#17 Illinois vs UT Rio Grande Valley – Monday, November 24
Another around .500 team last season, UT Rio Grande Valley won a total of 16 games. This should be another victory in easy fashion, as Illinois heads into a tough stretch of the schedule.
- Final: Illinois 101 – UT Rio Grande Valley 65 (W) (6-1 overall, 0-0 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois vs #4 UConn – Friday, November 28
UConn returns nearly all of their top playmakers from last season. I think Solo Ball could be on the short list for best player in college basketball. The Huskies are probably national title favorites right now. This game is in Madison Square Garden in New York, so that provides another challenge for the Illini. This could be a tough outing.
- Final: Illinois 78 – UConn 85 (L) (6-2 overall, 0-0 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois vs #18 Tennessee – Saturday, December 6
A week after the tough UConn game in New York, Illinois heads to Nashville for a “Neutral” game against Tennessee. I think this is a depleted Vols program, but they did reload a bit in the offseason. They lost their top four scorers from last season, and that will hurt. Illinois has already played some tough teams leading up to this game, and I think we know what it will take to get past Tennessee.
- Final: Illinois 81 – Tennessee 70 (W) (7-2 overall, 0-0 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois at Ohio State – Tuesday, December 9
Ohio State should be a better team this season than the 17 wins we saw last year. Their top players are back in the fold, and this is a road game, the final of a three-game road trip for Illinois. The Illini might be pretty tired by then, and it is only a few days after the Tennessee game. Look for Illinois to potentially struggle in this contest.
- Final: Illinois 70 – Ohio State 82 (L) (7-3 overall, 0-1 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois vs Nebraska – Saturday, December 13
I think there is a strong chance Nebraska takes a step back this season. They lost their top two players from a 21-win team in 2024-25. Illinois can struggle against the Cornhuskers, but this game is at home, and Illinois is coming off a loss. Look for a nice rebound game.
- Final: Illinois 84 – Nebraska 65 (W) (8-3 overall, 1-1 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois vs Missouri – Monday, December 22
The yearly Braggin’ Rights game should be interesting. Missouri returns Mark Mitchell, and he has talent through the roof. Their depth isn’t great, though. Illinois has the size to really give the Tigers trouble. Look for this to be another victory in this fun game.
- Final Illinois 78 – Missouri 65 (W) (9-3 overall, 1-1 Big Ten)