Illinois Basketball Up to No. 6 in the NET Rankings

Thanks to Keaton Wagler’s record-breaking performance in the Fighting Illini’s 88-82 victory over the 4th-ranked Purdue Boilermakers, Illinois Basketball has now moved up to No. 6 in the recently updated NET Rankings.

Now at 17-3, with a 6-3 record vs Quad 1 opponents, as well as a perfect 11 – 0 record vs Quad 2-4 opponents, the 11th-ranked (and climbing) Illini have certainly proven themselves as a one of the most dangerous teams in the country, as they navigate the heart of Big Ten play, and inch ever closer to March. Wagler’s 46-point heater (13 for 17 FG – 76%) in West Lafayette (IN), which broke a Mackey Arena single-game record by a visiting player, as well as breaking the Illini’s single-game 3-point record with 9 (9 for 11 3-PT – 81%), lifted Illinois to its 9th consecutive victory. The current win streak is the longest for Illinois Basketball, dating back to the 2012-13 season.

With February knocking on the door and tournament season just around the corner, the Illini’s steady climb up the NET is certainly a very positive indicator of how well this team has congealed as a unit as the 2025-26 season has progressed. Despite having leaders like Kylan Boswell and Ty Rodgers sidelined due to injuries, Brad Underwood’s crew continues to find a way to get it done.

Notably, Illinois is currently tied for 2nd in the Big Ten with Michigan and Michigan State, trailing only undefeated Nebraska, which took down the Illini at the buzzer back in mid-December. That said, a rematch with the 20-0 Huskers looms ahead on 2/1. The 3 pm showdown in Lincoln (NE) could undoubtedly have major implications, with March quickly approaching.

Boswell will be back on the floor for Illinois Basketball in mid-February…. Can Underwood and his star true-freshman continue to lead this team’s current momentum?\