Duke and No. 11 Illinois will both face their first major test of the 2025 college football season in Week 2.
The Fighting Illini are dark-horse College Football Playoff contenders, but they face a talented Blue Devils team eager to upset the odds. Our Duke vs. Illinois preview has the latest grades, information, and predictions ahead of kickoff.
Duke vs. Illinois Details
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Game Time: Noon ET
Location: Wallace Wade Stadium | Durham, N.C.
Predicted Weather at Kick: 90°, sunshine and clouds, 8 mph winds
How to Watch: ESPN, ESPN App
Duke vs. Illinois Head-to-Head Record
Duke and Illinois will meet for the third time in Week 2, with the series tied at one win apiece. However, the last time the two schools played requires deep diving into the history books.
The first game between the programs occurred in October 1958, with the Blue Devils defeating the Fighting Illini 15-13 in a close victory in Durham. The second meeting occurred in Champaign, Illinois, in 1965, where Illinois defeated Duke 28-14.
Duke vs. Illinois Grades
Below are the latest PFSN grades for teams and players participating in Duke vs. Illinois. The grades are taken from both teams’ Week 1 matchup.
PFSN College OFFi
- Duke (85.98, B)
- Illinois (87.88, B+)
PFSN College DEFi
- Duke (80.32, B-)
- Illinois (88.25, B+)
PFSN College OLi
- Duke (69.64, D+)
- Illinois (65.74, D)
PFSN College QBi
- Darian Mensah, Duke (73.6, C)
- Luke Altmyer, Illinois (76.0, C)
PFSN College RBi
- Duke (N/A)
- Illinois (N/A)
PFSN College WRi
- Cooper Barkate, Duke (77.03, C+)
- Illinois (N/A)
PFSN College TEi
- Jeremiah Hasley, Duke (69.44, D+)
- Tanner Arkin, Illinois (71.92)
PFSN College EDGEi
- Vincent Anthony Jr., Duke (73.1, C)
- Gabe Jacas, Illinois (70.42, C-)
PFSN College DTi
- Aaron Hall, Duke (77.59, C+)
- James Thompson Jr., Illinois (80.35, B-)
PFSN College LBi
- Tre Freeman, Duke (70.54, C-)
- Dylan Rosiek, Illinois (76.07, C)
PFSN College CBi
- Duke (N/A)
- Illinois (N/A)
PFSN College SAFi
- Caleb Weaver, Duke (76.62, C)
- Miles Scott, Illinois (83.98, B)
Duke vs. Illinois Prediction
Duke and Illinois enter Week 2 following comprehensive victories in their season openers, and both teams face their first real test of the season Saturday.
According to DraftKings, Illinois is a three-point favorite on the road and enters with a greater pedigree. Bret Bielema’s side is ranked 11th in the Week 2 AP poll, returns significant talent on both sides of the ball, and has a manageable schedule.
Luke Altmyer was among the top 25 returning college football quarterbacks heading into the season, carrying an 80.3 (B-) 2024 PFSN quarterback index grade. He will need to be at his best if the Fighting Illini are to defeat Duke and fulfill their aspirations of finishing the season ranked in the top 10.
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Illinois linebacker Gabe Jacas has also started the season strong, recording two sacks in the season opener against Western Illinois. The standout edge rusher recorded eight sacks during the 2024 season and aims to surpass that total in his senior year.
Meanwhile, the Blue Devils are confident they can cause an upset and beat a ranked opponent after a 45-17 victory over Elon. Under HC Manny Diaz, Duke has improved and even received votes in the preseason AP Top 25 poll. This is the statement victory the second-year head coach needs.
Transfer Blue Devils QB Darian Mensah started the season hot, throwing for 389 yards and three touchdowns, but it is in tight power conference games like this that he will really earn his healthy NIL package.
However, the Blue Devils will be unhappy to concede 17 points to an FCS team. They will need to considerably increase their defensive firepower to overcome an experienced and physical 11th-ranked Illinois team.
Prediction: Illinois 24, Duke 17