Editor’s note: Follow live updates from Illinois football vs Ohio State in Week 7.
CHAMPAIGN — Illinois football will face No. 1-ranked Ohio State on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 at Memorial Stadium, the 19th time the Fighting Illini will face a top-ranked team in their history.
Quarterback Luke Altmyer and the Illini (5-1) are No. 17 in the US LBM Coaches Poll after their 43-27 road victory Saturday at Purdue, which came on the heels of a dramatic 34-32 win over USC.
Dave Portnoy and Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff will be back in town for the game against Ohio State — the first time Illinois has faced a No. 1-ranked team at home since 2006.
Here is a look at the Fighting Illini history against the country’s top-ranked team:
Has Illinois football ever beat No. 1?
Illinois is 3-15 all-time against teams ranked No. 1 in The Associated Press or coaches polls, or in the Bowl Championship Series/College Football Playoff rankings. The coaches’ poll started in 1992, and the BCS/CFP ranks started in 1998.
Illinois has seven ranked under Bret Bielema, coach since 2021. Between 2002 and 2020, the Illini had six wins over ranked teams.
When was the last time Illinois beat No. 1?
The Illini defeated consensus No. 1 Ohio State, 28-21, on Nov. 10, 2007.
Illinois football history vs. No. 1
Illinois played No. 1 Oregon last season, but before that had not played a No. 1-ranked team since 2015. Here is a look at all of their games against the top-ranked team in college football. Opponent was consensus No. 1 unless noted.
*— No. 1 in coaches poll.
**— No. 1 in BCS ranks.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Has Illinois ever beat No. 1? Fighting Illini all-time vs top-ranked college football team
Reporting by Wes Huett, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
