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Illini snuff Flames in final exhibition game
Illinois blows out UIC 101-61 in its final exhibition, showcasing a deep freshman lineup despite missing Andrej Stojakovic and Zvonimir Ivisic. Tomislav Ivisic leads with 14 points as the Illini shoot 54.4% overall and 15‑for‑38 from three. Freshmen dominate: Quentin Coleman (10 points, 5 assists, 7 rebounds), Ethan Brown (12 points), Lincoln Williams (9), and Stefan Vaaks off the bench (10 points, 5 assists). Illinois builds a 35‑point halftime lead and holds on despite a slower second half. The win caps the exhibition slate before the regular season opens at home against FDU on Nov. 2.
How to Watch Illinois at Maryland: Game Time, TV Channel, Online Streaming and Odds
Illinois hosts Maryland Saturday at 11 a.m. on FS1, with streaming on FOX ONE. The Illini (4‑3, 2‑2 Big Ten) enter as 2.5‑point favorites (O/U 54.5) after a 21‑10 win over Oregon, while Maryland (2‑5, 0‑4) comes off a 37‑30 loss to Rutgers. The series is tied 2‑2, the last meeting on Nov. 15, 2025 ending in a 24‑6 Illinois victory highlighted by a bold fourth‑down conversion and Kaden Feagin’s rushing TD. Coach Bret Bielema leads Illinois, and interim Aazaar Abdul‑Rahim directs Maryland.
Projected Big Ten Standings and Awards for 2026-27
The Champaign Room predicts the Big Ten will stay in the national elite for 2026‑27, with Illinois clinching the regular‑season title under Brad Underwood and Michigan State hot on their heels. Jeremy Fears Jr. (MSU) is the projected Player of the Year, while Illinois forward Pryce Sandfort could contend for Big Ten POY. Nebraska and Purdue are forecast as triple‑bye teams, and nine mid‑tier schools—including Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Indiana—should earn NCAA Tournament bids, leaving Northwestern, Washington, Oregon, Rutgers and Penn State out. The article also lists First‑Team All‑Big Ten selections and names Underwood Coach of the Year.
Optimism restored for Illinois football following Oregon upset
On the latest Oskee Talk episode, host welcomes back Brandt Dolce to break down Illinois football’s stunning 31-24 upset of Oregon, critiquing the Ducks’ game plan and highlighting renewed optimism for the Illini’s final season stretch. The duo then preview Saturday’s Maryland showdown and shift to men’s basketball, weighing the preseason’s risks and rewards, analyzing Brad Underwood’s roster, and sharing season outlooks. Listeners get in‑depth recaps and forward‑looking analysis for both programs.
Bielema reflects on father’s influence on his life and career
Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema mourns the loss of his 88‑year‑old father, Arnie Bielema, who died on October 26, 2026. Bielema thanks family for their support and reflects on a heartfelt letter his dad gave him that inspired him to walk on at Iowa, eventually leading to a coaching career that includes a stint in the NFL and his 2021 return to Illinois. He notes that his parents' influence shaped his life and coaching philosophy and expresses comfort that his father is now reunited with his late mother, Marilyn, who passed in 2022.
Stojakovic, Z. Ivisic out, Williams questionable for final Illini exhibition
Illinois lost its exhibition to Baylor on Thursday as guard Andrej Stojakovic and centers Zvonimir and Tomislav Ivisic exited with injuries, and Tomislav only returned briefly. Coach Brad Underwood confirmed Stojakovic, Zvonimir Ivisic and freshman Mirk Davidović are out, while Lincoln Williams is questionable after a head slip in practice. Tomislav Ivisic is back and will play in Wednesday’s final scrimmage against UIC, but the Illini will be missing four rotational players ahead of the regular‑season start on Nov. 2.
Big Ten Basketball Preview Part 5: The Favorites
The Champaign Room’s Big Ten basketball preview identifies Michigan State and Illinois as the conference’s clear favorites, both landing in the top‑10 of every preseason poll. The article breaks down Michigan State’s projected starting lineup, highlighting senior point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (15.2 ppg, 9.4 apg) as a preseason National Player of the Year candidate, versatile sophomore Jordan Scott, and athletic senior Coen Carr. It also notes the potential impact of newcomers like freshman Jasiah Jervis and transfer Anton Bonke, a 7‑foot‑2 rim protector with a 34% three‑point clip. The preview sets the stage for the remaining two teams in the 16‑team analysis.
Former Illini Dosunmu, Shannon Jr. off to strong starts with Timberwolves
Former Illinois standouts Ayo Dosunmu and Terrence Shannon Jr. are fueling the Minnesota Timberwolves’ hot 2026‑27 start. Minnesota wins its first three games by 20‑plus points before a 127‑125 setback to Cleveland. Off the bench, Dosunmu averages 12 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4 assists, posting 16 points vs. Miami and a near‑triple‑double vs. Orlando. Shannon hits double figures in each of four games, with 15 points against Toronto and 14 vs. Cleveland, averaging 13 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Their early contributions position Minnesota as a Western Conference contender.
