Is Illinois football a contender in the Big Ten West?

Can Illinois football contend in the Big Ten West in 2023?

It is hard not to be bullish on Illinois football in 2023. The Illini had its best season in a long time. Illinois went to its first bowl game since 2019 and its first winning season since 2010. Head coach Bret Bielema and his staff leveled up everything in Champaign last season. There were signs of improvement in 2021.

The Illini began the 2022 season white hot. They were 7-1, with a legitimate path to the College Football Playoff. The bottom fell out in the second half of the season, finishing 1-4. Though the season did not end the way Bielema, the staff, or the players wanted, Illini football is trending up.

This year the Illini have high expectations. Bielema is trying to be the coach to win the first and last Big Ten West Division titles. How legit is their opportunity? Wisconsin is undergoing a regime change, and Iowa’s offense has many new pieces.

Illinois also has some new pieces that need to work as well. Luke Altmyer takes over for Tommy Devito, and the Illini replaces its entire secondary. That said, if those new pieces congeal with the veterans returning, Illinois football could find themselves in Indianapolis at season’s end.

Here’s a look at the offense, defense, and their schedule.