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 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
RB Javari Barnett: 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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