Illini now

Social Media Reacts as Illinois Football Hammers Western Illinois

The Illini dominated in front of the legendary 2004-2005 hoopers – and social media is loving it
Jackson Langendorf|
Aug 29, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema leads his team during the Illini Walk before an NCAA football game against the Western Illinois Leathernecks at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Aug 29, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema leads his team during the Illini Walk before an NCAA football game against the Western Illinois Leathernecks at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

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Illinois Fighting Illini

After its long-awaited arrival, the 2025 Illinois football season finally got underway on Friday night at Memorial Stadium in front of a packed, eager crowd. And the Illini wasted no time showing why they’re the No. 12 team in the country, leaping out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter before quickly pushing it to 31-0 and eventually coasting to a 52-3 rout.

The stars showed out as quarterback Luke Altmyer went for 217 passing yards and three scores, while outside linebacker Gabe Jacas had a pair of sacks and forced a fumble on the defensive side. Meanwhile, running back Aidan Laughery scampered for 101 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries.

Gabe Jaca
Aug 29, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Gabe Jacas (17) jumps on teammate Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Eli Coenen (96) after a sack on Western Illinois Leathernecks quarterback Chris Irvin (5) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Defensively, the Illini stuck to their guns, once again playing in defensive coordinator Aaron Henry’s signature bend-but-don’t-break style. Despite Illinois giving up a concerning amount of first downs to Western Illinois (and a fair share of big plays), the Leathernecks managed just three total points.

And the Illini put on their show in front of some Illinois royalty: the 2004-2005 national championship runners-up, who returned to Champaign for a 20-year reunion this weekend. Almost the whole crew came back to Illinois (Luther Head was a late scratch), headlined by former guards Deron Williams and Dee Brown – the latter of whom offered some interesting anecdotes. (Scroll down for Brown reminiscing on the good old days.)

Despite the Illini’s debut outing of 2025 not exactly being a thriller, it delivered its fair share of excitement, allowed for some important tinkering and showcased all of Illinois’ pieces on both ends, serving as a prelude to a highly anticipated season to come.

And speaking of anticipation, brace yourself. Social media was doing its thing against after Illinois’ dominant Week 1 performance:

D- A - W - G

Turning on the wheels

The comeback kid

Running routes like that at 6-foot-4?!

The boys are back in town

? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Avoided the shut out, though. Respect.

Illini offensive line paving the way for Aidan Laughery

Is Hank Beatty the top punt returner in the Big Ten?

Stay in the gym, young fellas

Not how you spell his name, but surely he appreciates the love

D-Will is fearless (except when it comes to pregame fireworks)

Pipe down, little bro – big brother will be in town in a few weeks

On to the next

FamILLy 4Life

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Jackson Langendorf
JACKSON LANGENDORF

Primarily covers Illinois football and basketball, and Kansas basketball, with an emphasis on analysis, features and recruiting. Langendorf, a third-generation University of Illinois alum, has been watching Illini basketball and football for as long as he can remember. An advertising student and journalism devotee, he has been writing for On SI since October 2024. He can be followed and reached on X @jglangendorf.

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