TCR Reacts: Illinois Basketball’s 2027 Ceiling
SB Nation’s ‘React’ series polls Illinois basketball fans on the 2026‑27 season ceiling. With the season weeks away, readers are asked to rank the Illini’s potential—from a national championship run to merely earning a tournament bid. The article invites fans to join weekly email surveys and share their predictions in the comments, promising to reveal the poll results later this week.
Illinois stuns Oregon as defense, rushing attack deliver signature win
Illinois pulls off a signature 17‑10 upset over Oregon on Oct. 26, 2026, after a bye week. Freshman quarterback Michael Clayton II finishes 11‑of‑18 for 84 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Aiden Laughery erupts for a 75‑yard TD and 123 rushing yards. The Illini defense forces two early punts, records seven tackles for loss, two sacks and a fumble recovery, and blocks Oregon kicker Gage Hurych’s three long attempts. Illinois improves to 4‑3 and still needs two more wins for bowl eligibility against Maryland, Nebraska, UCLA, Iowa and Northwestern.
The Ducks go down in Champaign! Illinois upsets Oregon! | TCR Podcast
Illinois football pulls off a shocking upset over Oregon, with standout player Isaac reacting to the win and discussing its implications for the Illini's season. The post highlights the game's significance and hints at how the victory could shape upcoming matchups.
Clayton wins battle of the backups; Illinois upsets Oregon at home
Illinois upends Oregon 21-10 on Oct. 24, 2026, with freshman Michael Clayton II throwing two TDs and senior captain Aidan Laughrey bursting for a 75‑yard rushing score. The Illini’s ground game totals 225 yards, highlighted by backup QB Carson Boyd’s 20‑yard run, while the defense forces two fumbles and limits Oregon to just ten points despite 426 total yards. Coach Bret Bielema credits the depth of his backups after losing starter Ca’lil Valentine earlier in the season. The win improves Illinois to 4-3 (2-2 B1G) and showcases a bright future under Clayton’s efficient first start.
Clayton wins battle of the backups, leads Illinois to victory against Oregon
Freshman quarterback Michael Clayton II leads Illinois to a 21‑10 upset of the Oregon Ducks on Oct. 24, 2026. After a 20‑yard field goal leaves the Illini down 10‑0, senior captain Aidan Laughrey bursts for a 75‑yard touchdown run, igniting a ground attack that totals 225 rushing yards—well above Oregon’s typical 133.6. Clayton finishes 11‑of‑18 for 84 yards and two passing TDs, while backup QB Carson Boyd adds a 20‑yard run. The win improves Illinois to 4‑3 (2‑2 B1G) and highlights a bright future with Clayton under center.
Illinois and Oregon are in a battle at halftime
At halftime in the Illinois vs. Oregon showdown at Gies Memorial Stadium, the Ducks lead 10‑7 despite gaining nearly 100 more yards. Oregon’s quarterback Dylan Raiola fumbled twice, with the Illini recovering one, while Illinois’ defense, led by Ean Rhea and Joe Barna, kept pressure high. The Illini’s offense hinges on senior running back Aidan Laughery’s 75‑yard touchdown run, which accounted for half of their first‑half yards. Rookie quarterback Michael Clayton struggled, throwing just 29 yards, but could still spark a comeback after his heroics against Michigan State two weeks earlier. The game remains wide open heading into the second half.
Illinois Football vs. Oregon Game Discussion
Share your thoughts in the comments and communicate with other Illini fans during the game.
How to Watch Illinois vs. UIC Exhibition: Game Time, TV Channel, Online Streaming and Odds
Illinois faces UIC in a 7 p.m. exhibition Wednesday, streaming live on B1G+. The Illini (0‑0, 28‑9 last season, Final Four appearance) are coached by Brad Underwood in his 10th year, while the Flames (0‑0, 19‑16 last season) are led by Rob Ehsan. Illinois leads the series 14‑2, most recently winning 83‑79 on Dec. 12, 2015, with Malcolm Hill scoring 22. No TV broadcast or betting odds are listed, so fans should tune in online.
‘You have no idea what you’re getting from this offense’: Oregon vulnerable without Dante Moore
In a crossover episode of Oskee Talk, On3 reporter Max Torres and Bleav’s Ducks Dish host dissect Oregon’s upcoming game at Illinois, highlighting the Ducks' reliance on Dante Moore and their vulnerability without him. The discussion covers Illini season trends, Oregon’s defensive concerns, Michael Clayton’s first start, Dylan Raiola’s relief role, and key third‑down performance. The hosts also break down Illinois' skill players and forecast Saturday’s matchup, offering listeners in‑depth analysis before the game.
