It is going to be a fun basketball season to see which program, the men’s or women’s Illinois basketball team, has a better year.
The Illini women start their 2026-27 season with Detroit Mercy on November 4. We are poised for a big season, as we start ranked No. 23 in the AP Top 25.
Shauna Green continues to do wonders with the Orange and Blue. Not only did we bring back nearly everyone from last season, but Illinois also added some quality talent to give this program tremendous depth.
Here is the Illinois basketball game-by-game prediction for the 2026-27 season
#23 Illinois basketball vs. Detroit Mercy – November 4
This is a bad Detroit Mercy squad. They won seven games last season, so I think this could be a pretty ugly contest. With Illinois at full health for the start of the season, give me a blowout win to start 2026-27.
- Final: Illinois 82 – Detroit Mercy 50 (W) (1-0 Overall, 0-0 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball vs. Southern – November 7
Southern shouldn’t be a problem for Illinois despite being a better team than Detroit Mercy. The Jaguars won 20 games and were victorious in the First Four in the NCAA tournament. They were trounced by No. 1 South Carolina, 103-34, though. I expect Illinois to do the same.
- Final: Illinois 91 – Southern 40 (W) (2-0 Overall, 0-0 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball vs. Southeast Missouri State – November 15
The start of the season for Illinois is filled with cupcakes. Southeast Missouri State fits into that billing. They aren’t very good, winning just 14 games last season and finishing below .500 in the Ohio Valley. This team can’t keep up with Illinois’ scoring, and that will show greatly on November 15.
- Final: Illinois 85 – Southeast Missouri State 58 (W) (3-0 Overall, 0-0 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball at Ball State – November 18
Illinois’ first road game of the season is going to be a test. We travel to Muncie, Indiana, to take on Ball State. The Cardinals won 26 games last season and were the MAC regular season champs. Ball State returns two of their top three scorers. This group includes Tessa Towers, who I think will give Cearah Parchment trouble. I believe Illinois is going to have to win this with the backcourt, and we have the depth to smother Ball State. It will be a close contest, though.
- Final: Illinois 69 – Ball State 62 (W) (4-0 Overall, 0-0 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball vs. Marquette – November 27
Marquette is a pretty good squad despite winning just 18 games last season. They still managed to notch 12 wins in the Big East. With that being said, the Golden Eagles lost a ton of talent. Three of their top four scorers are departing, so that leaves a massive hole. I think Illinois’ tremendous depth will suffocate them. I see Illinois holding Marquette to a low number.
- Final: Illinois 71 – Marquette 53 (W) (5-0 Overall, 0-0 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball vs. Saint Joseph’s – November 29
After a quick start for Illinois, we stay down in the Caribbean to take on Saint Joseph’s. This team won 20 games last season. They were also a staunch defensive team, giving up 58.5 points per game, which ranked No. 35 in the country. With that tough defense and some quality talent returning, the Hawks will be a tough opponent. Things can get wacky when it comes to these unique tournaments. I could see a hiccup here for Illinois.
- Final: Illinois 57 – Saint Joseph’s 62 (L) (5-1 Overall, 0-0 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball at Wisconsin – December 5
Wisconsin is bad, and they will continue to be bad. They are kind of in the place Illinois was in before Green took over. The Badgers won 16 games last season, but only five victories came in the Big Ten. I see Illinois taking this contest with ease.
- Final: Illinois 71 – Wisconsin 52 (W) (6-1 Overall, 1-0 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball vs. Chicago State – December 7
Illinois is quickly back in action just two days after a win over Wisconsin. Thankfully, this game is against a bad Chicago State program. The Cougars won nine games in 2025-26, so they shouldn’t be a problem despite the short rest.
- Final: Illinois 77 – Chicago State 50 (W) (7-1 Overall, 1-0 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball vs. Missouri – December 10
For some reason, Illinois and Missouri don’t do a neutral court for the women’s Braggin’ Rights game. Still, this should be a nice win for the Illini. The Tigers don’t have a good team, winning just 17 games, four of which were in the SEC last season. Illinois only won this game by eight points last season, but with the same roster returning and us being healthy, look for a bigger margin.
- Final: Illinois 75 – Missouri 58 (W) (8-1 Overall, 1-0 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball vs. Evansville – December 13
It is kind of intense how many games Illinois plays in a short amount of time. Again, thankfully, we have teams like Evansville on the schedule. The Aces were bad in 2025-26, winning just 10 games. I expect another blowout for the Illini, with the bench getting some good playing time in this contest.
- Final: Illinois 84 – Evansville 40 (W) (9-1 Overall, 1-0 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball vs. Western Illinois – December 18
The game against Western Illinois intrigues me. The Leathernecks were good last season. They won 26 games, the Ohio Valley regular season, and the conference tournament. Western Illinois didn’t meet the moment, losing by 31 points to No. 4 seed North Carolina in the NCAA tournament. Still, this is a quality program. Illinois shouldn’t have trouble, but don’t be shocked if Western Illinois keeps up for a little while.
