Illinois Duke Football

Illinois' Justin Bowick (0) makes a touchdown catch against Duke's Kimari Robinson (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Durham, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)

 Ben McKeown

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois football team is in the top 10 of the AP Top 25 poll for the first time since 2001.

The Illini moved up two spots to #9 following their 45-19 win over the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday. 

Illinois also moved up to #9 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.

Head coach Bret Bielema has had the Illini ranked in 20 AP polls during his first five seasons with the team, which is the most weeks ranked for the Illini during a five-year stretch in 35 years. 

The Illini now look forward to next Saturday, where they will host Western Michigan in front of a sold-out crowd. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

More Coverage:

No. 11 Illinois takes over after halftime to beat mistake-prone Duke 45-19 for road win

Illini sell out 3 games for first time in over 15 years

Beatty returns punt for TD, breaks Grange's 102-year-old record in No. 12 Illini's opening rout

Illinois vs. Western Michigan Tickets Sold Out

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