An 8 win season would be unprecedented success in my lifetime. Everyone is playoff brained obviously but I would be EXTREMELY happy with 10-3, 9-4, 8+
Illini Football 2026
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lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
When we were winning 2-3 games a year, I promised myself I’d be thrilled if we consistently one 6-7 games and made bowls every year. Give me 7-5 and it’ll be another fun fall.
With all of the turnover of players, coaches and scheme, I honestly think 7-5 would be a big success.
Sounds right to me too. 7-5 historically after two very good seasons would be a success. However, if we are hoping to stay at a level where we make or complete for a playoff spot at least every couple of years, the team needs a path to at least 9ish wins in 2027 after a rebuilding year.
Maybe I am too snakebit after years of doldrums, but I am not seeing the path to competing for a playoff spot in 2027.
Can someone give me an honest prediction on our record this year? Idk what to expect for the season.
Default to the vegas O/U which is 7.5. I'd say 8-9
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Reasons for optimism: a lot of offensive skill position talent with a coordinator who knows how to use it, an excellent secondary, and a coaching staff that has built the kind of winning culture that hasn't been seen here in decades
Reasons for pessimism: Luke + Lunney was magic in a way that will be difficult to replicate, losing a ton along both lines, totally changing the defensive strategy that defined the way we play on both sides of the ball, and it's possible we're going to be like sub-P4 level helpless on the defensive line which could just destroy everything.
Lower upside potential and higher downside risk than last year, but agree with @illini0440 the Vegas O/U is a good way to anchor your reasonable expectations.
Dan
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Limited Illini Football Season Tickets on Sale Tuesday - University of Illinois Athletics
Season tickets for the 2026 Illinois football season are on sale to the general public.
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Bielema, Lunney discuss spring progress for Illini QB Katin Houser
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Illinois football wraps up its spring practices on Wednesday, with work in a variety of areas getting done throughout March and April. The Illini are installing a new…
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I will be happy if we make a bowl game. Our talent level, particularly the O-Line and the front 7 on defense, is below average in the Big 10. Luke saved our a** multiple times over the past 2 years; can House do the same?
At the end of the year this HOUSE will be prime property similar to Luke,lets hope so.
agree. but I’m expecting 8. i would bet the over at 7.5
I think we are gonna surprise people on offense, especially with our weak schedule. Iowa as usual feels like the make-or-break game of the season
Art is going to be a HC before too long.
BZuppke
- Plainfield
Maybe a successor to Bret one day
OrangeBlue98
Iowa is not in a great spot right now (LvilleILL1)
- Des Moines, IA
While it would obviously be great to be a consistent CFP contender, as an Illini football fan I'd be perfectly happy with an average of 8-9 wins a season. That means a good bowl game each year and the occasional period where we can be in contention for a playoff spot.
I have experienced some BAD Illinois football as a fan of over 40 years and a student in the mid-late 1990s. I'll never take seasons like the last two for granted.
Just got mine for the first time! Are parking passes acquired through the website?Limited Illini Football Season Tickets on Sale Tuesday - University of Illinois Athletics
Season tickets for the 2026 Illinois football season are on sale to the general public.
Congratulations!!
I know if you join the IFUND at the $250 level, 1 parking pass for the entire season is included in that.
Otherwise, I think you have to purchase them individually (per game) once they are released for sale, or at day-of parking lots. Day-of lots are $25-30 I believe, so the $250 isn’t way out of line, especially considering some of the other perks you get along with the membership.
If you get emails from the ticket office, I would recommend calling that Sherwin Thomas at the bottom of the emails, he is a very good rep.
Planning to make the trip to both Maryland and UCLA for the games this fall. I've only been to DC once and it was years ago, and never been to LA. Does anyone have suggestions on which airport is best to fly into, which area to stay in, or any other advice as I look for flights and hotels?
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