2. Illinois Fighting Illini
Here’s another big swing.
The Illinois Fighting Illini jump from No. 4 to No. 2 in the updated 2025-26 Big Ten preseason power rankings because, well, you have to love how Brad Underwood assembled this roster.
Illinois returns 45% of its minutes, including the likes of Kylan Boswell, Tomislav Ivisic, Ben Humrichous, Jake Davis, and Ty Rodgers. (Note: Rodgers, who redshirted last season, is out indefinitely with a knee injury. There is no updated timetable for his return yet.)
The Illini made quite the splash in the transfer portal, landing Cal transfer Andrej Stojakovic -- who should be a seamless fit at the three spot -- alongside Tomislav’s twin brother, Zvoinmir, who played last season at Arkansas. Both Tomislav and Zvoinmir are stretch-five shot-blocking seven-footers.
Then there’s the international market. Illinois, which has led the wave in Eastern European recruiting, will welcome in Mihailo Petrovic from Mega Superbelt, David Mirkovic from SC Derby. They will also welcome in four-star shooting guard Brandon Lee, who oozes with upside as an electric three-level scorer.
Sure, the Illini may need some time to gel, especially on the defensive end of the floor. But there’s no question this may be the most talented (on paper) group in the Big Ten this season, which is why the Illini are slotted in at No. 2.