Illinois Head Coach Bret Bielema

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema looks towards the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Duke in Durham, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)

 Ben McKeown

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Illinois football has added a home date against Buffalo to its 2029 nonconference schedule, the program announced Thursday. 

According to Illinois Athletics, the game against Buffalo will take place Sept. 8, 2029, at Gies Memorial Stadium. 

This will be the first matchup between the programs. 

The Bulls finished 5-7, including 4-4 in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 2025 campaign. 

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