The homecoming game for the Fighting Illini is not only sold out, but will be getting the Fox “primetime” matchup kickoff time of 11 a.m. CT.
If both teams can hold their ranking, this game will look to be a top-25 matchup on Saturday, Sept. 27. It is also believed that Fox’s No. 1 broadcast team of Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt would be on the call.
This is the first time that the Illini will play USC since they have joined
the Big Ten, and the second team of the four former Pac-12 teams that the Illini have played since the move. Illinois lost to the number one ranked Oregon Ducks in 2024.
Most fans will remember the last time these two teams played, in what was a blowout win for the Trojans in the 2007 Rose Bowl. This will also be the first time USC has travelled to Champaign since 1996.
An interesting note: The early kickoff time means the Trojans body clocks will be playing at 9 a.m. local time in Los Angeles, which may or may not give the Illini an advantage.
Of course, there is a whole week of college football before this game, as No. 9 Illinois takes on No. 19 Indiana on Saturday night.
