The Fighting Illini secured the Land of Lincoln Trophy with a hard-fought 20-13 victory over Northwestern at Gies Memorial Stadium. Illinois used a balanced attack with rushing touchdowns from Ca'Lil Valentine and Kaden Feagin, plus two clutch field goals from David Olano to maintain their lead. The Wildcats kept it close with Preston Stone finding Hayden Eligon II for a second-quarter score, but Illinois's defense held firm in the final quarter to seal the rivalry win.