Illinois Fighting Illini

The Illinois Fighting Illini represent the University of Illinois, competing in the Big Ten Conference from Memorial Stadium in Champaign, home to the largest scoreboard in college football. The Illini embody Midwest toughness with a program that has produced legendary defensive players and memorable upsets. Illinois competes in the Big Ten West with the Land of Lincoln Trophy game against Northwestern defining the rivalry calendar. The Orange and Blue have experienced resurgent periods under Ron Zook and Bret Bielema. Illini fans bring Big Ten passion to a stadium that has hosted some of the conference's most memorable games.

Illinois football began in 1890, and the program claimed five national championships in the early and mid-20th century under Bob Zuppke and others. Red Grange, the 'Galloping Ghost,' revolutionized the sport in the 1920s. Dick Butkus and Ray Nitschke are among the greatest linebackers in football history. The 2007 team reached the Rose Bowl. The rivalry with Northwestern dates to 1892. Illinois' identity as a program that produces legendary defensive players has endured. The Illini's combination of agricultural and engineering excellence with football tradition reflects the land-grant university's mission.