Happy Wednesday, Illini fans! Here’s what you need to know today:
🏀 Women’s Basketball
Illini crack AP Top 25
Illinois women’s basketball opens the 2026-27 season ranked No. 23 in the Associated Press preseason poll, giving head coach Shauna Green her second preseason Top 25 team in Champaign. It’s the fifth preseason ranking in program history and matches Illinois’ No. 23 spot in 2023-24.
The Big Ten leads all conferences with a record nine teams in the preseason poll. Illinois finished 22-12 last season and reached the second round of the NCAA
Tournament.
The Illini open the regular season Nov. 4 against Detroit Mercy at State Farm Center, following an exhibition against UIS on Oct. 30.
🏈 Football
Oregon brings a major test to Champaign
Illinois is 3-3 overall and 1-2 in Big Ten play heading into Saturday’s matchup with No. 25 Oregon. The Illini are coming off a bye week after their dramatic 38-37 overtime victory over Michigan State.
Quarterback uncertainty looms for both teams, with Illinois working through injuries in its quarterback room. Freshman Michael Clayton could get the start against the Ducks.
Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. CT Saturday at Gies Memorial Stadium on Big Ten Network.
⚽ Soccer
Illini prepare for rivalry matchup
Illinois returns home Thursday to face Northwestern at Demirjian Park. The Illini are coming off a 0-0 draw against Nebraska, in which goalkeeper Izzy Lee made eight saves and moved into second place on the program’s career saves list.
Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT on B1G+.
🏐 Volleyball
Road trip awaits Illinois
Illinois looks to bounce back from Sunday’s five-set loss to Michigan as it heads to Maryland on Friday. The Illini then visit Rutgers on Saturday, continuing a busy stretch of Big Ten play.
Friday’s match against Maryland starts at 6 p.m. CT on B1G+.
