Good morning, Illini fans! Here’s what you need to know heading into the weekend.
🏀 Illinois basketball announces loaded non-conference schedule
Illinois finalized its 2026-27 non-conference schedule Friday, and it includes plenty of high-level competition. The Illini will face Duke on Nov. 17, UConn on Dec. 4 and UNC on Jan. 30 in Nashville, along with Texas Tech, Baylor and Braggin’ Rights against Missouri. Six of Illinois’ non-conference opponents reached the NCAA Tournament last season.
⚽ Soccer gets first win of 2026
Illinois rallied past Cincinnati 2-1 Thursday night for its first victory of the season. After Cincinnati took a 1-0 lead, the Illini equalized before winning it in the 86th minute on a goal from Ornberg. Illinois is now 1-0-1 and hosts UIC Sunday at 5 p.m. CT.
🏈 Football countdown continues
Illinois is 12 days from its Sept. 3 opener against UAB. The Illini have already named six team captains for the season: Matthew Bailey, Collin Dixon, Katin Houser, Aidan Laughery, Jake Renfro and Xavier Scott. Houser enters the season as the new starting quarterback with 26 career starts.
📅 What’s next
Sunday: Illinois soccer vs. UIC, 5 p.m. CT.
The first Illinois football game is Sept. 3 vs. UAB.
