EA Sports' 'College Football 26' Simulates Illinois vs. Western Illinois

Week 1 simulation: Illinois vs. Western Illinois

Like most experts across the country, EA Sports expects Illinois to roll past Western Illinois in convincing fashion. But that wasn't nearly enough detail for us. What's the margin of victory? Who delivered the big plays? Here’s how our simulation unfolded, quarter by quarter:

(Disclaimer: Western Illinois is categorized as an FCS Midwest program by CFB 26.)

First quarter

After Illinois received the opening kickoff, offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. wasted no time putting the ball in quarterback Luke Altmyer’s hands, scripting pass plays to get him into rhythm. The plan worked perfectly: Altmyer capped off the season’s first drive with a touchdown strike to transfer wideout Hudson Clement, who some believe could be Illinois’ most effective newcomer this year.

From there, Western Illinois struggled to find its footing, punting after a pair of quick three-and-outs that gifted the Illini favorable field position. But while Illinois consistently drove into Leathernecks territory, the offense couldn’t fully capitalize. Promising drives stalled near the red zone, forcing the Illini to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns.

End of first quarter: Illinois 13, Western Illinois 0

Second quarter

Western Illinois finally showed some life to open the second quarter, piecing together a sustained drive that pushed deep into Illinois territory. But the Illini defense slammed the door: a sack on third down snuffed out the threat, forcing the Leathernecks to settle for a field goal.

Illinois answered with a statement drive of its own, shifting gears to a ground-heavy attack. Running back Aidan Laughery carved up the defense with chunk runs, while Altmyer kept them honest by scrambling for extra yards when plays broke down. Fittingly, Laughery capped the march with his first touchdown of the season.

After another short Leathernecks possession, the Illini offense went right back to work. Mixing power runs with timely passes, they moved the ball at will before Altmyer finished it off himself, plunging across the goal line on a sneak to send Illinois into the locker room with a commanding halftime lead.

Halftime: Illinois 27, Western Illinois 3

Third quarter

The second half opened with both offenses stuck in neutral and trading punts, as neither side could generate much rhythm. With the quarter winding down, though, Altmyer found a spark again, stringing together a couple of completions to jump-start the Illini attack. He capped the drive with a perfectly timed screen to Laughery, who followed his blockers and sprinted into the end zone for his second touchdown of the day.

Third quarter: Illinois 34, Western Illinois 3

Fourth quarter

Illinois wasted little time extending its lead in the fourth quarter, as power back Kaden Feagin bulldozed his way into the end zone for another touchdown. After yet another quick three-and-out from the Leathernecks, the Illini offense struck again: Altmyer orchestrated a crisp drive and connected with receiver Collin Dixon for a touchdown that effectively sealed the game. From there, both teams turned to their reserves, and the clock ticked down on a dominant Illinois victory.

Final score: Illinois 48, Western Illinois 3

Illinois on SI take

Western Illinois isn’t exactly a powerhouse opponent capable of truly testing Illinois, but for Bielema’s squad, the 2025 opener will be about setting the tone and proving this team is about more than preseason hype. A dominant, 45-point victory, coupled with never letting the Leathernecks hang around, would be more than enough to satisfy Illini fans. If the real-world opener is similar to the sim, it’s the kind of start everyone around Champaign would gladly welcome.