Sweet Science Sports | 2026–27 College Basketball Preview
Illinois enters the season with one of the nation's most complete rosters and aspirations of competing for a national championship.
After finishing 28–9 and reaching the Final Four last season, Brad Underwood has assembled another dangerous team.
The Fighting Illini begin the S³ Preseason Top 25 at No. 3.
The challenge is no longer proving Illinois can reach the Final Four. It's proving the program can win when it gets there.
Stojakovic Leads a Balanced Roster
Andrej Stojakovic returns as one of Illinois' most important offensive players.
The senior averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds last season while helping the Illini reach the national semifinals.
Stojakovic provides scoring versatility, size and experience.
David Mirkovic adds frontcourt skill, while Tomislav Ivisic gives Illinois additional interior presence.
Stefan Vaaks strengthens the perimeter attack, and freshmen Quentin Coleman and Ethan Brown provide promising playmaking depth.
A Record-Setting Opening Performance
Illinois opened the season with a 120–45 victory over Fairleigh Dickinson on November 2.
The Fighting Illini set program records with their 75-point margin of victory and 19 made three-pointers.
Stojakovic and Vaaks each scored 20 points.
Coleman added 13 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.
The performance demonstrated Illinois' scoring potential, floor spacing and depth.
But tougher competition awaits.
Seven Games Against AP Top 25 Opponents
| Opponent | AP Rank | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Duke | #2 | 1 |
| UConn | #4 | 1 |
| Michigan State | #6 | 1 |
| Michigan | #16 | 1 |
| Texas Tech | #19 | 1 |
| USC | #21 | 1 |
| UCLA | #22 | 1 |
| Total | 7 |
Average Ranked Opponent: No. 12.9
The early road games at Texas Tech and Duke, followed by a December showdown with UConn, will test Illinois' national championship credentials.
Can Illinois Win the Big Ten?
Yes. Illinois enters as our Big Ten favorite.
The Fighting Illini were selected first in the unofficial preseason media poll, ahead of Michigan State and Michigan.
Their offensive versatility and returning experience give them a legitimate advantage.
The biggest threats are Michigan State's backcourt leadership and Michigan's championship pedigree.
S³ Season Projection
| Category | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Proposed Record | 27–5 |
| Big Ten Record | 17–3 |
| Best Player | Andrej Stojakovic |
| Biggest X-Factor | Stefan Vaaks |
| Ranked Games | 7 |
| Average Ranked Opponent | #12.9 |
| Big Ten Championship | Favorite |
| Expected NCAA Finish | Final Four |
| Tournament Ceiling | National Champion |
| Possible Downside | Elite Eight |
| Further Downside | Sweet 16 |
S³ Final Word
Illinois has the offensive talent, size and depth necessary to compete for a national championship.
Stojakovic provides a dependable scoring presence, Mirkovic and Ivisic strengthen the frontcourt, and Vaaks adds another dangerous perimeter weapon.
The opening victory showed how explosive this team can be.
But the most important tests will come against nationally ranked opponents.
S³ projects Illinois to finish 27–5 and return to the Final Four.
Winning the national championship is within the team's ceiling.
S³ Prediction: 27–5 | Final Four | National Championship Ceiling.
Rank the team, not the reputation.
