Illinois vs Maryland head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 9, Saturday, October 31, 2026.
The Breakdown
Dead even on paper at 60 apiece; Katin Houser's four college years is the tiebreaker.
When Illinois has the ball: Maryland's 3.3★ secondary holds the edge over a 2.7★ receiver room led by 3★ Collin Dixon.
When Maryland has the ball: 4★ Dejuan Williams runs at Illinois' 3.3★ linebackers — the biggest single edge on the field.
Swing factor: Both quarterbacks 4★, but Houser has four college years to Malik Washington's one. Experience decides.
X-factor: Halloween Saturday in College Park, Week 9 — Maryland's home crowd against a traveling Illini team.