Courtesy of University of Illinois Athletics

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Fighting Illini are Cheez-It Citrus Bowl champions.

With the win, the Orange and Blue picked up their 10th triumph of the 2024 campaign, equaling the program single-season record and securing 10 victories for the first time since 2001.

Mounting their FBS-leading fifth fourth-quarter comeback of the year, the Illini took the lead with 7:29 remaining, forced a turnover on downs with just over three minutes to go, and then ran out the clock on their ensuing possession.

Named the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl MVP, Josh McCray recorded his third multi-touchdown game of the season, finishing with two rushing scores while posting 13 carries for 114 yards. His two touchdowns marked his ninth and 10th such scores during the 2024 campaign, which rank eighth-most in a single season in program history.

The 2024 Illinois squad finish with a 10-3 record and are now the fifth team in program history to earn 10 wins in a season, joining the 1902, 1983, 1989, 2001 teams. The Orange and Blue posted their first-ever victory over an SEC opponent en route to their fourth ranked triumph of the year, tying the record for the most in a single campaign in program history.