Illinois Fighting Illini: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Preview: Illinois vs Colorado in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament

Illinois women’s basketball looks like a team that could be set up to make a run in this NCAA Tournament, but none of that matters unless the Illini take care of the first game in front of them.

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Why Kylan Boswell's First-Round Defense Signals Major Upside for Illinois

Especially with Penn’s leading scorer Ethan Roberts sidelined, Illinois’ defensive game plan in Thursday's first-round matchup with the Quakers was likely relatively straightforward: stop TJ Power.

College Basketball News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / March 19

ESPN Ranks NCAA Tournament's Top Players: Where Illinois' Keaton Wagler Lands

The NCAA Tournament features the best of the best. With the top clubs in the nation taking part in the event, naturally most of the country’s elite hoopers are also along for the ride.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / March 19

KenPom Reveals Illinois’ NCAA Title Chances – Better Than You Think?

It's no secret that Illinois (24-8) hasn't exactly been slinging its fastball in recent weeks, confounding plenty of folks – including certain pundits – who earlier in the season had pegged the Illini as a Final Four club and a trendy pick to win the whole shooting match.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Big Ten Network / March 18

Watch: Missouri at Illinois | HIGHLIGHTS | Big Ten Softball | 03/18/2026

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Big Ten Network / March 18

Watch: Missouri at Illinois | HIGHLIGHTS | Big Ten Softball | 03/18/2026

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / March 18

5 Key Stats That Could Define Illinois Basketball's 2026 NCAA Tournament Run

Just one sleep stands between Illinois and its 2026 NCAA Tournament opener, a matchup against 14th-seeded Penn in Greenville, South Carolina (8:25 p.m.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / March 18

Preview: Illinois vs. Penn in the NCAA Tournament

Of course the Fran McCaffery redemption tour would have to come through Illinois and Brad Underwood, the first-year Penn coach's close friend and old nemesis with the Iowa Hawkeyes.

College Basketball News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / March 18

College Basketball Experts Reveal Illinois' 2026 NCAA Tournament Predictions

It's excruciating, isn’t it? After watching college hoops all year long and doing that deep-dive research into KenPom and Bart Torvik, somehow, some way, your goofy cousin who picked his bracket based on team mascots is still going to win the family pool.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / March 18

Former Illinois Target Plans to Enter Transfer Portal Again – Time to Reconnect?

Finally, the best part of the college basketball calendar year has arrived:Transfer-portal season!OK, not quite. First, we have that boring old NCAA Tournament thing to get through, and then the portal will technically open on April 7.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / March 17

Why Illinois Has the Pieces to Make a March Madness Run

Illinois (24-8, 15-5 Big Ten) did not exactly close the season looking like a team the rest of college basketball should be terrified of. The Illini stumbled late, let too many winnable games slip away and did not play their sharpest basketball entering the NCAA Tournament.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / March 17

Can Illinois and Brad Underwood Change Their NCAA Tournament Narrative?

Illinois’ Brad Underwood has been around the block. His first NCAA Tournament appearance as a head coach may have come just 12 years ago, but he has made nine more since, and on Thursday, he will take a spin in his 10th Big Dance as a head coach.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / March 17

One Area of Improvement for Every Illinois Player for the NCAA Tournament

Illinois tips off its 2026 NCAA Tournament in Greenville, South Carolina, on Thursday night (8:25 p.m. CT, TNT) against 14th-seeded Penn . The Illini, who earned a three seed, have faltered over the past month or so, leaving much to be desired during their 4-5 stretch.