#17 Illinois vs Maryland – Wednesday, January 21
Illinois usually struggles against Maryland, but this is a different Terrapins squad. They are trying to replace a couple of NBA players, but they didn’t do a great job of that in the offseason. Maryland is definitely going to take a step back this season and be on the bubble, at best.
- Final: Illinois 77 – Maryland 61 (W) (16-3 overall, 7-1 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois at #1 Purdue – Saturday, January 24
And here is the first huge game of what will be a gauntlet finish to the Big Ten season. Purdue won 24 games last season and got to the Sweet 16, where they nearly knocked off Houston. The Boilermakers return all of the important pieces from that team, and they enter 2025-26 as the No. 1 team in the country. Going on the road against an experienced team like Purdue will be tough.
- Final: Illinois 69 – Purdue 75 (L) (16-4 overall, 7-2 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois vs Washington – Thursday, January 29
Washington was the worst team in the Big Ten last season, and while they might be able to get off the mat in 2025-26, they should still be pretty bad. The Huskies have to travel to Illinois for this game, so it should be a nice rebound for the Illini.
- Final: Illinois 81 – Washington 62 (W) (17-4 overall, 8-2 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois at Nebraska – Sunday, February 1
I have Illinois beating Nebraska soundly at home, but Big Ten road games are always tough. The Cornhuskers always seem to play us close, and this one will be no exception. Look for Nebraska to hang with us until the end, but Illinois should be able to emerge victoriously.
- Final: Illinois 67 – Nebraska 65 (W) (18-4 overall, 9-2 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois vs Northwestern – Wednesday, February 4
After taking down Northwestern on the road, the Wildcats travel to Champaign in February. The Wildcats just don’t have enough firepower to handle Illinois. In both games, they will keep up, but at some point, the depth will get the best of Northwestern.
- Final: Illinois 76 – Northwestern 63 (W) (19-4 overall, 10-2 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois at #22 Michigan State – Saturday, February 7
Michigan State was at the top of the Big Ten last season. They made it all the way to the Elite 8, too. This team was hit with departures, though. Their top three scorers are all gone. They also lost some depth in the transfer portal. The additions for the Spartans are nothing to write home about either. I like Illinois’ chances of a tough road win.
- Final: Illinois 71 – Michigan State 66 (W) (20-4 overall, 11-2 Big Ten)