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Social Media Reacts to Huge Homecoming Win for Illinois Against USC

The Illini rebounded from last week with a massive win against USC – and, as always, social media had plenty to say
Pranav Hegde|
Sep 27, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) scores a touchdown during the first half against the Southern California Trojans at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Sep 27, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) scores a touchdown during the first half against the Southern California Trojans at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

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What a bounce-back performance from Illinois. Just one week after being embarrassed in front of a national audience, the Illini answered every question about their toughness in a homecoming matchup, just after hosting FOX's "Big Noon Kickoff," with a win that may have saved its season. In a back-and-forth shootout, the outcome came down to who had the ball last. And with the game on the line, junior kicker David Olano converted the biggest kick of his career – a 41-yarder as time expired that sent Memorial Stadium into chaos and Champaign into celebration.

The storyline all week was simple: How would Illinois respond? The answer came immediately. The Illini forced a fumble on USC’s opening drive, and quarterback Luke Altmyer exploited the short field with a touchdown run. Altmyer and the offense stayed hot, scoring on their first two possessions and threatening to take a commanding 21–7 lead into halftime. But a controversial Kaden Feagin “fumble” flipped the momentum, and USC cashed in with a crisp two-minute drill to pull within 14–10 at the break.

The second half turned into a battle of offenses. Illinois took advantage by stretching the lead to 31–17 early in the fourth. That’s when USC receiver Makai Lemon stole the spotlight. Fueled by pinpoint throws from quarterback Jayden Maiava, Lemon torched the Illini secondary for 11 catches, 151 yards, and two touchdowns – the last being a back-shoulder strike just inside the two-minute warning that put the Trojans in front and left the Memorial Stadium crowd stunned.

But Altmyer wasn’t finished. With the game – and maybe the season – hanging in the balance, he led the Illini on a composed, clock-eating march that mixed sharp throws with power runs to set up a makeable field goal. After a timeout, Olano drilled the kick through the uprights and etched his name into Illini lore.

As students stormed the field, the internet lit up. From fans to media to former players, social media erupted with takes and memes after one of Illinois’ most dramatic wins in years. Here are the best reactions from an afternoon Champaign won’t soon forget:

Illinois football has come a long way

Hello, Brad Underwood

The Philly Special or the ILLy Special?

Welcome home, Ayo

Bumbling the 'fumble' call

Our Pick to Click delivered

The big fella has some wheels

Justin Bowick: Touchdown machine

Makai Lemon can play

David Olano saves the day

Is there anywhere else you would rather be?

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Pranav Hegde
PRANAV HEGDE

Primarily covers Illinois football, basketball and golf, with an emphasis on news, analysis and features. Hegde, an electrical engineering student at Illinois with an affinity for sports writing, has been writing for On SI since April 2025. He can be followed and reached on Instagram @pranavhegde__.

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