CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The University of Illinois kicks off its 121st season of men’s basketball on Monday, hosting Jackson State at 7:30 p.m. CT at the State Farm Center. The game, televised on BTN, marks the beginning of another promising season for the Illini, who enter the year ranked No. 17 in the Associated Press Preseason Poll and No. 14 in the Preseason Coaches Poll.

Expectations are high in Champaign, with the Illini returning three key starters from last year’s squad, which finished the season with 22 wins, advanced to the NCAA Round of 32, and ended the year ranked 17th in KenPom. Under the leadership of head coach Brad Underwood, Illinois has been a consistent force in the Big Ten and nationally, earning a spot in the Preseason AP Top 25 in five of the last six seasons.

Preseason Rankings

• No. 8 in 2020-21

• No. 11 in 2021-22

• No. 23 in 2022-23

• No. 24 in 2023-24

• No. 17 in 2025-26

Illinois is also ranked No. 6 in KenPom entering the season, a reflection of their continued success under Underwood. The Illini have finished in the top 35 in KenPom each season since 2019-20, with a high of No. 4 in 2020-21. Last season, Illinois finished 10th in KenPom and 17th the year prior, highlighting their consistent play on both ends of the floor.

Exhibition and Scrimmage Previews

Illinois showed promise during its exhibition game against Illinois State, winning 92-65 on Oct. 19. They also faced defending national champion Florida, ranked No. 3 in the preseason, in a closed scrimmage on Oct. 25 in Orlando.

Strong Record in Season Openers

Illinois has a strong tradition of success in season openers, posting an all-time record of 106-14 (.883). The Illini have won nine straight openers, including an 8-0 mark under Brad Underwood, who has never lost a season opener since taking over the program.

Illinois vs. Jackson State

Monday’s opener marks the sixth all-time matchup between Illinois and Jackson State, with the Illini holding a perfect 5-0 record in the series. All five games have been played at the State Farm Center, with the most recent meeting coming in the 2021-22 season opener, where Illinois secured a 71-47 victory.

Underwood’s squad has had consistent success against Jackson State, with the Illini’s all-time record against the current members of the SWAC standing at a dominant 17-0. Additionally, Underwood is 8-0 against SWAC teams in his career.

A Legacy of Excellence in Big Ten Play

Illinois enters the 2025-26 season as the Big Ten’s winningest team in conference play since 2019-20, with 81 league victories over the last six seasons, tied with Purdue. Over that stretch, the Illini also own the most road wins in league play, with 34, and are tied with Purdue for the most total wins in Big Ten action, including the conference tournament, with 88.