#17 Illinois vs Southern – Monday, December 29
Despite Southern being the SWAC regular season champs last season, the Jaguars aren’t that good. Illinois has the firepower to put Southern away early, and this should be a nice tune-up heading into the full Big Ten slate.
- Final: Illinois 98 – Southern 62 (W) (10-3 overall, 1-1 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois at Penn State – Saturday, January 3
Penn State lost so much talent from the 16-win team last season. They do have a great freshman in Kayden Mingo, who could win the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award. But if you have a freshman leading a squad that struggles with talent, that is a recipe for a bad season.
- Final: Illinois 88 – Penn State 68 (W) (11-3 overall, 2-1 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois vs Rutgers – Thursday, January 8
There is a pretty good chance that Rutgers is the worst team in the Big Ten this season. They lost their top three players, and they were the only good players on the team. Don’t be shocked if the Scarlet Knights finish with fewer than 12 wins this season.
- Final: Illinois 78 – Rutgers 55 (W) (12-3 overall, 3-1 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois at Iowa – Sunday, January 11
I was shocked by how bad Iowa was last season. They cleaned house, and all of their good talent transferred. They are in for a rough 2025-26 campaign. I fully expect the Hawkeyes to be down there with Rutgers at the bottom of the conference.
- Final: Illinois 85 – Iowa 60 (W) (13-3 overall, 4-1 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois at Northwestern – Wednesday, January 14
Northwestern is a pretty top-heavy team this season. They return Nick Martinelli, who is a thorn in Illinois’ side. That is pretty much all the Wildcats have, though. They did add Phoenix Gill, the son of former Illini great Kendall Gill. But he probably won’t be able to save Northwestern.
- Final: Illinois 73 – Northwestern 65 (W) (14-3 overall, 5-1 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois vs Minnesota – Saturday, January 17
Illinois gets the easiest start to a Big Ten schedule I have ever seen. I think Minnesota is going to be another train wreck of a team this season, as they lost all of their top talent from a .500 squad. Look for the Golden Gophers to be at the bottom of the Big Ten once again.
- Final: Illinois 86 – Minnesota 60 (W) (15-3 overall, 6-1 Big Ten)