Rutgers’ Greg Schiano Shares His Take on Illinois Football

Coming off back-to-back losses to Ohio State and Washington following the bye week, Illinois Football is looking to get right and finish the 2025 season on a much stronger note. The Illini, now sitting at 5–3, have shown flashes of their high-ceiling promise as an experienced team, but injuries, defensive woes, and overall inconsistency have derailed Illinois as of late.

The challenge this weekend comes in the form of Greg Schiano and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights — who also find themselves looking to gain any solid footing. After opening the year 3-0, Rutgers hit a rough stretch with four straight conference losses (Iowa, Minnesota, Washington, Oregon) before finally snapping the skid in a nail-biting 27–24 win over last place (in the Big Ten) Purdue.

For Illinois, it’s a prime opportunity to get back on track in front of an announced sold-out crowd at Memorial Stadium, and perhaps regain some of this veteran rosters confidence. That is, if they take care of business, and re-tighten things up at home. However, given recent defensive lapses and the lingering inconsistency on both sides of the ball, this matchup may not be as comfortable as it looks on paper.

With just days until kickoff, Schiano met with the media Tuesday afternoon to preview the Week 10 matchup and share his thoughts on Bret Bielema’s squad — a team he clearly respects.

Greg Schiano’s Previews Illinois Football vs Rutgers in Week 10

When asked about what awaits his team in Champaign, Schiano made it clear he understands the challenge of facing a Bret Bielema-coached team, hungry to get back on track in front of its home crowd.

“The guys are focused. I think they know exactly what we are walking into — a very, very good Illinois team. They announced a sellout, so, it’ll be a great environment. A great challenge,” said Schiano.

Schiano on the Illini’s Offense

According to Schiano, Barry Lunney Jr’s offense poses a versatile threat that cannot be overlooked. Especially at Luke Altmyer leading the way.

“Offensively, their quarterback (Altmyer) is a special player. I mean, we saw it last year. He can make every throw. His arm — he can do it from every arm angle, he’s athletic, he extends plays, he creates plays… He really is a fine quarterback. An experienced quarterback that doesn’t make many mistakes.”

“They have a very good running back room. No. 3 (Kaden Feagin) is 255 pounds… 5 and 21 (Ca’lil Valentine and Aidan Laughery) are really good backs. So, they have really good backs.”

“Their O-line is experienced, big… very big. Very experienced. Nasty.”

“Then the receiving corps — you know, 80 (Hank Beatty) has really burst onto the scene. You know, he’s something. But, they have a group of receivers that they have a really good mix — much like us. They have big guys, they have quick guys, they have fast guys — they have everything.

“So, I think there’s a reason — athletically and numerically — the numbers they have offensively. Very, very talented.”

Schiano’s Opinion on Illinois Defense

Recent struggles aside, Schiano highlighted Illinois’ defensive threats that have caused Rutgers trouble in the past — including last season’s nail-biting defeat to the Illini in Piscataway.

“Defensively — No. 17 (Gabe Jacas) coming off the edge, he gave us problems. He’s kind of a game wrecker.”

“Their linebacker (Dylan Rosiek) is a very good player. I think it’s 28? He is really, really athletic. He’s got something like 9, 10, or 12 career takeaways. So, he is a ballhawk. You know, we have to be very very secure with the football.”

“And then the secondary is an experienced group. I think that they’ve had some injuries back there, but they still have a lot of guys who have played a lot of football. So, we’re gonna have to really be on point in every area of the game, cause, special teams create issues as well.”

The Rutgers Head Coaches’ Concluding Thoughts on Illinois Football

“So, it’s definitely a challenge — one that I know our team is excited about. That’s why you play in the Big Ten is to go play games like this. We’re looking forward to it.”

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