- Final: Illinois 74 – Western Illinois 59 (W) (10-1 Overall, 1-0 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball vs. Wright State – December 20
Another easy game for Illinois. Wright State doesn’t have the talent to compete with us, and they showed that with 10 wins last season. Illinois should be able to trounce the Raiders.
- Final: Illinois 80 – Wright State 45 (W) (11-1 Overall, 1-0 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball vs. Old Dominion – December 22
Illinois ends a rather weak non-conference with the likes of Old Dominion. This program won 18 games in 2025-26, but they got smashed by non-mid-majors. They lost by 25 to Texas Tech and by 38 points to Oregon. Illinois should be able to send the Monarchs home with another big double-digit loss.
- Final: Illinois 79 – Old Dominion 50 (W) (12-1 Overall, 1-0 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball vs #10 Iowa – December 29
Finally, we get to the meat of the Big Ten schedule. Illinois should have a tough road ahead, starting with No. 10 Iowa. This program was a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament and was upset by No. 10 Virginia.
The Hawkeyes return leading scorer Ava Heiden. She will be a nightmare for Parchment. Illinois and Iowa squared off twice last season, with the Hawkeyes winning the two games by a combined 10 points. Illinois was right there. Iowa lost some talent, while the Illini managed to bring back nearly everyone and added to the roster. I see this as a big first win for Illinois.
- Final: Illinois 67 – Iowa 65 (W) (13-1 Overall, 2-0 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball at Rutgers – January 2
Rutgers is a bottom-of-the-barrel Big Ten team. They don’t have the horses to compete or even keep up with Illinois. They won nine games last season, and only one of those was in the Big Ten. The Illini should be able to handle their business in this game.
- Final: Illinois 76 – Rutgers 48 (W) (14-1 Overall, 3-0 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball vs. #16 Washington – January 7
It is nice that Illinois gets to battle Washington in Champaign. The Huskies are a good team, though. They won 22 games last season and nearly knocked off No. 3 TCU in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Washington is bringing back their talent, too. Sayvia Sellers and Avery Howell return, and they were their top two leading scorers at 18.0 points and 14.2 points per game, respectively. While Illinois went to Washington and beat the Huskies last season, I think they could return the favor in 2026-27.
- Final: Illinois 68 – Washington 72 (L) (14-2 Overall, 3-1 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball vs. Purdue – January 10
Purdue used to be a quality Big Ten team, but they have fallen off a cliff in recent years. The Boilermakers are down there with Rutgers at the bottom of the conference. This should be a nice rebound game after the Illini fall to Washington.
- Final: Illinois 89 – Purdue 64 (W) (15-2 Overall, 4-1 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball at #18 Ohio State – January 13
I feel like Illinois always struggles against Ohio State. We fell to the Buckeyes last season by 10 points. Ohio State finished that season with 27 wins and was upset in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
The Buckeyes are locked and loaded again. The Cambridge sisters, Jaloni and Kennedy, are back. They were two of the top three scorers on the team. They also have back big-time center Elsa Lammila. This Ohio State team is going to be really good, and it will be tough to go on the road and beat them.
- Final: Illinois 71 – Ohio State 79 (L) (15-3 Overall, 4-2 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball vs. Michigan State – January 17
Illinois comes back home and has a tough game against Michigan State. The Spartans won 23 games last season, which included getting to the NCAA tournament as a No. 5 seed and nearly clipping No. 4 Oklahoma.
While Illinois and Michigan State split the two games last season, I don’t think we see the same Spartans squad. Michigan State lost a ton of talent. Three of their top four scorers departed. Illinois should be able to take advantage of the depth depletion and come away with a home win.
- Final: Illinois 81 – Michigan State 70 (W) (16-3 Overall, 5-2 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball vs. #5 Michigan – January 20
Michigan is one of the juggernauts of the women’s game right now. They were a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament and made it to the Elite 8. Illinois fell by 16 points to the Wolverines last season, but this season the game should be pretty good.
Both squads return nearly all of their key players. Illinois and Michigan are both top 25 programs in scoring as well. Look for it to be a fun, high-scoring game. I think the Illini will be competitive in this game, but Michigan will likely be too much.
- Final: Illinois 77 – Michigan 84 (L) (16-4 Overall, 5-3 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball at Northwestern – January 23
After a tough loss to Michigan, Illinois has another bottom-feeder Big Ten team. Northwestern won eight games last season and just two in the conference. This should be a nice cool-down game for the Illini as we figure out how to win against the top teams in the country.
