Illinois Football Announces Two Primetime Kickoffs

Illinois Football Announces Two Primetime Kickoffs

Bret Bielema’s program is back at it again with more exciting news regarding the 2024 season. According to a post made by Illinois Football on X (@illinifootball), the Illini are now slated for two primetime games to open up the 2024 season.

Photo Credit: @Illinifootball on X

Eastern Illinois – 8/29 at 8pm (BTN)

Overall record vs EIU: 2-0  NOTE: Illinois Football’s longest running win streak to date. (2006, 2008)

Illinois will debut their 2024 schedule vs Eastern Illinois on Thursday, August 29th. An interesting game for the Illini, kicking off vs an in-state opponent from only 56 miles away (Charleston, Ill). Certainly, Illinois has done their due-diligence with the Panthers in the past. The Illini host their longest active win streak over EIU, dating back to 2006 ( 42-17, 9/2/06 –  47-21, 9/06/08). Certainly, a great opportunity for Illinois to start off the season on the right foot. However, 8 pm on a Thursday is certainly going to make it difficult on non-local fans to make it out to Memorial stadium.

Kansas – 9/07 at 6pm (FS1)

Overall record vs Kansas: 3-3  NOTE: Illinois lost 23-34 in Lawrence, KS during last years matchup on Sept. 8th, 2023.

The Illini’s season takes an exciting turn in week two of the schedule. Luke Altmyer and Illinois Football will take on the Kansas Jayhawks during primetime on FS1, kicking off at 6pm CT. Lace Leipolds squad comes to Champaign looking to repeat last years dominant win in Lawrence, KS. The Jayhawks certainly lost some of their offensive production from 2024. However, with Jalon Daniels still in the mix at QB,  was it enough for the Illini to gain an edge over the Jayhawks?

Central Michigan – 9/14 at 11am (Peacock)

Overall record vs CMU: No previous matchups  NOTE: The Chippewas finished last in the MAC in 2023

Certainly, the Chippewas are another great opportunity for Illinois Football to snag an early season win at home. The Illini will kickoff in Champaign at 11am CT vs Jim McElwains‘ squad. The common complaint for this game however, will be that it will be Televised on Peacock. Fans will have the option to watch the game via a purchased Peacock subscription, a game tickets, or by listening to their local Illini radio network broadcaster. Of course, a very controversial topic amongst Illini fans, along side sport fans across the world.

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