Illinois left out of 2026 preseason US LBM Coaches Poll
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 12:15 PM
Last updated Aug 5, 2026
The 2026 preseason US LBM College Football Coaches Poll excluded the Illinois Fighting Illini, a Big Ten team that some argue should have been included. Illinois has recently won at least nine games in each of the past two seasons and is seen as a competitive program under coach Bret Bielema. The poll included eight other Big Ten teams, while Illinois is positioned with a manageable schedule that could allow for double-digit wins if they meet expectations. The season will show whether Illinois can capitalize on its opportunities or if the rankings will hold true throughout the year.
- •Illinois did not make the preseason top 25 coaches poll.
- •Illinois has won at least nine games the last two seasons.
- •Katin Houser joins the roster as quarterback this season.
- •The Fighting Illini have a favorable schedule ahead.
- •Eight other Big Ten teams are ranked in the poll.
- 12:15 PMYahoo Sports — One Big Ten team snubbed in 2026 preseason US LBM Coaches Poll
"USC was excluded from the top 12 and a College Football Playoff position, but another Big Ten team was fully excluded from the preseason top 25
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- NCAAF•Aug 5, 2026, 1:13 PMMSU football receives no votes in preseason US LBM Coaches Poll
- NCAAF•Aug 5, 2026, 1:02 PMHow to buy Iowa Hawkeyes college football tickets, Iowa football schedule
- NCAAF•Aug 5, 2026, 1:02 PMSooners' Emmett Jones gives injury update on Trell Harris
NCAAF•Aug 5, 2026, 12:46 PMOverrated, underrated teams in college football Coaches Poll; MLB trade deadline full report card- NCAAF•Aug 5, 2026, 12:27 PMWith championship aspirations, Dan Lanning's Ducks zero in on camp
- NCAAF•Aug 5, 2026, 12:19 PMOpponent Preview: Week 2 – Wake Forest Demon Deacons
