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Illinois basketball unveils 2026-27 nonconference schedule

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 21, 2026, 5:46 PM

Last updated Aug 21, 2026

College Sports

Summary

Illinois basketball announced its nonconference schedule for the 2026-27 season, starting on Nov. 2 against Fairleigh Dickinson at State Farm Center. The Illini will play three exhibition games, including matches against Cincinnati, Baylor, and UIC. The full nonconference slate features seven home games against mid-major opponents, while marquee games will occur on the road or neutral sites. Additional details about 20 Big Ten games will be released later. Key home-only Big Ten opponents include Iowa, Michigan State, and Ohio State.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•First exhibition game on Oct. 17 at Cincinnati
•Key opponents include Baylor and UIC
•Nonconference schedule includes seven home games
•Home-and-home games against Northwestern, Purdue, and Wisconsin
•Full Big Ten schedule to be released later

Latest Updates

5:46 PMYahoo Sports — Illinois releases 2026-27 nonconference schedule

What they're saying

"
Aug. 21—CHAMPAIGN — Three exhibition games, including a pair against Big 12 teams, will lead Illinois into the 2026-27 season, which starts Nov. 2 against Fairleigh Dickinson at State Farm Center. Illinois will play its first exhibition game Oct. 17 at Cincinnati before hosting Baylor on Oct. 23 and UIC on Oct. 28. The full nonconference slate includes seven home games against mid-major ...
— Yahoo Sports

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