On November 24, 2018, Illinois lost 24-16 to Northwestern to wrap up the 4-8 season. On November 25, Athletic Director Josh Whitman announced an extension to head coach Lovie Smith’s contract via an open letter.
The past season was not what many had hoped. Doubling up the win total from 2017 to 2018 was not as satisfying as it could have been given how bad the defense was and given 46-7 and 63-0 losses to Purdue and Iowa.
The 2019 season offers hope, led by an incoming freshman class Illinois fans have been excited about for well over a year.