Illinois Football earns First College Football Playoff Ranking of 2025 Season
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The University of Illinois football team cracked the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings for the first time this season, appearing at No. 21 in the latest poll released Tuesday night. This marks a significant milestone for the Fighting Illini program, signaling national recognition for their performance throughout the 2025 campaign.
The Illini’s inclusion in the CFP rankings underscores their success this season, currently boasting a 7-3 record that includes a notable victory against no. 15 USC. While facing tough competition-losses to No. 1 Ohio State, No. 2 Indiana,and Washington-Illinois has demonstrated the ability to compete with top-tier programs.This ranking positions them favorably as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season and contend for a potential bowl game berth.
Illinois has been spearheaded by quarterback Luke Altmyer, who is performing among the nation’s elite signal-callers. Altmyer currently ranks 11th nationally in passing efficiency (162.5),15th in completion percentage (69.1), and 15th in touchdown passes (21). he is the first Illini quarterback in program history to record 20 or more touchdown passes in consecutive seasons.
This is the seventh time Illinois has been featured in the CFP rankings since their inception in 2014. The program experienced a run of rankings last season, peaking at No. 20 before their Cheez-It Citrus Bowl win over South Carolina.
Illinois will travel to madison, Wisconsin, this weekend to face the Badgers.Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.CT on big Ten Network.
Illinois’ All-Time College Football Playoff Rankings
Nov. 1, 2022 - #16
Nov. 8, 2022 - #21
Nov. 19, 2024 – #25
Nov. 26, 2024 – #23
Dec.3, 2024 - #21
Dec.8, 2024 – #20
Nov. 18, 2025 – #21
