CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Anticipation for the 2025 Illinois football season is at an all-time high, especially after a dominant 52-3 victory over Western Illinois on Friday.
The signs of support were evident. Following a remarkable 10-win season and a triumph in a bowl game, all season tickets were claimed for the first time in two decades, and student tickets vanished as well. Additionally, tickets for two matches — against Western Michigan and Ohio State — are entirely booked.
The team is ranked No. 12 in the country.
“Just being part of this discussion is incredible,” expressed lifelong Illini enthusiast Eric Graue. “A few years ago, this was beyond our wildest imaginations.”
“If there’s going to be a season to be excited for, this is it,” said fellow fan Scott Johnson.
The season opener didn’t sell out completely, but Illinois Athletics still anticipated a substantial crowd. Tailgating areas were completely filled with fans eager to show their support.
“We left this morning at 6 a.m., got here 6:30 or so,” Johnson said.
Graue got to the tailgating lot at 11 a.m.
“We weren’t sure how quick people would get here,” he said.
With the season’s first kickoff, dedicated fans like Johnson and Graue had the opportunity to showcase their tailgating setups or reveal revamped vehicles. Graue invested in a trailer, while Johnson dedicated 20 to 30 hours to artistically paint his trailer, featuring the 2025 schedule and a silhouette of Bret Bielema’s signature T-pose from the Citrus Bowl.
Another fan, Jeff Kautz upgraded his tailgate with an ambulance.
Fans at the tailgate lots had consistently high expectations.
“If we can get 10 wins again, love it,” Graue said.
“I think we can have a 10-win regular season,” Johnson added.
Kautz is still aiming high, but not as high as the others.
“Expectations have gotten pretty high for a 10-win season,” he said “I’m going to say nine.”
The official attendance at Friday’s game was 56,040. That included 10,735 students.
