CHAMPAIGN — The Illinois Fighting Illini have fallen out of the College Football Playoff talks, but still can position themselves for a prime bowl game come the holiday season.
The Illini (5-3) have losses to Ohio State, Indiana and Washington — but have eyes on a large bowl game.
Experts are mixed on the landing spot for the Illini, ranging from the Pinstripe Bowl vs. the ACC, the Music City or ReliaQuest vs. the SEC, or the Las Vegas Bowl vs. the Big 12. Of the 10 experts below, only two agree on the opponent.
The Illini won 10 games last season, including a 21-17 win over the SEC’s South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl.
Ahead of a return home against Rutgers, here is where some of the top college football experts have coach Bret Bielema and the Illini playing in the postseason:
2025 Illinois football bowl projections after Week 9
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Illinois bowl game projections: Experts split on Fighting Illini football landing spot
Reporting by Wes Huett, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
