Head Coach: Bret Bielema
Overall: 5th season, 30-22
Bowl Appearances at Illinois: Two
2024 Record: 10-3 (6-3)
Mascot: None currently, formerly Chief Illiniwek
Colors: Orange and Blue
Outfitter: Nike
National Titles: Five (1914, 1919, 1923, 1927, 1951)
Conference Titles: 15 (eight outright, seven shared)
Heisman Winners: 0
Last Week: 38-0 over Western Michigan
Betting Information
#9 Illinois at #22 Indiana (-4.5)/52.5 total (as of September 15, 2025)
Statistical Leaders
Passing: Luke Altmyer – 56 of 78 for 709 yards with 8 TDs and 0 INTS
Rushing: Kaden Feagin – 50 rushes for 222 yards with 4.44 yards per carry and 3 TDs
Receiving: Hank Beatty – 19 receptions for 289 yards with 1 TD
Tackles: Miles Scott and Malachi Hood both with 14 tackles/Gabe Jacas with 4 TFLs
Stat of the Week
Illinois comes to Bloomington as the #9 team in the country. With IU ranked #19, the two will square off in a ranked vs. ranked matchup for only the second-time in the history of this matchup. The other time was on October 28, 1950, as #12 Illinois beat #19 IU in Champaign.
Illini Talking Points
- Not Beating Yourself
For the first time since 1995, the Illinois Fighting Illini have gone through the first three weeks of the season with zero turnovers. The Illini are currently +6 in turnover margin (trailing only East Carolina at +7) and they are 10-0 over the last two seasons when they have committed zero or one turnovers in a game. Luke Altmyer is a huge part of taking care of the ball and he is one of three quarterbacks in the Big Ten with 8+ passing touchdowns and zero interceptions. The other two? Dylan Raiola of Nebraska and Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. In a huge game like this between two seemingly even-matched teams, turnovers could be the deciding factor and Illinois is accustomed to taking care of the ball under Bret Bielema.
2. Well-Balanced Illini
The Illini are currently averaging 45 points per game and racking up 6.24 yards per play. They have converted nearly 89% of their red zone chances and have established a good trio of running backs with Kaden Feagin, Ca’Lil Valentine and Aidan Laughery. On the other side of the ball, the Illini are only giving up an average of 7.3 points per game with one shutout, one game with only a field goal allowed and then giving up just 19 points on the road to Duke. Their opponents have only gained 4.56 yards per play and rushed for just 2.64 yards per attempt. Special teams has been a strength as well as star receiver Hank Beatty is averaging 25.3 yards per punt return and is one of two players nationally with a return touchdown, a receiving touchdown and a rushing touchdown.
There’s no apparent weak-spot for the Fighting Illini but it is fair to point out that they have played Western Illinois, Western Michigan and a Duke team that just got handled 34-27 by Tulane despite the Green Wave having 100 yards in penalties.
3. Aerial Duel
Luke Altmyer is one of the nation’s best quarterbacks and the quarterback matchup in this contest is extremely enticing. IU’s secondary, beyond DeAngelo Ponds, looked a bit susceptible at times against Kennesaw State two weeks ago and there could be spots for the Illini to attack. Who would Altmyer be throwing to though? Hank Beatty has been his number one target, by far, hauling in 19 receptions for 289 yards. Justin Bowick is next with eight receptions for 86 yards and his status for the game is unknown after an injury against Western Michigan. Hudson Clement and Malik Elzy were expected to be major contributors but they have yet to breakout with nice games. Could that come on Saturday in Bloomington.
Fernando Mendoza was razor-sharp against Indiana State and he will go against a secondary that is loaded with veterans. That written, they did surrender 334 yards to the Duke Blue Devils and Indiana has proven weapons like Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. Buckle up, this could be a really wild ride.