Purdue Beats Illinois to End Big Ten Losing Streak

Purdue beat Illinois 24-17 in Champaign, earning its first Big Ten victory since 2023, ending a 10-game conference losing streak and reclaiming the Cannon. Ryan Browne, who narrowly missed a breakthrough at the same venue in his first collegiate start in 2024, led the Boilermakers to victory. Illinois struggled to move the offense, and defensive issues persisted despite the recent departure of coordinator Bobby Hauck. Coach Bret Bielema said the team had responded well to a turbulent week but was disappointed by the loss.