The college football season is coming closer and closer to fruition, which means Monday marked the official release of the AP Top 25 Poll and its preseason rankings.
Illinois was one of six Big Ten teams featured in the poll, coming in at No. 12.
AP Poll No. 12 — the work doesn’t stop. pic.twitter.com/eHyLF4zimV
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) August 11, 2025
"The Fighting Illini are ranked in the AP Preseason Poll for the first time since 2008 (#20). Illinois' #12 preseason ranking is the ninth-highest in program history since the AP Preseason Poll began in 1950," part of the press release stated.
Illinois overtook South Carolina in the poll, too, beating the Gamecocks out by one spot.
Nevertheless, though, Bielema seems unbothered by the hype and wants to focus on the season itself, with the rest taking care of itself.
"As a head coach, I'm in charge of our football program and what we do, and I just sit back every day and try not to go back," Bielema said at Big Ten Media Day. "I only want to go forward. Through 17 years, I learned don't worry about the things you can't control. Leave it to those who can. Usually the best results will happen."
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The Illini's season sees a plethora of talent returning, but ultimately, Bielema says it's a fresh season and should be treated as such.
"I also am very guarded that there's not one tackle, touchdown or turnover from last year that carries forward," Bielema told The News-Gazette in June."You almost have to assure that tomorrow's plan can happen because of what you did today. I always stay on that path."
Illinois is under three weeks away from hosting Western Illinois to open the season, one of seven home games this fall.