The Big Ten gives us a full week of exciting matchups between top teams and Sunday’s finale is no different. A Top 10 matchup kicks off Sunday afternoon in Lincoln as Illinois and Nebraska face off for the second time this season. The Fighting Illini ride a significant hot streak into Lincoln but who takes care of business in this rematch?
As a matter of fact, Illinois (18-3) has run off 10 straight wins, with their most recent defeat coming against the Cornhuskers back in the middle of December. Even without starter Kylan Boswell, lost to a hand injury, the Illini have kept soaring thanks to the rise of freshman Keaton Wagler, who played a major role in their recent upset at Purdue. Illinois just keeps rolling and looks to cement their spot atop the Big Ten standings.
Certainly no slouch themselves, Nebraska (20-1) ran off 20 straight wins to open the season before falling in a close game at Michigan earlier this week. The Cornhuskers played that game without top contributors Rienk Mast and Braden Frager who could both be back for this matchup. When healthy, Nebraska has shown us that they are one of the best teams in the nation this season and have already proved it in Champaign.
Illinois vs. Nebraska: When and Where
Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026, 4:00 pm ET
Location: Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska
Illinois vs. Nebraska: Where to Watch or Stream
Watch: FS1
Streaming: FuboTV
Illinois vs. Nebraska: Betting Odds
Spread: Nebraska Cornhuskers -2.5, Illinois Fighting Illini +2.5
Moneyline: Nebraska -150, Illinois Fighting Illini +126
Total: 151
Illinois vs. Nebraska: Series History
All-time series: Illinois leads 23-10
Last meeting: Nebraska 83, Illinois 80 (December 13, 2025)
Projected Starting Lineups
Illinois Fighting Illini
Keaton Wagler (17.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.2 apg)
Andrej Stojakovic (13.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg)
David Mirkovic (12.5 ppg, 8.2 rpg)
Tomislav Ivisic (10.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg)
Jake Davis (4.7 ppg, 1.8 rpg)
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Pryce Sandfort (17.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg)
Rienk Mast (14.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 3.0 apg)
Jamarques Lawrence (10.8 ppg, 3.7 apg)
Sam Hoiberg (9.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.2 apg)
Berke Buyuktuncel (7.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg)
With both teams likely shorthanded, there won’t really be injury excuses on either side, but that’s not what this matchup is about. When these teams played nearly two months ago, Nebraska shot the ball very efficiently from beyond the arc and Illinois knows their defense has to play even better in this rematch. Sandfort led that matchup with 32 points and will be key for the Cornhuskers seeking the season sweep. Illinois won’t just try to keep Wagler hot but Brad Underwood knows that he has to use his star freshman to set up the other playmakers and they’ll certainly need a big splash from someone else to win in this road environment.
With how great they’ve been playing basketball in recent weeks, can Illinois get another impressive road victory and keep this streak going? Does Nebraska get themselves back on track after suffering their first loss earlier this week?