TCR Reacts: Fans aren’t expecting much from Illinois football the rest of the way
A TCR Reacts poll shows Illinois Fighting Illini fans are pessimistic about the remainder of the 2026 season, with 70% expecting only one or two more wins and just 5% betting on five or six victories. After a lackluster second half and a slip from early CFP hopes, the Illini face tough matchups, including a big underdog tag against Oregon per FanDuel. While the schedule leaves little margin for error, the poll underscores low expectations despite a few games left to salvage the campaign.
Illinois can’t recover from rough first half against Baylor! | TCR Podcast
The Illinois football team tumbles in the first half against Baylor, prompting questions about whether the Illini can get fully healthy before the regular season kicks off. The podcast preview highlights the rough start, potential injury concerns, and what the team needs to rebound.
Illinois catches injury bug in home-opening exhibition loss to Baylor
Illinois falls 95-91 to Baylor in its home‑opening exhibition despite a dramatic second‑half surge. The Illini trailed by 19 at halftime, rallied to within three points, but three key injuries – Zvonimir Ivisic, Andrej Stojakovic and freshman David Mirkovic’s lingering ankle issue – hampered the comeback. Baylor shot 61% from three and led 63-32 after the break, while Illinois’ rebounding suffered, prompting coach Brad Underwood’s frustration. Quentin Coleman tops Illinois with 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists; Kayden Mingo adds 24, Isaac Williams 28. Illinois next hosts UIC on Oct. 28 before the regular season begins.
David Mirkovic on sideline back in boot during Illinois’ exhibition vs. Baylor
Illinois sophomore forward David Mirkovic, the preseason All‑American, reappears in a boot and scooter during warm‑ups for the Illini’s exhibition against Baylor on Oct. 23, 2026, confirming his foot injury is still pending. After missing the Cincinnati exhibition and nearly a month off the boot, coach Brad Underwood says the program is erring on the side of patience, using the game to experiment with lineups and give younger players minutes. Fans may have to wait longer for Mirkovic’s return while the deep Illini roster steps up.
Dylan Raiola set to start Saturday against the Fighting Illini
Oregon Ducks quarterback Dylan Raiola earns the start for Saturday’s showdown against Illinois, according to ON3’s Pete Nakos. After a tumultuous season that saw three different QBs—Raiola, Dante Moore and Brock Thomas—take snaps, Raiola returns following Thomas’s shaky outing versus Nebraska. Raiola, a former Nebraska transfer, previously faced Bilema’s Illini in 2024, losing that game. Coach Dan Lanning hopes the Ducks can reverse that result as they head to Champaign on Oct. 23, 2026.
2026 is Underwood’s shot to win Big Ten Coach of the Year
Brad Underwood’s Illinois basketball squad is poised for a breakout 2026 season, bolstering his case for Big Ten Coach of the Year. Over the past five years he’s coached five NBA draftees—four first‑round picks including Terrence Shannon Jr. (1.27) and Keaton Wagler (1.5)—and recent NBA performances from Ayo Dosunmu and Shannon Jr. reinforce the program’s talent pipeline. Freshmen Ethan Brown (15‑5‑2 in an exhibition) and Lincoln Williams are already earning minutes, while recruits Andrej Stojakovic, Stefan Vaaks and David Mirkovic promise more first‑round potential. Ranked No. 3 in the AP preseason poll with Mirkovic as a preseason All‑American, the Illini face a tough Big Ten slate, notably a home game against Tom Izzo’s Michigan State on Feb. 5. A conference title could finally deliver the Coach of the Year honor Underwood has narrowly missed.
How Illinois can pull off an upset against Oregon
Oregon enters Saturday’s Champaign matchup as a 9.5‑point favorite despite recent offensive struggles, having scored only 34 points in its last two games after a 41‑point outburst versus USC. Illinois, also missing key players like Ca’Lil Valentine and QB Katin Houser, averages 27.5 points over its last two outings. The preview highlights four keys for an Illini upset: freshman QB Michael Clayton’s continued growth, a stronger run game beyond Aiden Laughery, increased pressure on Oregon’s backup QB (potentially Brock Thomas or Dylan Raiola), and creating turnovers—Illinois has recorded just two interceptions all season. Standout players to watch include wide receiver Brayden Trimlow (19 catches, 172 yards) and rookie running back Javari Barnet, while the defensive line must boost its sack production. The article argues that disciplined play and special‑teams execution could tip the scales in Illinois’ favor.
Who will be the eighth man for Illinois?
Illinois coach Brad Underwood eyes a new eighth‑man after Ben Humrichous left. Freshman Ethan Brown, a three‑star recruit from Missouri, made a strong case in the 105‑96 exhibition win over Cincinnati, logging 25 minutes, 15 points and five rebounds – the second‑most on the team. His board‑crashing fits Underwood’s offensive scheme. Fellow freshmen Zavier Zens (three rebounds) and Landon Davis (no rebounds) also saw minutes but were less impactful. The game offers an early glimpse of the rotation battle as Illinois aims to match last season’s eight‑man depth.
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