What a difference a week makes.
During Week 4 of the 2025 college football season, Illinois football fans probably felt that their College Football Playoff chances went up in smoke. In Week 5, the same Fighting Illini fans stormed the field at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois.
Illinois, which was ranked No. 8 in the US LBM Coaches Poll entering Week 4, was blown out 63-10 by No. 17 Indiana last week on Sept. 20. The Fighting Illini totaled just 161 total yards in the loss to the Hoosiers.
On Sept. 27, Illinois’ offense finished with 502 total yards in the win over the Trojans.
Illinois fans rushing the field follows a trend during the 2025 season. Virginia rushed the field in emphatic fashion on Friday, Sept. 26, following a win over Florida State.
Does the Big Ten fine teams for rushing the field?
No, unlike the SEC, Big 12 and ACC, there is no fine in place for fans who rush the field in the Big Ten. According to an ESPN article from Feb. 26, 2024, the Big Ten does have ‘punishments’ in place for such events.
‘• Big Ten: A discretionary fine can result on a third offense for failure to ‘provide adequate security for visiting teams from their arrival for a game through their departure.’ There is a private reprimand for a first offense; a public reprimand for second.’