Illinois Re-emerges in College Football Playoff Picture

Illinois (4–1), initially a 9.5-point favorite traveling to Purdue, has shifted from a matchup preview into the national conversation after a road win and conference chaos, re-emerging in College Football Playoff debates as Penn State and other rivals tumbled. Multiple CFP paths now exist for the Illini, including scenarios in which an 11–1 Illinois would beat road opponents such as Ohio State, USC and Washington, or win out after one competitive loss, according to Sports Illustrated. Illinois’ offense has flashed explosiveness — Luke Altmyer produced a historic high-efficiency half, Hank Beatty had a 62-yard catch, the team recovered a timely fumble and Ca’Lil Valentine scored — strengthening their résumé. The Big Ten picture remains unsettled: Iowa has risen in re-rankings and will visit Wisconsin, Wisconsin under Luke Fickell has shown potential but been hampered by poor snaps and depth issues, and Michigan’s 24–10 victory over Wisconsin highlighted defensive steadiness amid offensive-line concerns. Elsewhere, No. 2 Oregon and No. 7 Indiana (both 5–0) head into a top-10 showdown at Autzen, and Clemson routed North Carolina 38–10 as Dabo Swinney’s Tigers righted course while UNC’s early struggles persist.