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

Illinois ranks among top 10 in preseason college basketball polls

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 31, 2026, 2:47 PM

Last updated Jul 31, 2026

College Sports

Summary

As of July 31, the Illinois basketball program is highlighted as a top contender in early preseason rankings ahead of the 2026-27 season. The list features seven teams from the Big Ten and SEC each, while the ACC and Big 12 have four teams apiece. Illinois, along with other strong contenders such as Michigan State and Houston, continues to build its roster for the upcoming season. Illinois and the rest of the top teams are preparing for what is expected to be a competitive year in college basketball.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Illinois among seven Big Ten teams in top 10
•Michigan State and Houston also featured in rankings
•Top teams are building strong rosters for the upcoming season
•Preseason assessments impact recruitment strategies

Latest Updates

2:47 PMYahoo Sports — Good Morning, Illini Nation: We've hit the top 10

What they're saying

"
Jul. 31—We've reached the top 10 of my, let's say, rough draft of a preseason top 25 ahead of the 2026-27 college basketball season. Like the previous three iterations, there's a Big Ten presence. The full breakdown by conference, includes seven Big Ten and seven SEC teams. The ACC and Big 12 are next with four teams apiece, the Big East is represented by a pair (both in Thursday's breakdown ...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

NCAAM College Sports