Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer acknowledges fans in the stands after his team's win over South Carolina in last season’s Citrus Bowl. AP

Expectations are a welcome addition for Illinois football.

The Fighting Illini are ranked No. 12 in The Associated Press preseason poll. That's the highest they've been ranked to begin a campaign since they were No. 11 under John Mackovic in 2010, and it's the first time the Illini have been ranked at all preseason since 2008.

Continuity is the biggest reason Bret Bielema's crew sits in high regard. The Illini return 16 starters and claim to be the only Power 4 team returning its offensive and defensive coordinators, plus the starting quarterback, for a third straight season. The obvious hope is Illinois becomes the Indiana of 2025 and reaches the

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