Sangamon Sun

Illinois College’s football team has been projected to finish tied for third place in the 2025 Midwest Conference preseason coaches’ poll, according to an announcement made by the league.

Monmouth was selected as the favorite to win the conference, receiving 78 points. Lake Forest followed with 75 points. Illinois College and the University of Chicago each received 61 points, placing them in a tie for third position.

The Blueboys are coming off a strong season, finishing with an overall record of 8-2 and a conference record of 7-2 during the 2024 campaign. Head Coach Ray DeFrisco is set to begin his tenth year leading the program. The team will return several all-conference players: Cam Dailey at linebacker, Malik Byndom at defensive back, Tanner Spencer at running back, and Drake Stuart at linebacker.

Illinois College will start its season on Thursday, September 4th, hosting Greenville at England Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Cornell was ranked fifth in the poll with 51 points. The rest of the rankings include Ripon (42), Knox (30), Grinnell (27), Beloit (15), and Lawrence (10).