2024 SEASON-IN-REVIEW

It was a breakthrough season for the Illini in 2024. They began the season with a 6-1 record with the only loss coming against Penn State. Illinois hit a two-game losing streak before winning the final three games of the season, scoring 38 points in each. Illinois set up what could be a successful 2025 with a win over South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl.

OFFENSE: Altmyer Believes in Illinois

Luke Altmyer was a big target for many teams this offseason. The Ole Miss transfer opted to not make another move and did not enter the portal. Instead, Altmyer doubled down on his belief in Illinois this season.

Altmyer led an offense that averaged 365 yards per game. It was an extremely efficient offense without being explosive. This season, that cold change. Altmyer threw 35 touchdowns last year and his return is huge for the Illini.

While Altmyer is back, there were some losses that Illinois had to replace. It begins with Josh McCray, who is now with Georgia after leading the Illini in rushing. Aidan Laughery was second on the team with 589 yards and four touchdowns. He is in line for a major bump in role.

Illinois lost it two top pass catchers from last season but will see others take steps forward. This includes Malik Elly and Collin Dixon. The Illini added other threats in the transfer portal as well, such as Hudson Clement and Justin Bowick.

The offensive line is another unit that has a chance to take a step forward due to experience. JC Davis is an All-Conference left tackle while Melvin Preistly will take over on the other side. Josh Kreutz is another Big Ten honors-caliber player at the center position.

DEFENSE: Unit Can Improve Greatly

The Illini defense was not exactly great last season. It finished 14th in the Big Ten and allowed a large amount of points to some of the conference’s worst offenses, including Northwestern and Purdue.

The secondary will be the power for the Illini. Xavier Scott returns as one of the top safeties in the conference. Miles Scott, who was fourth on the team in tackles, also returns with Matthew Bailey. The safety position is the team’s strength this season. On the outside, the corners are not at the same level but will still bring experience.

Gabe Jacas is the leader in the middle after totaling 74 tackles and eight sacks on his way to All-Conference honors. Leon Lowery comes over from Wisconsin in his final season while Dylan Rosiek has plenty of experience in the Illini system. He will be recovering from a leg injury.

The defensive line was rebuilt in the portal, which was a big factor for Illinois as a whole. James Thompson and Curt Neal have come over from Wisconsin and will be important pieces in the rotation right away.

2025 ILLINOIS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

• Friday, Aug. 29: vs. Western Illinois
• Saturday, Sept. 6: at Duke
• Saturday, Sept. 13: vs. Western Michigan
• Saturday, Sept. 20: at Indiana
• Saturday, Sept. 27: vs. USC
• Saturday, Oct. 4: at Purdue
• Saturday, Oct. 11: vs. Ohio State
• Saturday, Oct. 25: at Washington
• Saturday, Nov. 1: vs. Rutgers
• Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. Maryland
• Saturday, Nov. 22: at Wisconsin
• Saturday, Nov. 29: vs. Northwestern