Illinois Fighting Illini 2026 Preview
Illinois are 1-0 in 2026. They went 9-4 (5-4 in the Big Ten). Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.
About Illinois Fighting Illini
A charter member of the conference, playing in Champaign since 1923.
- Joined the Big Ten
- 1896
- Chief rivalries
- Northwestern (Land of Lincoln Trophy)
What changed for Illinois in 2026
- New defensive coordinator in Bobby Hauck (Montana Head Coach)
- Starting QB from last season is gone. East Carolina transfer Katin Houser is expected to start (3,300 passing yards, 19 TDs, 6 INTs; 193 rushing yards, 9 rushing TDs)
- Ca’Lil Valentine returns at RB after a sophomore season of 614 yards and 4 TDs
- Two out of the top three players in terms of receiving yards return in Collin Dixon (548 yards, 5 TDs) and Hudson Clement (454 yards, 3 TDs). Florida Atlantic transfer Jayshon Platt is also expected to start (720 yards, 5 TDs)
- Returning one starting offensive lineman with three transfers expected to start
- Returning three starters on defense, including their leading tackler in S Matthew Bailey (76 tackles). Three transfers are expected to start
All 136 teams. Free every year via Kyle Kommes.
Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.
Illinois Fighting Illini 2026 schedule
| Game | Opponent | Site | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UAB | Home | W 42-23 |
| 2 | Duke | Home | — |
| 3 | Southern Illinois | Home | — |
| 4 | Ohio State | Away | — |
| 5 | Purdue | Home | — |
| 6 | Michigan State | Away | — |
| 7 | Oregon | Home | — |
| 8 | Maryland | Away | — |
| 9 | Nebraska | Home | — |
| 10 | UCLA | Away | — |
| 11 | Iowa | Home | — |
| 12 | Northwestern | Away | — |
Get the printable Illinois Fighting Illini 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.
More Big Ten previews
Indiana Hoosiers
Iowa Hawkeyes
Maryland Terrapins
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Nebraska Cornhuskers
Northwestern Wildcats
Ohio State Buckeyes
Oregon Ducks
Penn State Nittany Lions
Purdue Boilermakers
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
UCLA Bruins
USC Trojans
Washington Huskies
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Illinois Fighting Illini betting FAQ
Illinois Fighting Illini play 12 games in 2026, 7 at home. They open against UAB. The full schedule is listed on this page.
Illinois is outside Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25 for 2026.
Illinois Fighting Illini play at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IL. A charter member of the conference, playing in Champaign since 1923.
Northwestern (Land of Lincoln Trophy). Illinois has been a Big Ten member since 1896.
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