Illinois basketball game vs Nebraska breaks FS1 TV record

Quite the game this past weekend for Illinois basketball. Per Fox College Hoops on X, the Illini’s matchup vs the Nebraska Cornhuskers delivered 1.37 million viewers. This was the most amount of viewers in the network’s college basketball history. The game was certainly a thriller as the Illini earned a 78-69 victory, giving the Cornhuskers their second loss of the season. Illinois took control of the game early; however, Nebraska went on a major run to put them up six going into halftime.

Nebraska had some opportunities to seize momentum; however, Illinois turned up its defense in the second half and outscored the Huskers 45-30. Keaton Wagler ended the game with 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Jake Davis was huge once again and had 13 points and a huge block on Pryce Sandfort to help quell some of the Huskers’ momentum.

Illinois basketball moved to 19-3 on the season, and 10-1 in Big Ten play. They are currently tied for Michigan for the top spot in the Big Ten. With the Illini now 5th in the AP poll, expect more national attention on their season as they head into March.

Sunday’s Illinois–Nebraska matchup on FS1 delivered 1.37 million viewers — the network’s most-watched college basketball game ever. pic.twitter.com/uLVgADP8DO

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 3, 2026

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