Is Illinois Basketball a Final Four Contender in 2025-26?

On the most recent episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, hosts Austin Burklund and Alex Kyi were joined by college basketball expert and Blue Blooded Podcast host Ryan Hammer to preview the 2025-26 Illinois Basketball team ahead of Sunday’s (10/19) preseason exhibition against Illinois State.

Hammer noted that he expects Brad Underwood’s squad to take a step forward from last season, despite losing first-round talents Will Riley and Kasparas Jakucionis to the NBA. With an influx of talented newcomers like Andrej Stojakovic, paired with experienced returners such as Kylan Boswell, Tomislav Ivisic, Ty Rodgers, and others, Illinois has the makings of one of the most efficient offensive teams in the nation if everything comes together.

That optimism certainly carries through in Ryan’s overall outlook for the program. Notably, Hammer believes the Illini have a particularly high ceiling in 2025, which could take them to heights unforeseen in Champaign in nearly two decades.

Could the Fighting Illini make a Final Four run? According to Hammer, the pieces are all in place.

Photo Credit: Ty Rodgers’ on Instagram. (@Tyrodgers20).

Why Illinois Basketball Could Compete for a Final Four, According to Ryan Hammer

“Yeah, I think it’ll go similar to last year, where like, the highs are high, and the lows are not amazing – but the highs are higher, than the lows are lower,” Hammer stated. “When they’re on offensively, it’s going to be great. The craft, the playmaking, the ball movement, the offensive system – is going to be awesome. I’m very excited for that. And, I think having two primary playmakers on the court… Andrej is so smooth on the ball, he’s such a good scorer… like, it’s going to be a lot of fun to watch.”

Building on that, Hammer noted that Illinois’ overall potential is greater this season, compared to 2024-25.

“Their ceiling is higher this year than it was last year, so I think their ceiling is a final four team, and if things go well, they could be a 2 or 3 seed at their peak this year.”

Still, Hammer was quick to point out that while the ceiling is high, the floor for this Illinois team is seemingly sturdy.

“Obviously they’re going to be a tournament team. I’d say floor, their going to be a 7 or 8 seed at worst, if they just cant put it together early on, and those early on losses against those SEC teams (Alabama, Tennessee) kind of tank their resume for the tournament seeding.

WATCH: Armchair Illini Podcast – “Illinois Final Four Ceiling?” With Guest Ryan Hammer

For more Illini coverage and conversation to get you gameday ready, host Austin Burklund has got you covered on the Armchair Illini Podcast. With exciting guests and fresh insight every week, it’s another quality podcast to add to your rotation!

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