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Illinois opens college football season against UAB on Thursday night

4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 12:00 AM

Last updated Sep 4, 2026

Illinois opens college football season against UAB on Thursday night
Summary

The Illinois Fighting Illini football team begins its season Thursday at 8 p.m. with a home game against UAB at Gies Memorial Stadium. This matchup serves as the team's first appearance at Zuppke Field in 278 days. Head coach Bielema confirmed Katin Houser will start at quarterback, with the team utilizing a new 3-3-5 defensive system installed by defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck. The stadium features several upgrades for the season, including a new scoreboard, sound system, and lighting. Following an offseason of roster changes, the coaching staff expressed confidence in the depth of the running back and tight end rooms, noting the development of players like Kaden Feagin. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.

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Status Watch
  • •Illinois hosts UAB at Gies Memorial Stadium on Thursday at 8 p.m.
  • •Katin Houser will start at quarterback for the Fighting Illini.
  • •Defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck introduces a 3-3-5 defensive system.
  • •Stadium renovations include a new scoreboard, sound system, and lighting.
  • •The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network.
Latest Updates
  • 12:00 AMYahoo Sports — How to watch UAB vs Illinois: Live stream College Football, NCAA, TV channel
  • 2:48 PMYahoo Sports — Gameday preview UAB at Illinois; 8 p.m., Thursday (BTN)
  • 11:39 PMYahoo Sports — Preview: Illini set to host UAB, Ryder Burton
  • 8:31 PMYahoo Sports — One day away: Illinois kicks off against UAB Thursday
What they're saying
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Sep. 3—Beat writer Scott Richey previews the Illini's season opener against UAB before Thursday's 8 p.m. kickoff at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign: Three major storylines 'I hate anything that makes me do things I haven't done' Illinois won't have to submit injury reports to the Big Ten until it plays its first Big Ten game. That won't be, however, just a single Sept. 26 injury report in ...

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Illinois football’s season opener on Thursday will feature some new looks for both teams on the field. As the Illini host UAB, the Blazers come to town hoping to start their first full season under Ryan Mortensen’s leadership on a high note. Mortensen, previously serving as OC in Birmingham, was promoted […]

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The new-look Illinois Fighting Illini come off the most successful two-year stretch in program history with an almost entirely new cast as they open the season by hosting the UAB Blazers on Thursday night at Gies Memorial Stadium. How to…

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