Live from the Field: Illinois’ Remarkable Citrus Bowl Triumph and What Lies Ahead
On New Year’s Eve, Illinois ushered in 2025 with a stunning 21-17 Citrus Bowl victory over South Carolina, marking a watershed moment for the program. The win sealed Illinois’ first 10-win season since 2001, a feat that Athletic Director Josh Whitman says will resonate for decades.
“This was one of those years that will go down in the record books—our fans will be talking about it 20 years from now, 30 years from now,” Whitman emphasized, beaming with pride.
But while the Citrus Bowl is a glittering highlight, Illinois still has a steep climb ahead to reach the pinnacle of college football: the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Reflecting on the Past, Building for the Future
Head Coach Bret Bielema struck a delicate balance when reflecting on Illinois’ history, acknowledging past struggles without allowing them to overshadow his vision for the future.
“I really do care what’s happened in the past (here) — but I don’t care,” Bielema stated candidly. “I am very respectful of everything that’s been built to come here, but I also think we’ve been weighted down by the past.”
Before Bielema’s arrival, Illinois football endured a challenging era, with a dismal 55-97 record between their 2007 Rose Bowl appearance and the start of Bielema’s tenure. However, since taking the reins, Bielema has achieved a 28-22 record over four seasons, including two bowl appearances, transforming the program into a formidable force.
2024: A Year That Exceeded Expectations
Illinois’ 2024 season was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite facing one of the toughest schedules in the Big Ten, the team delivered stellar performances that no one saw coming. The timing couldn’t have been better as the Big Ten’s reputation continues to rise, rivaling that of the SEC.
“Ohio State, USC, coming here next year — I think that’s a really big thing,” Bielema said, hinting at the escalating competition.
The success of 2024 also set the stage for a promising 2025, with improved optics helping Illinois thrive in recruiting and the transfer portal. Bielema shared his excitement: “I made a deal the other day — I went to flip nine kids. I’ve never had that in my career.”
Lessons from 2023: A Crucial Turning Point
The program’s growth hasn’t been without setbacks. The 2023 season, which ended with a disappointing 5-7 record, served as a stark reminder of how quickly momentum can falter. Key departures, including stars like Sydney Brown, Chase Brown, Tommy DeVito, and Devon Witherspoon, coupled with the loss of defensive coordinator Ryan Walters, left the team in flux.
But Bielema has worked tirelessly to rebuild, and the lessons from 2023 have fueled a stronger foundation heading into the program’s most critical season yet.
Retaining Key Talent and Adding Firepower
Illinois enters 2025 with its star quarterback, Luke Altmyer, at the helm. Altmyer, coming off a breakout year, chose to stay, citing his love for the team and coaching staff.
“It’s been a long journey — a lot of ups and downs — but I didn’t want to start over,” Altmyer said. “I love the coaches, I love the teammates I do it with.”
Bielema has also prioritized roster retention, securing critical players like J.C. Davis, Melvin Priestly, Gabe Jacas, Xavier Scott, and Josh McCray, who form the backbone of the squad. Meanwhile, Illinois has bolstered its roster through the transfer portal, adding standout talents like wide receivers Hudson Clement and Justin Bowick, and defensive linemen Curt Neal, Tomiwa Durojaiye, and James Thompson Jr.
“These are a bunch of really good players coming back, and they get me excited,” Bielema said.
A Philosophy That Works
Illinois’ success in 2024 was rooted in its week-by-week approach. As Josh McCray explained back in October, “Whenever you get a schedule, you don’t really want to look too far ahead. You just take it week by week, trusting the coach and the process.”
The Road Ahead
As Illinois gears up for 2025, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With the momentum from their Citrus Bowl triumph, a seasoned roster, and an influx of new talent, Bielema and his team are poised to solidify their status among college football’s elite. Whether they can parlay the magic of 2024 into continued success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Illinois is ready to make its mark.
