Illinois basketball predictions: A 25-win season, Big Ten title and No. 2 NCAA Tournament seed

The Illini will begin their season in less than three weeks when they face Fairleigh Dickinson on Monday, Nov. 2. Fans will get their first look at the 2026-27 team this Saturday when Illinois takes on Cincinnati in an exhibition game. The game will not be televised, but highlights and the box score will be available afterward. Illinois will play two more preseason games against Baylor and UIC at the State Farm Center before beginning the regular season.