For the last six seasons, well technically seven seasons, but the 2020 NCAA Tournament doesn't really count since it was cancelled, Brad Underwood has led Illinois to March Madness. Only once in the last six seasons has Underwood and the Fighting Illini gotten out in the first round. Illinois has dropped a game in the Round of 32 three times, made the Elite Eight once, and last season made his first ever Final Four.
It was a magical season for Illinois, which was led by talented freshman Keaton Wagler, but also talented transfer Andrej Stojaković. Underwood and his squad made the Final Four and were just nine points short of making it to the National Championship game for the first time since 2005. It would have been the first of Underwood's career, and the Final Four loss has awakened something in the long-time head coach.
In a media session during summer workouts, Underwood kept his goals for next season, and at Illinois in general, short and to the point: he wants a title win.
"I'm looking for the next step," Underwood said. "National championship, that's the goal."
Brad Underwood: “I’m looking for the next step. National championship, that’s the goal.” pic.twitter.com/f5EZReQzO1
— Glenn Kinley (@glenn_kinley) June 30, 2026
Illinois has one of its best chances to bring a championship back to Champaign
While Wagler decided to declare for the 2026 NBA Draft after one of the best freshman seasons in Illinois' history, the Fighting Illini are still one of the biggest contenders next season. Wagler went No. 5 overall to the L.A. Clippers, but Stojaković is staying in Champaign for another season and could be the focal point of this team.
Stojaković was the second leading scorer behind Wagler, averaging 13.5 points per game, but fellow returner David Mirkovic was close behind with 13.3 points per game and also a team-leading 8.0 rebounds per game. While Illinois lost its main ball-handler in Walger, who averaged 4.2 assists per game, five-star freshman Quentin Coleman brings excellent facilitating talent.
Don't forget about transfer Stefan Vaaks and Tomislav Ivisic, who was with Illinois last season, either. With this kind of starting lineup, Michigan losing Dusty May last week, and Michigan State historically struggling to make it past the Sweet 16, Illinois could be the Big Ten favorite next season.
As of right now, Illinois has the fourth-best odds to win it all next season, behind Duke, Florida, and UConn, with Michigan nipping at the Fighting Illini's heels. Underwood proved that he can recruit in the last few seasons, finding a diamond in three-star recruit Wagler, and his international recruiting has been one of the best in college basketball. So, a national championship certainly isn't out of the question.
Underwood could have his best shot at a title this season, and it feels a little like National Championship or bust for Illinois. With the right pieces, like what Underwood has right now, this team could truly go the distance and do more than just have a Final Four appearance. They could be cutting the nets down a few times this upcoming season if they play it right.
Add us as a preferred source on Google