Brad Underwood and the Illinois Fighting Illini have quite the non-conference schedule ahead of them, with games against UConn, Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas Tech on the docket.
On Friday, June 6, the Illini announced tip-off time for their game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders. At noon CT on Tuesday, Nov. 11, Illinois and Texas Tech will face off in Champaign, IL.
Another non-conference test.
— Illinois Men's Basketball (@IlliniMBB) June 6, 2025
This year’s matchup versus Texas Tech will be the first of a home-and-home against the Red Raiders. pic.twitter.com/4d4uAPfvyo
The Veterans Day matchup is the first game of a home-and-home series, with the second game taking place in Lubbock, TX, during the 2026-27 season. Tech, which made an appearance in the Elite Eight last season, will be an extremely difficult opponent for Illinois to topple, just like the three other non-conference opponents.
Illinois men's basketball vs. Texas Tech series history
Somewhat surprisingly, the Red Raiders and Fighting Illini have never shared a basketball court, whether in the regular season or in postseason tournaments.
This non-conference game will be the first-ever game between Illinois and Texas Tech, giving the Fighting Illini a chance to claim the winning record in the series. However, with a second game just a year later, the Red Raiders would have the opportunity to even the series record once again.
Illinois men's basketball non-conference schedule
- vs. Texas Tech - Nov. 11, 2025 - Champaign, IL
- vs. Alabama - Nov. 19, 2025 - Champaign, IL
- vs. UConn - Nov. 28, 2025 - Madison Square Garden
- vs. Tennessee - Dec. 6 - Nashville, TN
While two of the games are tipping off at the State Farm Center in Champaign, the Fighting Illini might be massive underdogs to the two powerhouse programs coming to town.
Facing the UConn Huskies in New York City at Madison Square Garden will also be a difficult matchup for Illinois to enter as favorites. Last but certainly not least, playing against the Tennessee Volunteers in Nashville isn't exactly a home game for the Vols, but it is just three hours from their HQ in Knoxville.