After a solid 8-5 2022, the Fighting Illini took a step backwards last season. Illinois has now had a losing season 11 of the last 12 years. Head coach Bret Bielema will lean on a strong running game and a potentially strong front seven on defense to get back to winning.
What went wrong last season?
A strength in 2022, the Illini defense took a step back last year. Former defensive coordinator Ryan Walters left to lead Purdue after 2022 and Illinois promoted DB coach Aaron Henry to take over for 2023. In his first year in charge, the defense went backwards finishing 93rd in scoring defense and 63rd in total defense.
Will the Illini offense be the team’s strength?
Incumbent starting QB Luke Altmyer had his ups and downs last year. Bielema and offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. will hope another year of experience irons out the bumps. But Illinois lost four of its top five receivers from 2023, as well as its top rusher, Reggie Love III. The hope is Kaden Feagin and Josh McCray can equal Love’s production.
How will Illinois fare in the new-look Big Ten?
Illinois’ road to a winning record will be tough. The Illini face both national champion Michigan and runner-up Washington this year. There’s also a road game across the country at highly-regarded Oregon, plus road games at Penn State and Nebraska. Illinois will need an upset or two.
