League: NCAAF Sport: College Sports Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Illinois opens college football season against UAB next Thursday

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 29, 2026, 2:51 PM

Last updated Aug 29, 2026

College Sports

Summary

Illinois football begins its 2026 season at home against UAB on September 1 at 8 p.m. This matchup follows a preseason finale where former Illini quarterback DeVito completed 23 of 41 passes for 344 yards and three touchdowns. The Illini hope to extend their winning streak in home openers, having won all five games in this era. Illinois State, the FCS national runner-up last season, starts its season on August 30.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Illinois opens the season against UAB at Gies Memorial Stadium.
•DeVito had a solid preseason, showing strong passing performance.
•The Illini have yet to lose a home opener in this era.
•Illinois State kicks off its 2026 season on August 30.

Latest Updates

2:51 PMYahoo Sports — The daily pitch from Sports Editor : Aug. 29, 2026

What they're saying

"
Aug. 29—➜ landed on prominent watch lists this week. ➜ , given to the top college football quarterback. , given to the top men's golfer every year since 1971. ➜ . The Champaign Central graduate had reached base in 38 straight games for the Rocket City Trash Pandas, the Class AA affiliate with the Los Angeles Angles, until he went 0 for 4 on Thursday night. yards is how far former Illini threw ...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

NCAAF College Sports