Kickoff times, networks announced for Illini football games

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The kickoff times and television networks for the Illini football team's first three games of the 2025 season have been announced by the Big Ten Conference and its broadcast partners.

The Illini open the season at home on Aug. 29 against Western Illinois. The in-state showdown will kickoff at 6:30 p.m. CT and be broadcast on Peacock, the NBC streaming network.

Illinois then travels to Duke for a Sept. 6 matchup. The game will start at 11 a.m. CT on either ESPN or ABC.

The Sept. 13 home game against Western Michigan will kickoff at 6 p.m. CT on FS1. The game also serves as FamILLy Day, which started during the 2024 season with a series of family-focused promotions and events.

Game times and networks for the Illini's remaining games will be announced in-season. Typically, times and networks are announced 1-to-2 weeks before the contest.

Illinois is coming off a 10-3 season that ended with a 21-17 victory over No. 14 South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl. The Illini finished the season ranked 16th in the final AP Top 25 poll of the season.

Illinois Head Coach Brett Bielema was given a 6-year contract extension earlier this month that keeps him at the school through the 2030 season.

The Illini are expected to be a top 25 team in 2025, according to several "way-too-early-polls" and analysts. Illinois returns quarterback Luke Altmyer, plus five starters on the offensive line. Returning star linebacker Gabe Jacas and a solid secondary will anchor the defense.

The remaining Illini schedule for 2025: