Illinois basketball lost to UConn in the 2025-26 Final Four but will return a roster this fall that could be even better than last year's.
The Fighting Illini boast one of the Big Ten's top center tandems in twins Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic and one of the country's best freshmen in five-star guard Quentin Coleman as part of a roster that has been gaining national attention for its depth and talent.
On Wednesday, CBS Sports college basketball insider Jon Rothstein released his preseason top ten rankings, including the Illini ahead of UConn and firmly in the top five conversation.
Rothstein Releases Top 10
CBS Sports college hoops insider Jon Rothstein's top ten has Underwood's team ranked highly, but not in the top spot as many Fighting Illini fans expected.
Rothstein's list includes the Florida Gators in the top spot, Duke Blue Devils at number two, Illinois Fighting Illini at number three, UConn Huskies at number four, Michigan State Spartans at number five, Arizona Wildcats at number six, Virginia Cavaliers at number seven, Texas Longhorns at number eight, Louisville Cardinals at number nine, and Michigan Wolverines at number ten.
The Fighting Illini finished fifth in both the AP Top 25 and Coaches poll after their Final Four appearance last season, just behind the Blue Devils, who were knocked out of the Elite Eight by the Huskies on a last-second miracle shot from Braylon Mullins.
Illinois Battling Injuries Ahead of Season Opener
Illinois released its 2026-27 schedule ahead of its Nov. 2 opener against Farleigh-Dickinson on Wednesday, and it included a brutal seven-game stretch that had fans talking.
The Fighting Illini will face a full Big Ten slate this season plus non-conference games against Duke, Missouri, North Carolina and UConn.
The team recently lost star forward David Mirkovic to a foot injury and center Tomislav Ivisic to a hand injury. Getting both players back could be key to a national championship this season, but the Fighting Illini have enough depth to maintain top five status without Mirkovic and Tomislav Ivisic.
Coleman, an athletic guard who is capable of playing forward, and Tomislav Ivisic's brother Zvonimir both have the talent to step up and play bigger roles on Underwood's team this year should the occasion call for it.
Illinois freshman forward Landon Davis has also shown promise as someone who could contribute at a high level this season if Mirkovic is out for an extended period of time.
The Fighting Illini have the talent to finish higher than third nationally this season if everything falls into place, and even if it doesn't. Underwood has his team positioned for a memorable fall and winter college hoops season, and it won't be long before it all gets started in Champaign.