On Monday, the Big East Conference announced its television schedule and its game times for the 2026-27 season. At least, most of them.
With regards to the UConn Huskies men's team, there were a handful of game times and television details still missing. One of those was cleared up on Tuesday as the program put out on social media that it will play Illinois on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. ET on FOX. That game will happen in Chicago and will be a rematch of last year's Final Four battle, which went to UConn.
The Huskies then lost to Michigan in the national championship game.
This matchup will represent one of several great non-conference meetings for the Huskies, who are also set to play Ohio State, Virginia, Kansas, Arizona and Duke over the course of the year.
About last year's Final Four matchup
The Huskies beat Illinois 71-62 to advance to the national title game for the third time in four years.
Big man Tarris Reed Jr. led the way for the Huskies with 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting. Freshman Braylon Mullins had 15 and Solo Ball had 13. Senior Alex Karaban struggled from the floor, going just 1-for-8. He was only 1-of-7 from three-point range.
Reed and Karaban will not be part of the December rematch, as both players are now in the NBA. Ball is expected to miss the entire season with injury, meaning that head coach Dan Hurley needs to replace 39 points from the lineup.
The Illini also need to replace key scoring, as Keaton Wagler, who scored 20 points in that matchup, is also now in the NBA.
About this year's UConn team
The biggest question for the Huskies is the question above: How do they replace Reed, Karaban and Ball in the rotation?
While Mullins and Silas Demary Jr. could give UConn one of the most dynamic back courts in the nation, they have to figure out answers on the interior. The hope is that Na'jai Hines, who transferred in from Seton Hall, can be that answer.
Up next
Before the Huskies can think about a matchup with Illinois, they have to focus on the exhibition season ahead. UConn will take on the Syracuse Orange on Tuesday night (Oct. 13) at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
The Orange are coming off a 15-17 season that saw them move on from head coach Adrian Autry. They've since hired Gerry McNamara.