The Illinois basketball season tips off on Monday, November 3, at home against Jackson State.
I can’t believe the season is actually starting. This is a newer Illini squad, but you will still see some of the familiar faces from last season.
Kylan Boswell will be a main cog in the Illinois offense and defense once again. Big man Tomislav Ivisic will also be gliding up and down the court. But the new names are what should get you pumped for the potential of the 2025-26 campaign.
Here is the game-by-game prediction for the Illinois basketball 2025-26 season
#17 Illinois vs Jackson State – Monday, November 3
Jackson State was a below-average team last season, winning just 16 games. Illinois might not be at full strength yet for this contest, but we should be able to put the Tigers away easily.
- Final: Illinois 86 – Jackson State 50 (W) (1-0 overall, 0-0 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois vs Florida Gulf Coast – Friday, November 7
This isn’t your Florida Gulf Coast of 10 years ago. They are a decent team, but they only managed to win 19 games last season. Much like the Jackson State contest, Illinois shouldn’t have a problem here despite likely missing a piece or two.
- Final: Illinois 92 – Florida Gulf Coast 66 (W) (2-0 overall, 0-0 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois vs #10 Texas Tech – Tuesday, November 11
This game all depends on if Illinois is healthy. It is being played in Champaign, so that helps greatly. Texas Tech returns JT Toppin, who could end up being the best player in basketball. They did lose two out of their top three scorers, though. I think, just because it is a home game, Illinois still manages to come away with the win.
- Final: Illinois 87 – Texas Tech 82 (W) (3-0 overall, 0-0 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois vs Colgate – Friday, November 14
Colgate is a bad team. They registered 14 wins last season, and Illinois shouldn’t play with our food here. Put the toothpaste back in the tube and move on.
- Final: Illinois 98 – Colgate 58 (W) (4-0 overall, 0-0 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois vs #15 Alabama – Wednesday, November 19
Alabama lost some big pieces like Mark Sears and Grant Nelson, but they do have some good returning pieces, and they loaded up in the transfer portal. I think the Crimson Tide is going to be ranked No. 1 at some point this season. They have a stacked roster. This game is up in Chicago on a Wednesday, too. I think it will be close, but I have Illinois losing this contest.
- Final: Illinois 81 – Alabama 91 (L) (4-1 overall, 0-0 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois vs Long Island – Saturday, November 22
Illinois gets a chance to rebound in a big way against Long Island. The Sharks won 17 games last season, and they shouldn’t be a problem for Illinois in 2025-26.
- Final: Illinois 80 – Long Island 42 (W) (5-1 overall, 0-0 Big Ten)