Illinois Fighting Illini ranks third in ESPN's preseason college basketball poll

The Illinois Fighting Illini have received a preseason rank of No. 3 in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25 for the 2026-27 college basketball season. This ranking marks only the fourth time in the program's history, and first since the 2004-05 season, that Illinois enters a season in the top five. The team has retained key players including David Mirkovic, Andrej Stojakovic, and others, while also adding talent from high school and the transfer portal. Illinois will face an early season challenge against UConn at the United Center, set as a key non-conference matchup of the season. The Illini's season opener against Fairleigh Dickinson is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 2.

• 12:05 PMYahoo Sports — Illini crack Top 5 in latest ESPN preseason rankings