The Associated Press have officially released their Top 25 preseason poll for the 2026 season, and the Illini just missed the cut. Illinois is coming off of a solid 9-4 season which was capped off with its second straight bowl game victory.
Illinois, however, did secure nine total votes, unofficially ranking it No. 33. This ranking doesn’t come
as a surprise. Despite starting 2025 ranked No. 12, the Illini had an up-and-down season, and ended it unranked.
Illinois now has a lot to prove. Many changes have been made to the roster and coaching staff. Key starters from last season, Luke Altmeyer, Gabe Jacas, Hank Beatty and Miles Scott are headed to the NFL.
Coming in, is a revamped offense headlined by senior QB Katin Houser. The defense is also seeing a big change with new defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck bringing a more aggressive style to the 3-3-5 formation.
The top 25 features eight Big Ten teams, with Illinois facing three of them during the season: No.1 Ohio State, No. 2 Oregon and No. 22 Iowa. These games will show what the Illini are made of, and will have a major impact on their season and ranking among teams.
With the season just two weeks away, the Illini will have the opportunity to start off strong against UAB on September 3.
