Illinois Football Ranked #19 In New AP Top-25

Where Illinois Football Ranks in Week 5

It is Sunday, which means updated college football rankings from the Associated Press.

After a hot start to the 2024 season, Illinois Football has moved up from 24th to number 19 in this week’s AP top-25.

Certainly, this news is a well-deserved bump for the Fighting Illini. Bret Bielema‘s squad took their talents on the road for the first time of the season on Friday night. They pulled off a huge upset over freshman phenom Dylan Raiola and the 22nd-ranked Huskers. Illinois played their best overall game of the season and certainly captured some national attention.

AP Poll Ranking

No. 19#Illini // #HTTO // #famILLy pic.twitter.com/ZmU33jZ14q

— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) September 22, 2024

Looking ahead, the Illini remain undefeated entering a huge matchup with the 9th-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions. Illinois will hit the road once again in week 5, in hopes of pulling off another huge upset in College Park, PA.

Thus far, James Franklin’s Nittany Lions have been sharp, also remaining undefeated to date. Next to Oregon, they will be the toughest matchup of the season for Illinois.

However, a “nothing to lose” mentality and the Illini’s boosted confidence may be a dangerous combo for a potential upset.

Sep 20, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Terrance Brooks (8) smiles after the Fighting Illini defeat the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

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