As the Illinois basketball program enters the 2026-27 campaign, there is a ton of hype.
The Illini are coming off a Final Four run just months ago, and now we are going to be a top five team in the country to start the season.
Most of the tip-off times and television schedule were released earlier this week. What piqued my interest the most is the number of nationally televised games on the big networks for the Illini.
Illinois will get two games on ESPN. We play at Duke on November 17, which is on ESPN, and then the Braggin' Rights game on December 20 is on ESPN2.
On just the regular FOX station, Illinois has a slew of games. There are six matchups on FOX, five of which are Big Ten matchups. The massive game against UConn on December 4 is also on FOX.
The Illini then have three games on CBS. So, that is a total of 11 games on the biggest of networks.
The drop you've been waiting for. pic.twitter.com/uNXQlEYJ4f
– Illinois Men's Basketball (@IlliniMBB) October 6, 2026
What is also interesting is that the Texas Tech and UNC matchups don't have a tip time or television schedule yet.
My guess on the reasoning, and there already might be reasons floated out there, is that Illinois is one of the premier brands in basketball right now.
The television rights to these games are trying to find exactly which station and times work best for them to get the most eyes. For these two games, Illinois and their opponent will be a top 10 or at least a top 20 matchup. That will be some of the best basketball you will see this season.
There has been so much growth off the court for Illinois, and now, on a national level, we are looked at as one of the must-watch programs. I would imagine the Texas Tech and UNC games mentioned above will be in primetime on a big network.
The Illinois basketball non-conference is a monster, and I am here for it
While they are still determining some of the tip times and television schedule for key Illinois games, it is always jarring seeing so many big games in the non-conference.
The Big Ten is already tough enough, with the likes of Purdue, Michigan State, and Michigan always sniffing around. Brad Underwood didn't shy away from taking on the big boys, as we are now one of those programs.
In a stretch of three weeks, Illinois will take on Texas Tech, Duke, and UConn. That is going to be the stress test of all time. It is hard to get a tougher non-conference schedule than that. And then you drop a random ACC battle against North Carolina in the middle of the conference slate.
Even the exhibition games are tough. Cincinnati and Baylor are the first two exhibition games this season. That will get Illinois on the right path quickly.
I love the caliber of the Orange and Blue. It has been a long time since this program has been one of the marquee names in the sport. The most underrated part of it all is the fact that everyone is going to be shooting for us. Let the games begin.
Today's best reads
- Brad Underwood isn't forgetting his trials and tribulations with Illinois basketball
- Illinois officially reaches contender status with No. 1 ranking in Big Ten Preseason Poll
- David Mirkovic's positive injury update still doesn't give answers on his starting status this season
- Andrej Stojakovic believes Illinois freshmen are primed to make a big impact
- Transfer portal seems like Illinois basketball's best friend in wake of Darius Wabbington news
This article was originally published on www.writingillini.com as Illinois basketball premier status puts the program in the national TV limelight.