- Final: Illinois 83 – Northwestern 51 (W) (17-4 Overall, 6-3 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball vs. Nebraska – January 26
Nebraska was a pesky team last season. After winning 19 games, they gave No. 6 Baylor a scare in the NCAA tournament first round. Illinois should be keeping an eye on this game.
The Cornhuskers took down the Illini last season by six points. Nebraska returns some key players, but they did lose size in the frontcourt with Jessica Petrie departing. I see Illinois getting revenge on Nebraska. We should be able to control the paint. I expect this to be another close game, but Illinois should come out on top.
- Final: Illinois 67 – Nebraska 60 (W) (18-4 Overall, 7-3 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball at #11 UCLA – January 30
The West Coast trip for Illinois this season is brutal. First up is No. 11 UCLA. The Bruins lost one game last season and ended up winning the national championship, which included a 28-point drubbing of No. 1 South Carolina.
Here is the thing. The Bruins lost everyone. Their top six players are all in the WNBA now, which leaves so much uncertainty for the program. Illinois, on the other hand, returns nearly everyone. The Illini only lost by 13 points last season, but I think we get a much weaker UCLA program. I would be surprised if the Bruins are ranked when this game is played.
- Final: Illinois 73 – UCLA 60 (W) (19-4 Overall, 8-3 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball at #3 USC – February 2
USC dealt with some injuries last season, which hindered their campaign. They won 18 games and made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament, though.
Illinois fell to the Trojans last season in Champaign. USC brings back Jazzy Davidson, and Juju Watkins is back from injury after missing all of last season. This Trojans team is going to be a national title favorite. Illinois could struggle in this contest.
- Final: Illinois 62 – USC 80 (L) (19-5 Overall, 8-4 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball vs. Northwestern – February 7
As I said earlier, Northwestern is a dumpster fire of a program. The Wildcats don’t care about women’s basketball, and it shows on the court. Illinois swept the two games last season, with the last win being by 27 points in Evanston. I don’t see the Wildcats competing in this game.
- Final: Illinois 81 – Northwestern 55 (W) (20-5 Overall, 9-4 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball vs. Oregon – February 13
Oregon was an okay team last season, winning 23 games and getting to the second round of the NCAA tournament. In the lone game they played against Illinois, they beat us by three points at home.
This game is going to be in Champaign, so that is an advantage for Illinois. Oregon lost Mia Jacobs, who was third on the team in scoring and second in rebounds. They still have plenty of talent, though. Illinois is going to be in a battle with the Ducks, but I think we will have too much firepower.
- Final: Illinois 72 – Oregon 66 (W) (21-5 Overall, 10-4 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball at #20 Maryland – February 17
There were a few key wins for Illinois last season, and one came against a good Maryland squad. The Terrapins finished with 24 wins and a No. 5 seed in the NCAA tournament. They will be back in 2026-27 with another good team.
Mary did lose a couple of key players from that team last season. Yarden Gazon and Saylor Poffenbarger are both gone. The Terrapins still return leading scorer Oluchi Okananwa, as well as Addi Mack, who averaged 11.0 points as a freshman. I expect Maryland to be good again. Going on the road in the Big Ten is always tough, though.
- Final: Illinois 67 – Maryland 70 (L) (21-6 Overall, 10-5 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball at Indiana – February 21
Indiana took a massive step backward last year. It was weird seeing the Hoosiers struggle and only win 18 games, and just six in the Big Ten. This included losing to Illinois by 21 points. Indiana might be in the same boat this season.
The Hoosiers lost Shay Ciezki to the WNBA. She led the program in scoring and assists at 22.8 points and 3.1 assists per game. The transfer portal was good for Indiana, as they landed Jess Petrie from Nebraska. That gives them 11.3 points and 4.8 rebounds. Overall, I see Indiana being about the same as last year.
- Final: Illinois 74 – Indiana 66 (W) (22-6 Overall, 11-5 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball vs. Penn State – February 25
Penn State is another one of those programs that has been good in the past but is no longer a quality team. The Nittany Lions won just 11 games last season, and four of those came in the Big Ten. Illinois should be able to steamroll this team.
- Final: Illinois 81 – Penn State 53 (W) (23-6 Overall, 12-5 Big Ten)
#23 Illinois basketball at #17 Minnesota – February 28
One of the Big Ten surprises last season was Minnesota. They won 24 games and were a No. 4 seed in the NCAA tournament. The Golden Gophers got to the Sweet 16 and fell to No. 1 and eventual champs, UCLA. Illinois almost beat Minnesota in their lone matchup, falling just five points short.
The top of Minnesota’s roster is back. They return their top three leading scorers. I think their depth could be a problem, though. There were four departures from their top seven scorers from last season. I think Illinois’ great depth could be a determining factor in this contest. We can wear down the Golden Gophers.
- Final: Illinois 68 – Minnesota 63 (W) (24-6 Overall, 13-5 Big Ten)
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