League: NCAAF Sport: College Sports Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Illinois football eyes bowl eligibility after fifth win of season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 5, 2026, 3:48 PM

Last updated Nov 5, 2026

College Sports

Summary

Illinois football secured its fifth win under head coach Bret Bielema, putting the team in strong contention for bowl games. To extend its postseason streak to three years, Illinois must win at least one of its final four games against opponents including Nebraska, UCLA, Iowa, or Northwestern. Media outlets suggest possible matchups for Illinois in the postseason, such as the Frisco Bowl or the Birmingham Bowl. With 19 total wins over the past two seasons, the team's postseason participation is of significant importance.

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By the Numbers

•Illinois needs one win in final four games for postseason eligibility
•Possible bowl matchups include Frisco Bowl and Birmingham Bowl
•Current season marks a chance for Illinois’ longest bowl streak since the 1990s
•Bret Bielema has led the team to 19 wins in two seasons

Latest Updates

3:48 PMYahoo Sports — Can't Wait For Saturday Fifth win adds to Illinois' bowl appeal

What they're saying

"
Nov. 5—*** No surprise, a fifth win by Bret Bielema's Illinois football team put it on the tracking list for bowl games. Illinois needs a win its last four games against Nebraska, UCLA, Iowa or Northwestern to extend its postseason streak to three. That would be the longest at the school since the early 1990s. For the current team, the question after six wins is where? Depends who you believe. ...
— Yahoo Sports

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