Happy Tuesday! Here’s what you need to know today:
🏀 Men’s Basketball
Illini crack AP Top 3
Illinois opened the 2026-27 season at No. 3 in the Associated Press preseason Top 25, giving Brad Underwood’s squad an early spot among the nation’s elite. The Illini received two first-place votes after reaching last season’s Final Four.
Illinois opened exhibition play Saturday with a 105-96 win over Cincinnati, led by Andrej Stojakovic’s 24 points. Freshman Ethan Brown also made an impression, scoring 15 points in his first exhibition appearance.
The Illini return to the court Friday for an exhibition against Baylor at 7 p.m. CT on B1G+.
⛳ Men’s Golf
Illinois shares tournament title
The No. 12 Illini finished in a three-way tie for first with No. 1 Arkansas and No. 46 South Carolina at the Fallen Oak Collegiate Invitational in Mississippi. Illinois shot a 4-over-par 868 across three rounds, closing with a 2-under 286 on Monday.
Senior Max Herendeen tied for second individually at 4 under par, continuing an impressive fall season. The victory marked Illinois’ first tournament win of the season and the 98th under head coach Mike Small.
🏈 Football
Oregon week is here
Illinois is preparing for its biggest remaining home test of the regular season as No. 25 Oregon visits Memorial Stadium on Saturday. The Illini are coming off a bye after their dramatic 38-37 overtime win over Michigan State on Oct. 10.
Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. CT on Big Ten Network.