Illinois Near Top 25 Despite Bielema's Absence | Illinois Fighting Illini Football News

College football’s 2026 preseason poll drops big surprises: Ohio State claims the top spot for the first time since 2015, Oregon hits an all-time high at No. 2, while Georgia and Texas lock in the top four. Notre Dame edges Indiana for fifth. Meanwhile, Illinois—on a hot streak with nine wins and a program-record 19 over two seasons—just misses the Top 25, landing fourth-most votes among non-TOP-25 teams. And here’s the twist: head coach Bret Bielema won’t be voting this year—he’s opted out. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/df25fcb7a22decab