CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Illinois football listed the attendance for Friday night’s season opener as 56,040.

Several notable guests gathered as Bret Bielema’s squad launched a much-anticipated 2025 season. Among them was former Illini running back Chase Brown.

Chase Brown made a visit to the campus before starting his third season in the NFL. During his last year of college football in 2022, he achieved over 1,600 rushing yards for the Illini.

On Friday, he relished in the packed crowd despite an FCS opponent.

“Week one being nearly sold out is a true testament to how far this program has advanced,” Brown shared with WCIA. “I always enjoy returning home, and witnessing it like this is particularly meaningful.”

The fan support is impressive to Brown, who ran for more than 1,000 yards for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024, but not necessarily surprising.

“This was always the goal,” he remarked. “When Coach Bielema arrived, this was the vision for all of us. Winning games leads to this kind of atmosphere. I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved and how much progress they’ve made.”

Brown and the Bengals begin their 2025 season with a road game against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 7.