Illinois basketball announces intensive non-conference schedule in 2025

Illinois Basketball officially released its 2026 non-conference schedule today via its X account (@IlliniMBB). While many of the marquee matchups had already been leaked, the Illini confirmed the dates and locations for all games.

The season tips off with an exhibition game on October 19th in Champaign against in-state rival Illinois State. The regular season officially begins on November 3rd, when Jackson State visits State Farm Center.

Illinois will face five Power Conference opponents in November and December before Big Ten play begins in full after the new year. Here are the top non-conference matchups, ranked by intrigue:

1. Illinois vs. UConn — Madison Square Garden

The most anticipated game on the non-conference slate sees the Illini travel to New York City to face UConn. The Huskies, winners of back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024, are expected to be a preseason top-five team. This matchup also serves as a rematch of the 2024 Elite Eight, when UConn delivered a historic 30-0 run on Illinois en route to victory.

2. Texas Tech @ Illinois

This is the biggest home game of the non-conference schedule. Texas Tech is coming off an Elite Eight appearance and returns All-American forward JT Toppin. It’s an early-season test for Illinois, taking place in just the third game of the year.

3. Illinois vs. Alabama — United Center

Illinois basketball returns to the United Center for a regular-season game for the first time since 2018, when they lost to Ohio State in front of a sparsely attended Illini-filled crowd. This year’s game against Alabama should bring a sea of orange to the Madhouse on Madison and will offer a preview of the Big Ten Tournament atmosphere.

4. Illinois vs. Missouri — Enterprise Center

The annual Bragging’ Rights Game should be circled on every Illini fan’s calendar. Though the crowd is intended to be split, the Illini Nation always shows up in force. Last year’s meeting ended in a dramatic three-point Illinois win. Expect another intense showdown.

5. Illinois vs. Tennessee — Bridgestone Arena

Illinois and Tennessee recently extended their home-and-home series for two more seasons by adding two semi-neutral matchups. While the Illini dropped the first two meetings, they’ll get another chance to even the series. Last year’s matchup ended in dramatic fashion with Jordan Gainey’s buzzer-beater sealing the win for the Volunteers.

6. Colgate @ Illinois

This game carries some extra emotion, as new assistant coach and defensive coordinator Camryn Crocker faces his former team. Previously at Colgate, Crocker will now help lead Illinois basketball against them. The game falls on a Friday, and with Illinois Football hosting Maryland the next day, it could make for a fun weekend in Champaign.

7. Illinois State @ Illinois (Exhibition)

Though it’s just an exhibition, this in-state rivalry matchup may lead to more regular-season meetings in the future. Despite being just 54 miles apart, Illinois and Illinois State have played only eight times in their history. Illinois State is a serious contender in the Missouri Valley this season and could provide a solid early test. Will the Illini get to see Brandon Lieb in action?

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