Can't Wait For Saturday ESPN's long-term rankings project Illinois in middle of Power Four
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Jun. 10—***
The start of the college football season is less than three months away. The smart folks at will help fill the time with all sorts of analysis on the upcoming campaign.
But the network goes a step further with an annual feature that is one of my favorites. A piece that will take me a while to read later today.
The site ranks the near future of every Power Four program through 2027, Going from bottom to top.
Programs are evaluated based on roster management, quarterback outlook, offensive and defensive line play, star power and coaching staff,
Checking in last at No. 68: Boston College. Not a lot of love for Bill O'Brien, who had previous head coaching jobs in the NFL and at Penn State. Chestnut Hill is more of a challenge.
The lowest-rated Big Ten team comes next, Purdue. Having the national champion in the same state can't be easy for Barry Odom. But everyone knew Purdue is not a one-year renovation.
I'll skip ahead to the team I have covered since 1989. Illinois is ranked No. 30, above the halfway point in the field. The team was No.17 in the previous future power rankings.
Transfer quarterback Katin Houser is considered a positive for the program in 2026 with a to-be-determined quarterback in '27.
The offensive line is considered a positive for the next two seasons while the defensive line needs more answers.
Defensive backs Xavier Scott and Matt Bailey and mentioned for their star power. Both could have turned pro but decided on one more college season
The site has generally been kind to Bret Bielema over the years and that is again the case. The change at defensive coordinator with Bobby Hauck taking over for Aaron Henry is mentioned.
About No. 1 … that would be Notre Dame, which is listed just ahead of Ohio State, Texas, Oregon and Georgia. Indiana is No. 7.
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