Why Illinois Football Being Ranked at No. 33 is Fair, For Now

Illinois Football is less than three weeks away from opening the 2026 season vs UAB on 9/5 (8pm CT), and the preseason AP Top 25 has finally given us a look at where the Illini stand nationally. Though Illinois received nine votes in the preseason poll, the Illini sit just outside the rankings at No. 33.

After another 9-win season in 2025, including Illinois second bowl victory over an SEC opponent (2024: South Carolina – 2025: Tennesee), it is fair to wonder why Illinois didn’t make the cut. At the same time, this is a roster replacing several major pieces from last year’s team, including a new defensive coordintor and philosiphy. 

All considered, No. 33 seems like a pretty reasonable starting point. I don’t think it reflects where Illinois will ultimately finish, but it does show how far this program’s national respect has come. To be sitting just outside the AP Top 25 after losing so much production says a lot about what coach Bret Bielema and the Illini have built. 

So, what makes No. 33 a fair spot for Illinois heading into the season? We break down the biggest questions surrounding the Illini and why the ranking makes sense. At least, for now.

Illinois Football. Illinois Helmet. Music City Bowl. Michael Osei-Bonsu. Armchair Illini. Credit: Vincent Bruington. Armchair Illini.

Why Illinois Football Being Ranked At No. 33 By The AP Is Right… For Now

Luckily for Illinois, coach Bret Bielema has built this program to a point of earning the benefit of the doubt after back to back seasons of success in 2024 and 2025. Still, there are plenty of reason for national voters to wait and see, before putting Illinois in the Top 25.

Most importantly, the Illini have a significant amount of key production to replace on both sides of the ball. With program great and starting quarterback Luke Altmyer now onto the NFL, along with offensive linemen JC Davis, Melvin Priestly and Josh Gesky, tight end Tanner Arkin and wide receiver Hank Beatty, Illinois is asking a lot of new faces to step up or transfer into the program and replace production from a very solid 2025 offense.

On the defensive side of the ball, new DC Bobby Hauck has the task of implementing his 3-3-5 system while also replacing former key defensive leaders, like defensive lineman James Thomason Jr. and Gabe Jacas, in addition to defensive back Miles Scott, who have all moved on to the NFL. Several other players have also transferred out of the program, creating even more turnover on a defense that will already look considerably different in 2026.

Illinois’ schedule certainly presents new QB Katin Houser with a favorable opportunity to settle into his new role and lead the Illini toward another step forward in 2026. The question now is whether all of those new pieces can come together quickly enough, to continue the momentum the program has built over the last two seasons.

Final Thoughts: Can Illinois Football Continue Momentum Forward in 2026? 

For now, I think No. 33 is a fair place for Illinois Football to start.

The Illini certainly have enough returning talent and recent success to be in the national conversation. However, there are still too many new pieces and factors to know exactly what this team will look like. Honestly, until the Illini face some challenges against Power 4 competition, that’s going to remain the case. That said, look for the Illini’s week 2 battle vs Duke to be a solid early litmus test. After Bret Bielema’s crew went into Durham last season and blew out coach Manny Diaz’s crew 45-19, you can count on the former Miami and Penn State coach to have a target on the Illini’s backs.  So, it should be a good early test for the Illini’s new offensive leaders, as well as coach Bobby Hauck’s new 3-3-5 defense. 

For now though, I have no problem with Illinois Football sitting just outside the Top 25, with a chip on their shoulder entering the season. Now, it’s time to prove Illinois’ growing national respect to be true, continue the program’s momentum forward, and put the program in position to take another step forward in 2026. 

For more thoughts on Illinois No. 33 ranking, check out the most recent edtion of the Armchair Illini Podcast. Host Austin Burkland and football writer Kirkland Chappell break down the recent rankings release, the biggest questions surrounding this 2026 Illinois Football team, and where we believe the Illini could ultimately land.

Check that recap out below, and subcrribe to the channnel!