Illinois vs. No. 4 UCLA Preview: How to Watch, Injury Report & Odds
Nov 13, 2026 8:45 PM
Updated Nov 14, 2026 1:38 AM

Here's everything you need to know before Illinois attempts to hand No. 4 UCLA its first loss of the season:

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The two hottest teams in the Big Ten will face off on Friday night, when the Illinois Fighting Illini head to the Rose Bowl to take on the undefeated No. 4 UCLA Bruins.

UCLA is 9-0 under first-year head coach Bob Chesney, who took over after leading James Madison to the College Football Playoff a season ago. The Bruins are one of two undefeated teams in the FBS — along with No. 2 Utah — and are a perfect 6-0 in Big Ten play.

Chesney's group is the No. 3 scoring offense (33.6 points per game) and the No. 3 scoring defense (14.1 points per game) in the Big Ten through nine games. Eight of UCLA's victories were by double digits, while the other was a 17-15 win over No. 16 Oregon.

Illinois has won four games in a row, following a 2-3 start. Quarterback Katin Houser has returned to full health after fracturing his right hand against Michigan State and appears to be improving weekly. Against Nebraska last Friday, the graduate transfer completed 61.1% of his passes for 292 yards and three touchdowns.

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Here's everything you need to know before Illinois attempts to hand No. 4 UCLA its first loss of the season:

Nov 6, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini tight end Kaden Feagin (83) dives toward the end zone during the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Gies Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images  Nov 6, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini tight end Kaden Feagin (83) dives toward the end zone during the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Gies Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images  

How to Watch

Illinois Fighting Illini (6-3, 4-2 B1G) at No. 4 UCLA Bruins (9-0, 6-0 B1G)

Location: Rose Bowl | Pasadena, Calif.

Kickoff: Friday, Nov. 13 at 8:00 p.m. CT

TV: FOX | Announcers: Tim Brando (play-by-play), Devin Gardner (analyst), Josh Sims (reporter)

Radio: Busey Bank Illini Sports Network | Announcers: Brian Barnhart (play-by-play), Carey Davis (analyst), Kevin Mitchell (sideline)

Betting Odds (FanDuel Sportsbook)

Betting Line: UCLA -10.5

Moneyline: UCLA -385, Illinois +310

Over/Under: 47.5

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Injury Report

Illinois Fighting Illini

WR Jayshon Platt: Out

RB Ca’Lil Valentine: Out

QB Michael Clayton II: Out

DB Jacob Eberhart: Out

DL Will Holmes: Game Time Decision

DB Tywan Cox: Out

LB Grant Beerman: Out

DL Carter Smith: Out

OL Kai Pritchard: Out

DL Demetrius John: Game Time Decision

OL TJ McMillen: Out

OL Jake Renfro: Game Time Decision

TE BJ Thurman: Game Time Decision

UCLA Bruins

WR Mikey Matthews: Out

QB Nico Iamaleava: Out

OLB Ryan McCulloch: Out

WR Shane Rosenthal: Game Time Decision

WR Jonah Smith: Out

DL Ashton Sanders: Out

OL Riley Robell: Game Time Decision

OL Sam Yoon: Out

OL Hall Schmidt: Out

WR Jalen Saint Paul: Out

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