Gameday: Five things to watch as Illini open season vs. Western Illinois

Illinois football opens the 2025 season against Western Illinois on Friday night at Memorial Stadium. The Fighting Illini, ranked No. 12 in the preseason polls, look to build on one of the best seasons in program history. Game time is 6:30 p.m. on Peacock.

Follow all the action on the LIVE GAME THREAD on the Grange Grove message board. Check out our players to watch, keys to the game, and predictions in the GAME PREVIEW.

1. Ground and pound

Illinois has a clear path to take control of this game on the ground, starting with its size and strength up front. Western Illinois doesn’t present the toughest challenge defensively, but this matchup gives the Illini an opportunity to clean up execution, establish rhythm, and build confidence. The Leathernecks struggled badly against the run a season ago, allowing over 150 yards per game and finishing at the bottom of the Big South–OVC in rushing defense.

The Illini offense enters this season with continuity and added muscle. All five starters return on the offensive line, giving the unit valuable experience and cohesion, while the tight end group has added size and depth to support the run game. This foundation should translate into a more punishing ground attack. Running back Kaden Feagin, a bruising presence who missed much of last year with injury, could play a key role in setting the tone. Watching how Illinois integrates him back into the offense will offer an early glimpse of just how physical this unit can be in 2025.

2. Do the receivers get separation?

Speed and quickness at wide receiver have been major talking points for Illinois since spring practice, and this opener will offer a first real look at whether the group has taken a step forward. Against an FCS secondary, the Illini wideouts should be able to create separation and win matchups consistently. If they struggle to get open against Western Illinois, that’s an early warning sign for how they’ll fare against Big Ten defensive backs later in the year.

Quarterback Luke Altmyer enters the season with more options at his disposal and will likely spread the ball around, with as many as seven receivers expected to see action on Friday night. Veterans Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin carried much of the load last season, but neither spring ball nor fall camp revealed a clear go-to star. That uncertainty could work in Illinois’ favor if it leads to a more balanced attack, but the offense still needs one or two players to emerge as reliable difference-makers.

One name to watch is West Virginia transfer Hudson Clement, who began to flash late in camp. Clement brings proven production, leading the Mountaineers in 2024 with 51 receptions, 741 yards, and five touchdowns. If he can carry that momentum into the season, Illinois may finally have the playmaker it needs to stretch defenses and open up the passing game.

3. Valuable reps for the 2’s and 3’s

Illinois should make it a priority to get backup quarterback Ethan Hampton plenty of live snaps on Friday night. Blowout games often give coaches a chance to empty the bench, and this one looks like it could be decided early. That makes it the perfect setting for Hampton to settle in, build confidence, and experience the speed of game action — something practice reps can never fully replicate. If anything were to happen to starter Luke Altmyer, the Illini would need Hampton to step in ready, and that readiness can only come from meaningful on-field reps.

Beyond quarterback, this matchup gives Illinois a chance to showcase its improved depth across the roster. Coaches will likely rotate heavily, especially at wide receiver and along the defensive line — two groups still searching for clarity on who belongs in the regular rotation. For some players, these snaps will function as an audition, an opportunity to prove they deserve meaningful minutes once the Big Ten grind begins. Depth wins seasons in the Big Ten, and games like this serve as testing grounds to identify who’s ready to contribute when the competition stiffens.

4. Visitor list is limited

Friday night kickoffs often clash with high school football schedules, and this week’s game is no exception. That scheduling wrinkle is one of the main reasons many college coaches dislike Friday night matchups: it limits the number of visiting prospects who can make the trip. Most top recruits will be busy playing under the lights with their own teams, which means the crowd of visitors inside Memorial Stadium will be relatively small. A few local programs without Friday night games are expected to attend, but the atmosphere won’t carry the same recruiting buzz as a Saturday showcase.

Still, Illinois will host one important guest. Four-star wide receiver Nasir Rankin, a 2026 Illini commit from Chicago Morgan Park, plans to be in attendance. Rankin has already established himself as one of the top players in the state, and his presence helps reinforce his early connection to the program. His own season kicks off Saturday afternoon when Morgan Park faces Downers Grove North, which features Illinois tight end commit Will Vala. Rankin has told Orange and Blue News that he intends to be at every Illini home game that doesn’t conflict with his high school schedule — a commitment that underscores his excitement about the future in Champaign.

5. 2004-05 men’s basketball team to be recognized

The University of Illinois will welcome back one of its most celebrated men’s basketball groups this weekend, marking the 20th anniversary of the 2004 and 2005 teams. Those squads captured consecutive Big Ten titles, reached the NCAA Sweet 16 and National Championship game, and held the nation’s top ranking for much of the 2005 season. Led by coach Bruce Weber, the rosters included future NBA All-Star Deron Williams, Big Ten Player of the Year Dee Brown, All-American Luther Head, and rebounding record-holder James Augustine, along with key contributors such as Roger Powell and a deep supporting cast.

The reunion will stretch across two days of events in Champaign-Urbana. On Friday, the players and coaches will take part in pregame festivities before the Illini football opener, including joining the Illini Walk, appearing at the Legacy Lounge Tailgate, sounding the game-opening siren, and being honored on the field. Saturday’s schedule features tours of the program’s facilities and a formal luncheon celebrating the championship teams. Confirmed attendees include the starting lineup of Williams, Brown, Head, Powell, and Augustine, as well as several teammates and assistant coaches who were part of the historic run.