CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — The Fighting Illini finished strong at number 16 in the Final AP Top 25 released Tuesday.
The win over #14 South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl secured the team's best Top 25 finish since 2001, when they hit #12.
The final poll was Illinois' 12th appearance in the AP Top 25 this season.
Illinois (10-3, 6-3 Big Ten) tied its program record with 10 wins in 2024, including a program record-tying four wins against AP Top 25 ranked teams.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Illini host Western Illinois at Memorial Stadium on Aug. 30. Led by QB Luke Altmyer, the Fighting Illini return 18 starters from the Citrus Bowl win and 12 of last year's 14 All-Big Ten honorees.
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