CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — The ingredients are there for No. 12 Illinois to emerge from years of mediocrity and make a run into the 12-team College Football Playoff.

The Illini flew under the radar on their way to a 10-win season last year — their first since 2001 — and they return 18 starters including star quarterback Luke Altmyer.

The Illini haven’t had two straight winning seasons since they were 7-6 in 2010 and 2011. They haven’t been ranked in the AP preseason poll since 2008, when they were No. 20.

How they handle high expectations for the first time in years could determine their success in 2025.

Coach Bret Bielema, starting his fifth season with the Illini with a new six-year contract, and his players say they welcome the challenge.

“I love the resilience of our team,” Bielema

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