One of the hottest stories right now is the rise of the Illinois basketball program behind true freshman Keaton Wagler.
The Illini have now rattled off 11 straight wins, which include five road contests and three games against ranked opponents, two of those being in the top five at tipoff.
Illinois’ most recent success story was against then-No. 5 Nebraska. The Cornhuskers narrowly escaped Champaign the first time around, but the Orange and Blue got the best of them this past Sunday.
Not only was that 78-69 win big for the Illini record and resume come March, but it was also big for the network covering the massive top 10 matchup.
On Tuesday night, FOX College Hoops posted on social media that the Illinois and Nebraska game drew 1.37 million viewers. According to the account, this is the most-watched college basketball game in the history of FS1.
Sunday’s Illinois–Nebraska matchup on FS1 delivered 1.37 million viewers — the network’s most-watched college basketball game ever. pic.twitter.com/uLVgADP8DO
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 3, 2026
Illinois basketball is poised to have more big games down the stretch of the season
That is an incredible number for a Sunday game on FS1. You have to give credit to the Cornhuskers, too. They have a dedicated fanbase, and they finally get to cheer on one of the best teams in the country.
Illinois will have some pretty big games down the stretch that I am sure will catch the eye of viewers. This won’t be the last time the Illini put up a massive television number.
The battle for the Big Ten regular season crown is still up for grabs. Michigan State, which is 9-2 in the conference, will try to have a say. Illinois takes on the Spartans on Saturday in East Lansing.
On February 27, there is a matchup between No. 5 Illinois and No. 2 Michigan in Champaign. Not only is the storyline of Morez Johnson Jr. being back in town, but this could be for the regular season title, as Michigan and Illinois are tied at the top of the Big Ten at 10-1 right now.
Don’t be surprised if Illinois continues putting up a big television viewership. We are appointment programming.