(WAND) – Illinois football is ranked just outside the top 25 at No. 29 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll.
Eight other Big Ten schools are ranked in the top 25, with Ohio State leading the pack at No. 1.
Oregon (No. 2) and defending national champion Indiana (No. 6) were the only other conference schools placed in the top 10.
Illinois will face the Buckeyes and Ducks later on this season, in September and October, respectively.
The Fighting Illini finished No. 25 in the final US LBM Coaches Poll following a 9-4 season, highlighted by a Music City Bowl win over Tennessee.
The full poll is available online.
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