Champaign, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY) – The Illinois football team has climbed to #25 in the USA TODAY US LBM Coaches Poll, marking a strong national showing despite recent setbacks. The Illini (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten) dropped out of the Associated Press Top 25 after 12 straight weeks but sit just one spot outside the AP rankings this week.

Illinois has faced one of the toughest schedules in the country — ranked #4 nationally and #1 in the Big Ten by ESPN. Their only two losses have come at the hands of top-3 undefeated teams: #1 Ohio State and #3 Indiana.

The Illini also boast a signature win over USC, who is now ranked #20, and two nonconference wins over undefeated conference leaders: Duke (ACC) and Western Michigan (MAC).

Quarterback Luke Altmyer has emerged as a national standout, ranking sixth in passing yards and top ten in both completion percentage and efficiency.

Illinois enters a bye week before traveling to Washington on Oct. 25. The Huskies are currently just behind the Illini in the AP poll’s “receiving votes” category.