No. 12 Illinois a Heavy Favorite Against Western Illinois in Season Opener

Bob Asmussen | Bielema, Illini embrace what lies ahead

Illinois kicks off its season tonight against Western Illinois

No. 12 Illinois a heavy favorite against Western Illinois in season opener

Illinois is a heavy favorite in its season opener against Western Illinois. Illinois is ranked No. 12 in the preseason AP Top 25, the program’s highest preseason ranking since 1990, when the Illini started No. 11.

Bret Bielema's Illini Kick Off Season Against Western Illinois

Illinois football kicks off the 2025 season ranked No. 12, marking an era of high expectations. With 16 returning starters from last year’s successful 10-3 campaign, the Illini aim to set the tone against Western Illinois. The Leathernecks, coming off a 4-8 season, have a revamped offense that ranked high in their conference. This matchup is crucial for Illinois to prove last year’s performance was no fluke and to work through early season chall…

Largest Spread Of CFB Week 1 Set Between Illinois Vs. Western Illinois

Odds have set a 45.5-point spread in favor of Illinois over Western Illinois. 45.5 points is the largest set spread in Week 1 of college football. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Going into Week 1 of the college football season, the Illinois Fighting Illini have been tasked with the largest spread of the week against Western Illinois, which is set at 45.5 points. This comes as online sportsbooks are expecting Luke Altmyer and the Illini to take a massive step…