The Illinois Fighting Illini's schedule has been released, and it includes one of the toughest stretches in recent memory.
The Illinois Fighting Illini's basketball team is expected to compete for a national championship this coming season and has one of the deepest rosters in team history.
The Fighting Illini have suffered injury setbacks this offseason including to star forward David Mirkovic and center Zvonimir Ivisic that could test their depth as the season gets started in November.
On Wednesday, coach Brad Underwood's team received its full 2026-27 schedule, and it includes a brutal seven-game stretch that has fans talking.
Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Connecticut Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) is defended by Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic(44) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images Brutal Seven-Game Stretch Highlights Schedule
The Fighting Illini will be tasked with playing two historically elite programs and five other strong teams during a stretch beginning on Jan. 24, 2027.
The list of matchups includes at Indiana on Jan. 24, at USC on Jan. 27, vs. North Carolina in Nashville, Tenn. on Jan. 30, vs. UCLA on Feb. 2, at Michigan State on Feb. 5, at Michigan on Feb. 9, and closes with a game at Purdue on Feb. 12.
Fans reacted in a post about the stretch from reporter John Fanta of NBC Sports.
"Likely 5-2 but (definitely) could go 6-1 or dare I say 7-0," one fan said.
"Bring it!" another said.
"Nebraska right before as well, John! Can't wait!" another added, mentioning coach Fred Hoiberg's rising program.
Full Illinois Hoops Schedule Released
The Illini's schedule includes three preseason games including at Cincinnati on Oct. 17, vs. Baylor on Oct. 23, and vs. UIC on Oct. 28.
The regular season schedule is as follows:
Nov. 2: Farleigh Dickinson
Nov. 5: Penn
Nov. 10: Texas Tech
Nov. 13: Sam Houston
Nov. 17: at Duke
Nov. 20: Eastern Illinois
Nov. 23: Winthrop
Nov. 27: Western Kentucky
Dec. 4: vs. UConn in Chicago
Dec. 8: at Minnesota
Dec. 12: Penn State
Dec. 20: vs. Missouri in St. Louis
Jan. 2: Wisconsin
Jan. 5 at Purdue
Jan. 9: Ohio State
Jan. 13: at Northwestern
Jan. 16: at Maryland
Jan. 19: Nebraska
Jan. 24: at Indiana
Jan. 27: USC
Jan. 30: vs. North Carolina in Nashville
Feb. 2: UCLA
Feb. 5: Michigan State
Feb. 9: at Michigan
Feb. 12: at Purdue
Feb. 16: Northwestern
Feb. 20: at Oregon
Feb. 23: at Washington
Feb. 28: Wisconsin
March 3: at Rutgers
March 6: Iowa
Illini Will Be Battle-Tested Come Tournament Time
The Fighting Illini will be battle-tested come tournament time as their schedule easily ranks as one of the toughest in the nation.
The Big Ten's new standing as a national conference that stretches from New Jersey to California and beyond gives it a different level of respect from the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee and the Illini have added onto it with tough non-conference games.
It appears as if Underwood is following the blueprint of Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, whose challenging schedules helped the Spartans to excel later in the season, earning him the nickname "Mr. March."
The Fighting Illini finished 28-9 and made the Final Four last season. They have a real chance to improve on that mark, and make the Final Four again, based on the strength of their team, which should surpass the strength of their schedule.
