The 2024 Illinois Fighting Illini football team was an American football team that represented the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as a member of the Big Ten Conference during the 2024 NCAA Division I FBS football season. In their fourth season under head coach Bret Bielema, the Fighting Illini compiled a 10âÂÂ3 record (6âÂÂ3 in conference games), tied for fifth place in the Big Ten, and outscored opponents by a total of 368 to 282. They concluded the season with a 21âÂÂ17 victory over South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl. With their first ten-win season since 2001, the Illini were ranked No. 16 in the final AP and coaches polls.
The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Luke Altmyer (2,717 passing yards), running back Josh McCray (609 rushing yards), wide receiver Pat Bryant (510 receiving yards), kicker David Olano (89 points scored, 38 of 39 extra points, 17 of 20 field goals), and defensive back Matthew Bailey (94 total tackles, 44 solo tackles). Defensive back Xavier Scott had four interceptions and won first-team honors from the media on the 2024 All-Big Ten Conference football team.
The team played its home games at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois.