Illinois football is Chicago's team as 2025 season begins
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Northwestern and Illinois at Wrigley Field last year. Photo: Quinn Harris/Getty Images
The 2025/2026 college football season begins this weekend with encouraging news: The Illini are ranked No. 12 in the preseason polls and are likely to compete for the Big Ten crown.
Why it matters: Even though Northwestern calls itself "Chicago's Big Ten team," the city is home to thousands of Illini alumni.
Driving the news: Coach Bret Bielema has turned around the Illinois football program since he took over in 2021 and is returning 16 starters from last year's 10-3 season, including quarterback Luke Altmyer.
- They are also blessed with a relatively easy schedule.
Yes, but: The Big Ten has expanded to 18 teams, which include ranked schools like Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Indiana and Oregon, so nothing is easy.
Illini games to watch: At Indiana (Sept. 20) and home against Ohio State (Oct. 11).
Northwestern isn't expected to compete for a Big Ten title, but it has been busy this offseason reshaping its roster. The team, led by defensive-minded coach David Braun, overhauled its offense with a transfer quarterback and an entirely new offensive line, aiming to improve on last year's dismal 4-8 record and secure a bowl game invitation.
State of (where they) play: The Wildcats will once again play games at a makeshift field on the Evanston campus while the new Ryan Field is built. The state-of-the-art stadium should be ready for next season.
- Because of the unique experience of watching Big Ten football on a field that butts up against Lake Michigan, Northwestern has one of the highest ticket prices in the conference.
Zoom out: It's not just expensive to go to a Northwestern game. The Big Ten conference game-day experience costs more than the other power conferences in football.
Pro-tip: Skip the stadiums and watch the game at a Big Ten bar instead.
Northwestern games to watch: At home vs. Oregon (Sept. 13), at Penn State (Oct. 11) and at Wrigley Field vs. Michigan (Nov. 14).