League: NCAAF Sport: College Sports Country: United States Category: Transactions

Illinois football misses 2026 preseason coaches poll despite last season's success

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 4, 2026, 5:22 PM

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

Illinois football misses 2026 preseason coaches poll despite last season's success

Summary

The Illinois Fighting Illini were excluded from the 2026 US LBM preseason college football Coaches Poll released on August 4. The team finished the previous season with a 9-4 record and participated in the Music City Bowl. Five other teams from the Big Ten, including Ohio State and Indiana, secured spots in the top 25 rankings. Illinois ranked fourth among the teams receiving votes, tallying 62 points, behind TCU and Louisville. The poll's results reflect ongoing competition in the college football as teams prepare for the upcoming season.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Illinois was not ranked in the top 25 preseason poll.
•The team earned a 9-4 record last season and played in the Music City Bowl.
•Ohio State topped the poll with 38 first-place votes.
•Illinois received 62 points, ranking fourth among teams not in the top 25.
•Five Big Ten teams, including Indiana and Michigan, made the top 25.

Latest Updates

5:22 PMYahoo Sports — Illinois football team snubbed in 2026 preseason coaches poll

What they're saying

"
The Illinois Fighting Illini were not selected in the 2026 college football top 25 preseason coaches poll, but five other Big Ten teams made it.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

NCAAF College Sports