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ESPN's Joe Lunardi High on Illinois, Tabs Illini in Big Ten's 'Game of the Year'

ESPN's Joe Lunardi High on Illinois, Tabs Illini in Big Ten's 'Game of the Year'

It’s the favorite debate of Midwesterners (or the entire northern half of the country now?) and Southerners: Is the Big Ten or the SEC better? In football and basketball, there’s really no argument for any other conference being as consistently powerful as those two.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 6
Two Illinois Players Ruled Out, Another Questionable for Florida Gulf Coast

Two Illinois Players Ruled Out, Another Questionable for Florida Gulf Coast

The number of injuries No. 17 Illinois (1-0) is facing just one outing into its campaign is rare, if unprecedented. Fortunately for the Illini, the majority of the injuries seem to be relatively minor and nearly all of the team's sidelined players figure to make it back onto the court within the next few weeks.

Preview: Illinois Women's Basketball vs. Illinois State (Game 2)

Shauna Green has built Illinois women’s basketball into a program that expects to win – a mindset that was on full display to open the 2025–26 season. The Illini rolled to a 91–67 victory over Southeast Missouri State in Tuesday's opener, playing fast, confident and unselfish basketball from start to finish.

Rahmir Barno News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 5

Preview: Illinois Basketball vs. Florida Gulf Coast (Game 2)

You look at the calendar. You see the funny school name. You know the drill: An early-November non-conference mid-major opponent for Illinois (1-0)? Cakewalk, right?

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Big Ten Network / November 4
Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 4
Three Things Illinois Football Needs to Get Done During the Bye Week

Three Things Illinois Football Needs to Get Done During the Bye Week

Saturday's game against Rutgers was a must-win for Illinois, and the Illini delivered, blowing out the Scarlet Knights 35-13. But next week's game against Maryland is just as big.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 4

Illinois' David Mirkovic Is the Real Deal, But Is He the Big Ten's Best Freshman?

If there had been one player flying quietly under the radars of outside observers among Illinois' first-year players – and we’re using that terminology to include Mihailo Petrovic (listed as a sophomore) – it was David Mirkovic .

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 4
Illinois Basketball's Biggest Strength in 2025-26 May Surprise You

Illinois Basketball's Biggest Strength in 2025-26 May Surprise You

Illinois basketball has come to be characterized by skill and shooting. The Illini have sweet-passing big men ( David Mirkovic and Tomislav Ivisic , to name two) and a roster filled to the brim with long-distance marksmen.

Brad Underwood News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 4

Brad Underwood's Postgame Reaction, With One Nitpick: 'It's All I've Talked About'

No. 17 Illinois (1-0) opened its 2025-26 season on about as high a note as can be reached, but as usual, it wasn't all falsetto for coach Brad Underwood – who has a knack for uncovering a little murkiness among a bunch of silver linings.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 4
Illinois Football Offers Class of 2028 Receiver David Thomas: What It Means

Illinois Football Offers Class of 2028 Receiver David Thomas: What It Means

Illinois football (6-3, 3-3 Big Ten) got back on track Saturday with a dominant win over Rutgers , stopping a two-game slide and improving the season outlook as the Illini head into their second and final bye week.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 3
New Injury Details for Illinois Point Guard Mihailo Petrovic

New Injury Details for Illinois Point Guard Mihailo Petrovic

After all the eligibility troubles finally getting cleared up for Illinois’ Mihailo Petrovic , the Serbian guard still won’t be able to take the court for the Illini's season opener against Jackson State on Monday night (7:30 p.m.

Brad Underwood News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 3
Brad Underwood Both 'Pleased' and 'Pissed' About Florida Scrimmage

Brad Underwood Both 'Pleased' and 'Pissed' About Florida Scrimmage

Monday's game between No. 17 Illinois and Jackson State at Champaign's State Farm Center (7:30 p.m. CT, BTN) marks the first chapter of the 2025-26 season, but Brad Underwood’s club has already been in action – albeit in an unofficial capacity.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 3
Illinois Basketball Countdown to Tipoff: One Thought Before 2025-2026 Opener

Illinois Basketball Countdown to Tipoff: One Thought Before 2025-2026 Opener

At last, the day has arrived: Nov. 3, which marks the official start of Illinois’ 2025-26 campaign, is here. The Illini are set to host Jackson State on Monday night (7:30 p.m.

College Basketball (W) News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 3
How to Watch Illinois Women's Basketball vs. Southeast Missouri State (Game 1)

How to Watch Illinois Women's Basketball vs. Southeast Missouri State (Game 1)

Shauna Green has built Illinois women’s basketball into a team that expects to win – and this season, the expectations might be higher than ever. The Illini open their 2025–26 campaign Tuesday night at home against Southeast Missouri State with the intention of getting off on the right foot in what they hope can be a special year in Champaign.

College Football News / College Football News / October 29
Rutgers vs Illinois Prediction, Preview, and Betting Lines

Rutgers vs Illinois Prediction, Preview, and Betting Lines

Just when it seemed like Illinois was a sleeper to get into the College Football Playoff as an at-large team, it got walloped by Washington 42-25 to end all of that.

College Football News / College Football News / October 23
Illinois vs Washington Prediction, Preview, and Betting Lines

Illinois vs Washington Prediction, Preview, and Betting Lines

Considering this a College Football Playoff elimination game. If 10-2 at least gets you in the discussion, then the loser of this is effectively out with a third loss.

Brad Underwood News / Yardbarker / September 24
With recruiting rules in flux, Illinois HC calls NCAA a 'comedy'

With recruiting rules in flux, Illinois HC Brad Underwood calls NCAA a 'comedy'

Illinois head coach Brad Underwood says if the NCAA is going to change its recruiting rules to allow athletes to play five seasons of competition over a five-year span, he wants a decision to come ASAP.

Former G League pro granted NCAA eligibility in landmark ruling
20 college hoops home arenas that are vastly underrated

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