Brad Underwood and his Illinois Fighting Illini are on a mission to wake up the sleeping giant of the Big Ten. After finishing 22-13 last season and falling to Kentucky in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the Orange and Blue are eager to make a deeper run in 2025–26.
With strong returning talent, key portal additions, and a promising recruiting class, optimism is high at the State Farm Center. The early schedule sets up well for Illinois, as they won’t leave the state until the end of November. Here’s a look at the Illini’s 2025–26 non-conference slate:
Monday, November 3 vs. Jackson State
Illinois opens the season at home, giving fans their first look at the new roster. Expect a full house and plenty of playing time for everyone in uniform. The Illini beat Jackson State 71–47 in 2021 and have won all five meetings in the series.
Friday, November 7 vs. Florida Gulf Coast
Florida Gulf Coast makes the long trip north for an early-season test. Illinois can’t afford to overlook this one with a major opponent looming the following week. A focused performance will keep momentum rolling.
Tuesday, November 11 vs. Texas Tech
The Illini welcome Texas Tech to Champaign for what should be a physical, hard-fought game. It marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs. The Red Raiders’ disciplined, tough Big 12 style will be a strong early gauge for Illinois’ frontcourt and defense.
Friday, November 14 vs. Colgate
Another solid home matchup for Illinois as they continue to build chemistry and depth before heading into their toughest stretch of non-conference play.
Wednesday, November 19 vs. Alabama (Chicago)
The Illini head to Chicago for a neutral-site clash that will feel anything but neutral. Expect a heavy pro-Illinois crowd inside the United Center. Alabama topped Illinois 100–87 last year, so this one offers a shot at redemption.
Saturday, November 22 vs. Long Island
Illinois gets another chance to refine its rotation and offensive rhythm before two key road trips to close the month.
Monday, November 24 vs. UT Rio Grande Valley
A quick turnaround for the Illini as they wrap up a stretch of home-heavy games. Expect Illinois to use its depth to stay sharp ahead of the toughest portion of the schedule.
Friday, November 28 vs. UConn (New York City)
This one’s circled on every fan’s calendar. Illinois faces defending powerhouse UConn in Madison Square Garden. The Huskies eliminated the Illini in the 2024 NCAA Tournament with a 25-point rout, and Brad Underwood’s squad will look to make a statement in the rematch. This is the fifth all-time meeting between the programs.
Saturday, December 6 vs. Tennessee (Nashville)
The Illini head south for a marquee matchup with the Tennessee Volunteers in Nashville. It’s a great setting for both fanbases, and the game should deliver plenty of fireworks. Tennessee won four of the previous five meetings, including a thriller last December.
Monday, December 22 vs. Missouri (St. Louis)
The annual Braggin’ Rights Game returns to St. Louis. This long-standing rivalry always delivers intensity and emotion. Illinois edged Missouri by three points last year and leads the all-time series 35–20.
Monday, December 29 vs. Southern
Illinois wraps up its non-conference schedule back home in Champaign against Southern. It’s a final tune-up before Big Ten play begins in January.
The Fighting Illini once again embrace a challenging schedule designed to test them early and often. With a mix of home comfort, marquee matchups, and revenge opportunities, this non-conference slate should prepare Illinois for the grind of Big Ten play and another shot at a deep March run.