Did College Football News Undervalue Illinois Football in Preseason Rankings?

The Illini landed at 23rd in CFN's preseason projections. Is that too low, or just right?

Dec 31, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Aidan Laughery (21) runs the ball against South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Debo Williams (0) in the fourth quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images | Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

The college football experts tend to be quite high on Illinois heading into the 2025 season. ESPN has the Illini at No. 11 in its most recent rankings, while Phil Steele has Bret Bielema’s squad a bit lower at 17th. The general consensus is that Illinois is, at the bare minimum, a top-20 squad with realistic CFP hopes and even sleeper potential for a Big Ten title. 

But not everyone agrees. In the recent preseason rankings released by College Football News, the Illini landed at 23rd in the country, trailing not just Penn State, Ohio State, and Oregon – which was expected – but even Michigan, USC, and Indiana. 

On one hand, there is a realistic argument that the hype on Illinois is a tad overblown. Last year, the Illini needed a last-second miracle to escape the likes of a historically bad Purdue squad at home. Not to mention the anxiety-inducing victories over Rutgers and Nebraska. There was certainly a bit of good fortune that led to Illinois’ 10-3 season. 

On the flip side, the Illini return a nation-leading 16 starters from last year, led by experienced quarterback Luke Altmyer. Both Kaden Feagin and Aidan Laughery are impactful running backs. And the defense, headlined by defensive back Xavier Scott and outside linebacker Gabe Jacas, is a force to be reckoned with. 

Xavier Scott (Illinois) was my highest graded player who returned to school, and the only non-QB with a 2nd round grade. Hopefully he’s on the Devon Witherspoon development arc and he can play himself into the 1st. pic.twitter.com/wavC2zcLLA

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) June 11, 2025

Whether Illinois winds up more deserving of the No. 23 ranking from College Football News or the No. 11 spot from ESPN remains to be seen – and honestly doesn’t matter.

Preseason rankings are nothing more than educated guesses (Illinois was 55th in CFN’s 2024 preseason projections and finished 13th) and hold very little water after that first fall Saturday kickoff.

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Illinois Coach Bret Bielema Compares Gabe Jacas to Former NFL Defensive POY

Joel Klatt Names Illinois Team Most Likely to Make First CFP Appearance

Three Non-Negotiables for Illinois to Make a Run to the College Football Playoff