College football: Live updates, highlights of Illinois Fighting Illini vs Purdue
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
CHAMPAIGN — The Illinois Fighting Illini football team is looking to recover in Week 5 against Big Ten foe Purdue.
Illinois will try to put a 42-19 loss to Ohio State behind it and focus on attacking Purdue, which comes attached with the worst-ranked defense in the conference.
But that has added up to a surprise so far, as Purdue built a 13-0 lead in the first half and still leads, 13-7, in the third quarter.
The Boilermakers have lost 19 consecutive Big Ten Conference games.
The Illini are 2-2 overall, 0-1 in the Big Ten. Purdue is 1-3, 0-1.
It's homecoming weekend for Illinois, which is wearing all orange.
The Journal Star brings you a recap, scores and highlights from the Illinois-Purdue game. Check below for all our updates:
What Illinois coach Bret Bielema said before Purdue
What channel is the Illinois-Purdue football game on?
The game is airing on the Big Ten Network. Check your provider to see if the channel is carried. Streaming options include FUBO (free trial).
Who is the broadcast crew for Illinois-Purdue?
Play-by-play: Chris Vosters.
Analyst: Anthony Herron.
Sideline reporter: Dannie Rogers.
What is the weather forecast for Purdue at Illinois football?
For Saturday, Oct. 2, in Champaign, Illinois: Temperature expected at 71 at kickoff. Chance of rain 20-50% late afternoon. Wind 9-10 mph.
What to know about Illinois vs. Purdue football
◾The Fighting Illini trail the all-time series with Purdue, 48-47-6.
◾The game is played for The Cannon Trophy, a rivalry prize that goes to the winner each year.
◾Illini WR Collin Dixon is tied for the national lead in receiving touchdowns (7) with Rutgers' KJ Duff and Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith. He is also seventh in the nation and third in the Big Ten in receptions (30), seventh in the nation and third in the Big Ten in receiving yards (430), and seventh in the nation in total touchdowns (7).
◾Illini WR Hudson Clement has caught a pass in 31 straight games, the fifth-longest active streak in the nation.
◾Illinois QB Katin Houser ranks fourth in the nation in ESPN's QBR metric (89.6), behind only Darian Mensah (Miami), Julian Sayin (OSU), and Gunner Stockton (Georgia).
Illinois vs. Purdue predictions
Illinois 45, Purdue 24: The Purdue defense is the worst in the Big Ten, allowing nearly 40 points per game. Ohio State held Fighting Illini star receiver Collin Dixon in check last week, so he's due for a big bounce-back game and this is the right matchup for it. The Illinois defensive coordinator is gone, but the 3-3-5 defense is not, and with a lineup thin at defensive line, Purdue should be able to score points, too. Purdue feels like the right team, right time, on the schedule, though, for an Illini group traumatized by Jeremiah Smith last weekend. To the victor goes the rivalry trophy, The Cannon. — Dave Eminian
Illinois 35, Purdue 21: Illinois and Purdue are meeting for the 77th time with The Cannon rivalry trophy on the line. The Fighting Illini will be doing so under a new defensive coordinator after Bobby Hauck parted ways with the program on Sunday, Sept. 27. Illinois will also look to rebound after seeing Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith catch 12 balls for 217 yards and four touchdowns last week. Illini WR Collin Dixon remains dangerous with seven receiving TDs this season. The Boilermakers have played a tough early-season schedule, facing Wake Forest (receiving votes), No. 23 UCLA and No. 3 Notre Dame over the last three weeks. Purdue running back Fame Ijeboi has six rushing touchdowns on 67 carries with only 289 yards. — Adam Duvall
Illinois vs Purdue odds
The betting lines for the Illinois-Purdue game, as of Monday, Sept. 28, 2026 Vegas Insider.
Point spread: Illinois by 10.5.
Over-under total: 61.5 points
Money line: Purdue +315. Illinois -410.
Perspective
05:58 PM ET, October 3 2026, Dave Eminian
Purdue has lost 19 consecutive Big Ten Conference games.
Who's running the defense?
05:54 PM ET, October 3 2026, Dave Eminian
In the wake of Illinois defensive coordinator Bobby Houck's departure after last week's loss at Ohio State, the Illini had a new man at the helm Saturday against Purdue.
Illinois inside linebacker's coach Roger Cooper took over as defensive signal caller.
How 13-7 happened
05:52 PM ET, October 3 2026, Dave Eminian
The Illini looked on their way to a 13-0 shutout at halftime.
But they got on the board with 21 seconds left in the half when quarterback Katin Houser found receiver Collin Dixon for a seven-yard TD pass.
It's the eighth TD catch of the season for Dixon.
Purdue got a pair of field goals from Jacobo Echeverria Lozano and 21-yard TD catch from receiver Tra'mar Harris to build a 13-0 lead.
HALFTIME: Purdue 13, Illinois 7
05:45 PM ET, October 3 2026, Dave Eminian
Illini stunned at home right now.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: College football: Live updates, highlights of Illinois Fighting Illini vs Purdue
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos