Top 10: 10 reasons why 2025 won’t be a step back

Beat writer Bob Asmussen explains how the Illini will build off success this fall 1.

Friendly slate.

Yes, Ohio State is on the schedule.

And a trip to Duke, too.

Illinois is in the Big Ten and there is bound to be difficult games.

But no Oregon or Penn State or Michigan or Iowa means a lot of winnable games.

Two College Football Playoff teams are on the schedule in the Buckeyes and suddenly resurgent Indiana, but my guess is the Hoosiers dont win 11 games again.

2.

The elephant in the room.

Bret Bielema and his coaching staff knows the inconsistent seasons will be brought up with the players.

Wisely, they will get out in front of it, making it feel like less of a big deal.

Its either that or ignore it.

History shows that tactic has not worked well in the past.

3.

Big man on campus.

That is quarterback Luke Altmyer, who seems to be wildly popular after announcing his return at a soldout Illinois mens basketball game earlier this month at State Farm Center in Champaign.

A three-year starting quarterback at Illinois is rare.

One with the amount of help Altmyer will have at receiver, tight end and in the backfield is even rarer.

4.

Solid up front.

On offense for sure, where three starters are expected back.

Illinois might need to find a replacement for tackle J.C.

Davis, but the portal will come in handy again.

5.

Full boat.

Kaden Feagin is expected back and will join a talented backfield that includes Aidan Laughery and Josh McCray.

Somehow, running backs coach Thad Ward keeps them all happy, 6.

Linebacker U.

Dylan Rosiek missed the end of the season with a broken leg but should be ready to go in late August.

Because he was injured, the Illini found depth at the position that should pay off in 2025.

7.

Looks like 2022 all over again.

There isnt a Devon Witherspoon-level player on the team, but the secondary is deep, talented and motivated.

One of the real problems in 2023 was the back half of the defense.

Big-time mistakes were made that cost the team wins.

That is less likely in 2025.

8.

Softer landing.

One more thing about the 2025 schedule: the second half is Illinois-friendly.

Sure, the team opens with seven games in row.

Then a break before winnable games against Washington and Rutgers, another break, then three more against Maryland, Wisconsin and Northwestern to finish off the season.

Though they all should be improved, the Terrapins, Badgers and Wildcats didnt make a bowl this season.

There will be heat on the staffs at all three places.

9.

Positive vibe.

The feeling in the community toward the football team has changed.

The sport is no longer considered a time-killer before basketball starts.

Fans are genuinely excited, which should be apparent in Orlando, Fla., when a solid contingent shows up at the Citrus Bowl.

10.

Competency at the top.

In his fourth season, Bielema will coach his 50th game at Illinois in the Citrus Bowl.

He is 27-22, the best four-year start at the school since John Mackovic went 30-16-1 from 1988 to 1991.

Then, Mackovic left for Texas.

The 54-year old Bielema seems to be in a happy place with the school and his bosses.

He is about to get rewarded with a longer, more lucrative contract.

In my 35 years covering Illinois, this is the best position the football team has been in.

Period..

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