Good morning, Illini fans! It’s finally here. Football is back.
🏈 The big story
Illinois football is officially back tonight.
The Illini open the 2026 season against UAB at Gies Memorial Stadium at 8 p.m. CT on Big Ten Network. Katin Houser will make his Illinois debut at quarterback, while new defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck unveils his 3-3-5 defense.
Illinois is a 27.5-point favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
🏐 Volleyball
Illinois fell to No. 22 Tennessee, 3-0, Tuesday night in the Big Ten/SEC Challenge. The loss dropped
the Illini to 1-2 on the young season.
Next up: McNeese State on Saturday in Houston.
⚽ Soccer
Illinois remains unbeaten at 1-0-3 after a 1-1 draw with Saint Louis.
The Illini hit the road tonight, taking on Western Michigan at 6 p.m. CT in Kalamazoo. The match will stream on ESPN+.
🏀 Basketball
Illinois continues to make noise on the 2027 recruiting trail. Five-star guard King Gibson recently included the Illini in his top 10, adding another elite name to Brad Underwood’s recruiting board.
📅 Coming up
• Sept. 3 — Football vs. UAB, 8 p.m.
• Sept. 3 — Soccer at Western Michigan, 6 p.m.
• Sept. 6 — Soccer at Virginia Tech, 11 a.m.
• Sept. 6 — Volleyball vs. McNeese State, noon
