Illinois vs Washington Prediction, Preview, Line & H2H History

• #23 Illinois battles Washington in a Big Ten showdown with major playoff implications
• The Huskies opened as 4.5-point favorites but have come down to -3 at most books
• Check out the Illinois vs Washington prediction, preview, line and H2H history

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Saturday’s Big Ten clash between #23 Illinois and Washington might be a playoff elimination game. Both teams sit at 5-2, coming off conference losses that left zero margin for error.

The Fighting Illini enjoyed a bye week after falling 34-16 to top-ranked Ohio State. Washington wasn’t so lucky, dropping a 24-7 decision at Michigan last Saturday night.

Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM ET from Husky Stadium in Seattle, with the Big Ten Network providing coverage. Rain is expected, which could play into Illinois’ hands.

Keep reading for my Illinois vs Washington prediction and the latest Week 9 betting line movement.

Illinois vs Washington Prediction

Brady Trettenero

Sports Betting Dime • October 24, 2025 at 10:01pm

Pick

Odds

Under +54.5

Over/Under

CFB • Illinois Fighting Illini @ Washington Huskies

-105 on ESPN BET

SCHEDULED • 10/25/2025

See all 1 picks

Betslip #1761343273016-481c-292

This total is dropping for good reason. Washington games have gone Under in their last four straight, and the weather forecast shows rain throughout the afternoon.

The Huskies managed just 40 rushing yards against Michigan. Their offense completely stalled when Demond Williams Jr. couldn’t get going on the ground. In their two losses, Williams has combined for just 23 yards on 10 carries.

Illinois vs Washington Offensive Stats

Illinois is expected to get Kaden Feagin back from injury. He’s the team’s leading rusher with 338 yards and five touchdowns. His return couldn’t come at a better time against a Washington defense that just got gashed on the ground by the Wolverines for nearly 200 yards at 4.7 yards per carry.

Luke Altmyer has been sharp when he has time. His completion percentage drops from 72.4% when clean to 55.3% under pressure. That’s concerning against a Huskies pass rush with 13 sacks this season.

Fighting Illini vs Huskies Defensive Stats

Both defenses have major issues defending the pass. Illinois ranks 95th nationally, allowing 240 yards per game through the air. The Illini have just two interceptions all season.

But here’s the thing about Saturday’s conditions. Rain changes everything. Husky Stadium in the rain is a different beast, and coach Bret Bielema knows it.

The game has everything you want for an Under. Washington has hit the Under in four straight games overall, four straight in conference play, and four straight on field turf. The total opened at 56 but has dropped to 54.5 at most shops.

Illinois is 5-0 to the Over in their last five road games. But I predict that streak ends Saturday in Seattle’s rain. Neither passing attack will find rhythm in the elements.

Jonah Coleman leads the FBS with 13 scrimmage touchdowns for Washington. He’ll get his touches, but Illinois held opponents to 151 rushing yards or fewer in six of seven games. The exception? That 63-10 disaster at Indiana.

Look for a grind-it-out Big Ten battle. Both teams know a third loss essentially ends playoff hopes. Conservative play-calling and weather conditions should keep this one low-scoring.

• Illinois vs Washington Predicted Score: Washington 24 – Illinois 20
• Illinois vs Washington Pick: Under 54.5 (-110 at Underdog)

Illinois vs Washington Preview

Illinois’ only losses came against the top two teams in the country – Ohio State and Indiana. They fell by a combined 71 points in those games, but remain alive in the playoff conversation.

The bye week helped heal some injuries. Feagin’s return from a sprained AC joint gives the Illini their best red zone weapon back. He has 35 scrimmage touches inside the 20 this season, fourth-most in the FBS.

Kaden Fagen to the house 🔥

The RB takes the screen 64 yards for the @IlliniFootball TD.

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/y9Pigvy3jf

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 27, 2025

Washington started 5-0 before dropping two straight Big Ten games. The offense disappeared against ranked opponents, managing just 234 yards versus Ohio State and 249 against Michigan.

Coach Jedd Fisch blamed the Michigan loss on injuries up front. Starting left tackle Carver Willis and left guard John Mills are both out. The offensive line problems showed, as Washington managed their lowest rushing output of the season.

Demond Williams Jr. needs to run for this offense to work. In five wins, he’s averaging 8 yards per carry with a 78.3 rushing grade. In two losses? Just 2.3 yards per carry with a 54.9 grade.

Demond Williams Jr.
unbelievable talent pic.twitter.com/61phAA17UE

— connor (Deathrow KP) (@keithpricetrut1) August 31, 2025

Altmyer has thrown just one interception all season. His 0.52% interception rate ranks sixth-best in the FBS among quarterbacks with 150-plus attempts. He’s completing 69.2% of his intermediate passes between 10-19 air yards.

Hank Beatty leads Illinois with 617 receiving yards, second-most in the Big Ten. He’s one of seven FBS players since 2016 with passing, rushing, receiving and return touchdowns in a single season.

Denzel Boston has caught six of Washington’s 10 touchdown passes. That 60% share ties for the third-highest among Power Conference receivers. Williams will look his way early and often.

Illinois struggles on third down, converting just 36.7% this season. They rank 17th of 18 Big Ten teams in that category. But they’ve overcome it by scoring 52 points off turnovers, second-most among Power Conference teams.

Washington punted just 13 times all season, tied for fourth-fewest in the FBS. Their offense usually sustains drives, but ranked competition has been their kryptonite.

Illinois vs Washington H2H History

Washington has won four straight meetings dating back to 1971. The Huskies hold a commanding 7-4 edge in the all-time series that dates back to 1950.

Illinois’ lone victory since 1952 came in the 1964 Rose Bowl. The Fighting Illini haven’t won in Seattle since 1951, dropping five straight games in the Emerald City.

Saturday marks the first meeting between these programs as Big Ten counterparts. Conference realignment brings this dormant series back to life with playoff implications on the line.

Illinois vs Washington Lines

Odds as of Friday, October 24 at consensus CFB betting apps. Be sure to browse the best betting sites before locking in your Illinois vs Washington picks.

Washington opened as 5-point favorites before sharp money came in on Illinois to tighten the line. The total has dropped from 56.5 to 54.5, with some shops showing an even 54.

Illinois is 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games overall and 17-5 ATS in their last 22 road games. But Washington is 11-6 straight up against ranked opponents since 2021.

The Under has hit in Washington’s last four games. Weather conditions and playoff pressure should keep this one low-scoring in Seattle.