Illinois 2023 Future Odds: National Championship, Conference, Regular Season Wins and Player Props

Several key pieces from the nation’s top-ranked defense are back, giving the Illinois Fighting Illini legitimate reason to be excited about 2023. The Big Ten is loaded, but the Fighting Illini proved last year that they belong in the mix.

We break down some key 2023 Fighting Illini stats in our team preview.

Illinois At A Glance

Changes Abound for Fighting Illini

The Fighting Illini are in good hands under head coach Bret Bielema. That said, Bielema has his work cut out for him. He is tasked with replicating the formula that worked so well in 2022 when the Fighting Illini went 8-5 and led the nation in scoring defense (12.7 PPG). They made the ReliaQuest Bowl, losing 19-10 to Mississippi State, per college football scores. Defensive coordinator Ryan Walters left to coach rival Purdue, and defensive backs Devon Witherspoon, Jartavius Martin, and Sydney Brown were taken in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft. Chase Brown, the nation’s fourth-leading rusher (1,643 yards), is also gone.

Ole Miss transfer Luke Altmyer is expected to replace Tommy DeVito at quarterback, hoping to build on the potential he showed as a backup to Matt Corral. Altmyer has a legitimate No. 1 receiver in Isaiah Williams, who was 15th nationally with 82 receptions, and an experienced offensive line. Defensive tackles Johnny Newton and Keith Randolph Jr. are also back, hoping to solidify their status as Day 1 or Day 2 NFL picks.

There’s an abundance of talent, but Bielema now needs to make it fit. That can be easier said than done, especially in the loaded Big Ten. But clearly, the Fighting Illini are no longer a pushover. They’re due for some quality 2023 Fighting Illini stats.

National Championship Odds: It’s Unlikely. Highly, Highly Unlikely

So, you’re saying there’s a chance? Well, sort of. But in all seriousness, don’t bet on it. Without a proven commodity at quarterback, it’s hard to see the Fighting Illini winning the Big Ten, let alone making the College Football Playoff. They’re shaping up to be a middle-of-the-pack Big Ten team, which in reality is quite good considering where they have been over the last few decades.

Ohio State is a legitimate national title contender. So, too, is Michigan. But Illinois? No.

Conference Odds: Fighting Illini on the Upswing

Last season, Illinois started 4-1 in Big Ten play before losing to Michigan State, Purdue, and Michigan. Still, they managed to finish second in the Big Ten West. Without much separating them and West’s favorite Wisconsin, they’ll likely be in the mix again.

Ohio State (+160) and Michigan (+180) remain the heavy Big Ten favorites, with Penn State (+600) and Wisconsin (+650) also in the mix. The Fighting Illini are a +4000 longshot, up slightly from +5000.

Regular Season Wins: Expectations Continue to Rise

The Fighting Illini crushed expectations in 2022, covering 4.5 wins with room to spare. It was their third straight year (second under Bielema) hitting the Over. Illinois is now up to 6.5 wins this preseason, with juice significantly shaded toward the Under.

Illinois’ college football schedule is undoubtedly tough. The Fighting Illini are currently a healthy 10.5-point favorite for the Sept. 2 opener against Toledo. Their non-conference slate also includes Kansas and Florida Atlantic, with the Big Ten opener against Penn State sandwiched between on Sept. 16.

While the Big Ten is always daunting, the Fighting Illini won’t have to worry about playing either Ohio State or Michigan. Penn State and Wisconsin (Oct. 21) are both at home, and the Fighting Illini have to travel to Iowa on Nov. 18. Regardless, they should post strong 2023 Fighting Illini stats and finish right around their projected total.

To Make Playoffs: Not Under Consideration … For Now

Can the Fighting Illini sneak into the CFP? At the moment, it’s relatively unlikely. Success has been sparse. The Fighting Illini’s last BCS appearance was in 2007 when they went 9-4 under Ron Zook and were blown out by USC in the Rose Bowl. They’ve finished with a winning record just three times since then.

The Fighting Illini made big strides under Bielema in 2022, cracking the CFP rankings for the first time in program history. They finished 26th in the final Sagarin College Football rankings. While they eventually faded, it was a reminder of what was possible.

For college football betting news, odds, analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads.

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