In the past, I have voted for Illinois in my Associated Press Top 25. But it has been awhile.
Back in 2011, when Ron Zook's team opened 6-0, it climbed as high as No. 17 on my ballot.
Even after its first loss, against Ohio State, Illinois remained No. 22 in my poll.
But by Oct. 23, after a second consecutive loss, the Illini were gone. And haven't returned since.
That's almost seven seasons of being unranked. During that time, Illinois has fired three coaches and won eight conference games.
The preseason AP Top 25 was released Monday morning.