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Illinois prepares for key matchups against power conference teams

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 5, 2026, 2:46 PM

Last updated Jul 5, 2026

Basketball

Summary

Illinois will face several prominent power conference teams in the upcoming basketball season, starting with Texas Tech on November 11. The Illini hope for a competitive game, contingent on the recovery of Tech's JT Toppin from surgery. Later matchups include Duke on November 17 at Cameron Indoor Stadium, where both teams will seek to assert dominance. UConn visits on December 4, while Missouri and North Carolina await unclear dates, with Missouri's roster largely rebuilt and North Carolina undergoing a coaching change.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Illinois plays Texas Tech on November 11, waiting on JT Toppin's health.
•Duke matchup on November 17 carries high expectations for both teams.
•UConn provides another challenge on December 4, with Illinois seeking revenge.
•Missouri's matchup is tentatively scheduled around December 22.
•North Carolina faces Illinois in late January amid roster and coaching changes.

Latest Updates

2:46 PMYahoo Sports — Good Morning, Illini Nation: Looking ahead to power conference showdowns

What they're saying

"
Jul. 5—Yesterday's morning basketball missive centered on Illinois' strong yet entirely devoid of high-level home games 2026-27 schedule. At least so far. Now, we'll take a look at the five power conference opponents that highlight the Illini's slate and where they stand four months out from the start of the season: Texas Tech — Nov. 11 How fast JT Toppin's surgically-repaired right knee heals ...
— Yahoo Sports

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