The Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball team is set to commence its 2025-26 season on Monday, November 6, 2025, with a matchup against Jackson State. The game will take place at the State Farm Center in Champaign, starting at 7:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live on BTN.
Season Preview
Illinois enters this season with high expectations. The team is coming off a successful year where they won 22 games, reached the NCAA Round of 32, and finished ranked 17th according to KenPom metrics. The Fighting Illini are currently placed 17th in the Associated Press preseason poll and 14th in the coaches poll.
Returning Players
Illinois will benefit from the return of three key starters from last year. The team also showcased their potential in a recent exhibition, where they convincingly defeated Illinois State 92-65 on October 19, 2025.
Historical Performance Against Jackson State
This marks the sixth meeting between Illinois and Jackson State. Historically, Illinois has dominated the series, boasting a 5-0 record, all games played at the State Farm Center. In the last encounter on November 9, 2021, Illinois triumphed with a score of 71-47.
Impactful Coaching
Head coach Brad Underwood enters his ninth season with a solid career record of 165 wins against 101 losses at Illinois. Underwood has also contributed to the team’s success in the Big Ten, leading them to 92 conference victories since 2019.
Season Opener Success
The Illini have an impressive record of 106 wins and 14 losses in season-opening games, winning their last nine openers. Significant victories in this span include:
- Illinois 81, Southeast Missouri 62 (2016)
- Illinois 102, Southern 55 (2017)
- Illinois 71, Jackson State 47 (2021)
- Illinois 112, Eastern Illinois 67 (2024)
When starting the season at the State Farm Center, Illinois has a 41-2 record, showcasing their home court advantage.
Conclusion
As the Fighting Illini prepare to take on Jackson State, all eyes will be on their performance in the opening game of the 2025-26 season. With a strong roster and high ambitions, Illinois aims to continue its streak of success in both conference play and national rankings.
