Illinois football still has plenty of work left to do this season to call it a success.
Expectations have been elevated quite a bit over the past year. The Illini won 10 games, which included a bowl game, last season. So, in 2025, the expectations were the College Football Playoff. That isn’t going to happen, but no Illinois fan can complain about another 10-win campaign if it happens again.
While the 2025 season is still being buttoned up, Bret Bielema is also working to mold his 2026 squad. One of the massive issues that everyone can already see is the offensive line.