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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.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 2
Illinois Basketball Countdown to Tipoff: Two Thoughts Before 2025-26 Opener

Illinois Basketball Countdown to Tipoff: Two Thoughts Before 2025-26 Opener

Only one sleep stands between Illinois fans and their program’s season opener. Jackson State awaits Illinois on Monday (7:30 p.m. CT, BTN) – and, in the meantime, we’ll offer two thoughts for this Illini squad.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 2
Illinois Football Makes Offers to Two Visitors for Saturday's Rutgers Win

Illinois Football Makes Offers to Two Visitors for Saturday's Rutgers Win

Illinois not only rebounded from back-to-back losses with a 35-13 victory over Rutgers on Saturday, but it also continued efforts toward building something

Luke Altmyer News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 2
Has Illinois Wasted Luke Altmyer's Greatness?

Has Illinois Wasted Luke Altmyer's Greatness?

In almost any other era of Illinois football, back-to-back 10-win seasons would be celebrated as a program-defining accomplishment. But in today’s college football landscape – with the expanded playoff, conference realignment and rising expectations – it somehow feels like a letdown.

College Football News / NBC Sports / November 1
Bret Bielema News / Sporting News / November 1

Bret Bielema regains swagger in Illinois' bowl-clinching takedown against Rutgers

Illinois coach Bret Bielema wasn't going to let a two-game losing skid hinder his program from reaching greater heights as the leaves turn and November begins.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 1
Illinois Basketball Opener Injury Updates: Who's In and Who's Out?

Illinois Basketball Opener Injury Updates: Who's In and Who's Out?

Illinois’ season hasn’t even officially started, and the program is already dealing with the injury bug. Between late arrivals and injuries, the Illini have yet to even practice together at full strength.

Luke Altmyer News / NBC Sports / November 1
College Football News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / October 31
Illinois Football vs. Rutgers in Week 10 preview, storylines

Illinois Football vs. Rutgers in Week 10 preview, storylines

Illinois football has taken more lumps in 2025 than may have been expected coming into the season, but in the Illini's defense, the blows have all come from top heavyweights.

College Basketball News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / October 30
Former Illini Morez Johnson Jr., Tre White, More Thriving: Will Illinois Miss Them?

Former Illini Morez Johnson Jr., Tre White, More Thriving: Will Illinois Miss Them?

Over this past offseason, Illinois dominated national college basketball headlines with its international pickups and quality finds in the transfer portal.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / October 30
Illinois Offers JUCO Offensive Lineman Maika Matelau: What It Means

Illinois Offers JUCO Offensive Lineman Maika Matelau: What It Means

If you're not familiar with offensive lineman Maika Matelau and Mt. San Antonio College, you're missing out. Both are dominating their competition, and slowly but surely all of college football is learning about the star freshman Matelau and the Mt.

College Basketball News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / October 29
Projecting Illinois Basketball's First 10 Games of the 2025-2026 Season

Projecting Illinois Basketball's First 10 Games of the 2025-2026 Season

In just five days, the 2025-2026 campaign tips off for No. 17 Illinois at the State Farm Center against Jackson State. As has become the expectation, Illini coach Brad Underwood has put together another grueling non-conference slate offset by a few tune-up games.

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.

Makai Lemon News / Yardbarker / September 28
Is Lincoln Riley to blame for crushing loss to Illinois?

Is Lincoln Riley to blame for crushing loss to Illinois?

In the second marquee matchup of the Big Ten slate on Saturday, Illinois stunned USC with a 41-yard walk-off field goal.

CFB Week 5 winners, losers: Alabama, Ohio State stand tall amid upsets
Prestigious college football programs with current notable championship droughts
The 'College nicknames that don't end in s' quiz
Illinois Fighting Illini 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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