Big Ten Media Days are here, and Illinois has been a popular topic of conversation, and not just when talking to Brad Underwood and his players. After a Final Four appearance and retaining nearly the entire roster, the Illini are looked at as the top Big Ten team and a serious contender for the championship, and other coaches in the conference know that.
Not only were coaches asked about their own teams at Media Days, but also about other teams as well, like Underwood and Illinois. Even though Illinois is looked at as a serious threat in the Big Ten, other NCAA Tournament coaches have a lot of high praise for Underwood's work in Champaign and aren't afraid to share it.
Tom Izzo and Fred Hoiberg both hold Brad Underwood in high esteem
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo was the first to talk about Underwood and all that he has done at Illinois. One of the biggest things that Izzo admired most about Underwood was that he stuck around Champaign, even after the Illini struggled to keep coaches, either due to success with the team or lack thereof.
Izzo also talked about how tough a coach Underwood is, comparing him to himself, who many believe is very tough.
"He's a tough SOB, and he's demanding. I get ridiculed for how I am. But I'm a choir boy compared to him," Izzo said. "I love Brad. He's done a great job."
I asked Michigan State HC Tom Izzo about Brad Underwood's evolution at Illinois.
"I'm a choir boy compared to Brad…I love Brad, he's done a great job and he cares about the game."#illinipic.twitter.com/fGKiQh4Iw2
– Elliot Casey (@ElliotCasey3) October 8, 2026
Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg, who got the Cornhuskers to their first-ever Sweet Sixteen in program history last season, also had high praise for Underwood. Not only did Hoiberg praise Underwood, but how his teams play, knowing that when his team plays Illinois, they need to be ready to go.
"If you don't bring your hard hat against a Brad Underwood team, you're gonna get embarrassed," Hoiberg said.
I asked Nebraska HC Fred Hoiberg about how #illini HC Brad Underwood helped transform Illinois, and he had nothing but good things to say.
"They are so hard to guard."
"If you don't bring your hard hat against a Brad Underwood team, you're gonna get embarrassed." pic.twitter.com/HnsUJL4hhz
– Elliot Casey (@ElliotCasey3) October 8, 2026
Underwood is clearly a well-respected coach in the Big Ten, as seen by how other coaches in the conference spoke of him. Not only has Underwood been at Illinois for nine seasons, but it hasn't always been sunshine and rainbows in Champaign under his coaching.
It took nine seasons, but Underwood finally got Illinois back to the Final Four for the first time since 2005, and he did it with guys that weren't the highest-rated players. Now, with the Illini looking like a real contender, Underwood was able to get some extra talent to get this team not only back to the Final Four this season, but to the big game.
There is a reason Underwood is so highly respected by his fellow conference coaches, and Izzo and Hoiberg are right: Illinois is in good hands with Underwood.
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This article was originally published on www.writingillini.com as Brad Underwood is clearly well-respected amongst his fellow coaches in the Big Ten.