CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Illinois football earned its first College Football Playoff ranking of the season Tuesday night, coming in at No. 21 after winning seven of its first ten games. The Illini strengthen their national résumé with a key victory over USC, which sits at No. 15 in the same rankings.

Illinois’ three losses have all come against top-tier programs — No. 1 Ohio State, No. 2 Indiana, and Washington.

Quarterback Luke Altmyer has played a major role in Illinois’ climb. He ranks among the nation’s best in multiple categories, including passing efficiency (11th), completion percentage (15th), and touchdown passes (15th). He also becomes the first quarterback in program history to throw 20 or more touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

This marks Illinois’ seventh appearance in the CFP rankings since the system began in 2014, with four of those coming last year on the way to a Citrus Bowl victory.

The Illini now turn their attention to a road test at Wisconsin. Kickoff is set for Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on Big Ten Network.