Hemby and the Indiana offensive line can establish the run, it'll aid Mendoza and the Indiana offense, which will be the key for the Hoosiers to get the win.
This is going to be one of the most difficult games to pick in 2025. For now, I will predict Indiana will not get it done, and Bielema's experience and clutch coaching will put Illinois over Indiana in a final score of 20-19. The game will likely be close, with Bielema refusing to get blown out like Indiana did to so many others last year. And in a close game, I trust Bielema.