Illinois Basketball Breaks Top-15 in Recent AP Poll

Following two impressive victories over Rutgers (81–55) and No. 19 Iowa (75–69), Illinois Basketball has jumped three spots to No. 13 in this week’s AP Top 25. Notably, it marks the Fighting Illini’s first return to the top 15 (and to No. 13 specifically) since their gut-wrenching buzzer-beater loss to Jamarques Lawrence and the undefeated Nebraska Cornhuskers, back in mid-December.

Note: The Huskers are currently at 16-0, and ranked 8^th in the nation (KenPom No. 17).

HE HIT IT

Jamarques Lawrence’s 3-pointer right before the buzzer sends No. 23 @HuskerMBB to a dramatic win at No. 13 Illinois. pic.twitter.com/PhSr8kmnQn

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 13, 2025

Since that brutal loss, however, Brad Underwood’s talented crew has clearly begun to settle into their roles, rattling off five consecutive victories (over Mizzou, Southern, Penn State, Rutgers, Iowa) while outscoring opponents 410–292, dating back to that Dec. 13th defeat. That surge has additionally fueled Illinois’ climb back to No. 7 in the latest KenPom rankings.

Freshman phenom Keaton Wagler has emerged as perhaps the most impressive storyline for Illinois as of late, leading the team in scoring in three of their last five victories during the Illini’s current win streak. Averaging 15.7 points, along with 5.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists, while shooting an eye-opening 46% from the field and 41% from deep, it’s no surprise the Shawnee, Kansas native is quickly putting the NBA on notice and climbing mock draft boards.

Depth and momentum are certainly in this 13th-ranked squad’s favor, as Illinois Basketball dives deeper into the heart of its Big Ten schedule. Luckily, this team appears to be getting hot at the right time. 

The Illini Men’s basketball team comes in at 13th in this week’s AP Poll. Illinois is 13-3 overall and 4-1 in conference play. 4-3 in quad-one games so far pic.twitter.com/1AxphgYsgd

— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) January 12, 2026