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Is Illinois the Big Ten’s dark horse? A bold top 10 ranking explained

Illinois football has skyrocketed in the national view, but what’s fueling this bold ranking? Dive into the secrets behind Bret Bielema’s squad and their playoff potential.
ByJon Rhoades|
Sep 14, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema on the sidelines during the second half against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema on the sidelines during the second half against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

In his latest post-spring Top 25 rankings for On3, college football analyst Andy Staples has placed the Illinois football team at No. 9, a testament to their strong 2024 season and promising outlook for 2025.

With very few spring practices still going on, Staples released his rankings at the conclusion of the spring transfer portal window. Including the Illini in the top 10 is a huge milestone in Bret Bielema's tenure with the Illini and underscores the program’s resurgence and the stability provided by key returners like quarterback Luke Altmyer.

Staples obviously agreed that Altmyer’s return was a central piece around his ranking, noting, “Illini coach Bret Bielema said his level of concern that quarterback Luke Altmyer would leave in the spring transfer portal was ‘zero-point-zero.’ He was right, because Altmyer isn’t that type. But lots of other teams would love to have Altmyer, who was sneakily one of the nation’s most efficient quarterbacks in 2024.” But it's not just Altmyer coming back. Staples was sure to acknowledge the plethora of talent Beilema has assembled, stating, “The Illini return most of the core that led a 10-win team last year, and a College Football Playoff berth should be a realistic expectation.”

Staples’ confidence in Illinois is not misguided. The Illini’s 10-win season in 2024 was only the 5th time the program accomplished that feat and the first time since Ron Turner did it with Kurt Kittner in 2001. Not to mention, the Big Ten has become arguably the best conference in college football, and Illinois is just one more reason why Big Ten fans can claim that.

Luke Altmyer’s efficiency with a high completion rate and low turnover numbers provides a reliable foundation

Altmyer's decision to stay, despite rumors that Tennessee was offering him major NIL incentives, is just one more reason why Illinois fans can be confident going into 2025. The return of key offensive and defensive starters, including a stout offensive line and a secondary that ranked among the conference’s best, bolsters Illinois’ case as a top-10 team.

The ranking also reflects Illinois’ favorable position in a competitive but navigable Big Ten. While powerhouses like Penn State, Ohio State, and Oregon loom, the Illini’s schedule avoids two of them and gets Ohio State coming to Champaign on October 11th.

However, Staples does place Illinois above programs like Florida, Michigan, and LSU. It shows how fans and media should value Illinois' proven performance over teams with quarterback uncertainties or questionable coaching. Between Bielema’s track record of building physical, disciplined teams and the development of Altmyer, this program looks ready to withstand the grind of a 12-game season with possibly even more coming.

With Altmyer leading the charge and a cohesive roster, Illinois is poised to chase a College Football Playoff berth. Staples’ ranking is the first of many media members' confidence in their potential to shock the college football world in 2025.

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