Football
WATCH: David Olano saves the day for the Illini with game-winner
The Naperville, Illinois native won the hearts of thousands with his game-winning kick.
David Olano saved Illinois fans from losing it. Yes, the Illini won their homecoming game vs USC 34-32. For the most part, they played exceptional football. It was a complete turnaround from the 63-10 loss to Indiana last week. However, the Illini had two excruciating fumbles. The already thin defense seemed to be fatiguing and gave up yet another touchdown to let USC cut the lead to one possession. Afterward, Luke Altmyer hit Collin Dixon for a quick hit that turned into a 60+ yard gain. Though Dixon ideally would have scored, the Illini looked ready, with just a few minutes to go, to put the game away.
After setting up near the goal-line, sophomore running back Ca’lil Valentine lost the ball, and senior tight-end Tanner Arkin, who had his hand on top of the ball, failed to reel it in. The Trojans then marched down the field with ease to take a 1-point lead with 1:55 left.
Credit to Kaden Feagin for helping Illinois get in field goal range. The rest is history. Shoutout to David Olano.
Â
NO. 23 ILLINOIS WINS IT 🙌
David Olano hits the walk-off FG to down No. 21 USC. pic.twitter.com/yxEsaeAK4l
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 27, 2025
DAVID OLANO SAVED MY LIFE!
Illinois plays with fire but completely turned it around from last week. They make a huge statement win in front of a sold-out Homecoming crowd and top the USC Trojans 34-32.Breathe easy pic.twitter.com/VR7FxumqoN
— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) September 27, 2025
Â
Support the hero David Olano!!
Go to the link below, use the code ARMCHAIRILLINI and get 15% off a Jersey
LINK: https://t.co/vvLhFHLibH pic.twitter.com/8FgwJKvmGi
— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) September 27, 2025
________________________________
Thank you for reading Armchair Illini! The Armchair team is proud to partner with Hamilton Walker’s Seafood and Spirits. Reserve your table HERE. Enter our home game giveaways on our social media pages to win a $100 gift card.
We are also proud to partner with the Campus Ink Illini NIL Store! Use the code: ARMCHAIRILLINI for 15% off your purchase. Please subscribe to the Armchair Illini Podcast on YouTube here
Above all, for feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at alexkyi13@gmail.com. Additionally, please use our Seatgeek code for $20 off your purchase on Seatgeek.com: ARMCHAIRILLINOIS. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing Illinois media outlets around.
Finally, subscribe to our newsletter here for more Illinois football news! Go Illini!
-
Basketball6 days agoIllinois basketball with ominous injury report one week before major matchup
-
Basketball3 days agoMihailo Petrovic to miss Illini home game vs Florida Gulf Coast
-
Basketball7 days agoIllinois Basketball vs Jackson State Gameday Guide and predictions
-
Basketball5 days agoWill Illini Freshman David Mirkovic Win Big Ten Freshman of the Year?
-
Basketball21 hours agoTomislav Ivisic to miss time as Illinois basketball cannot avoid injury bug
-
Basketball4 days agoIllinois basketball vs Florida Gulf Coast: How to watch and early spread
-
Basketball2 days agoHow Illinois Basketball dominated Florida Gulf Coast University
-
Basketball5 days agoIllinois basketball unleashes offensive identity in season opener vs Jackson State
