The Illinois Fighting Illini, ranked No. 13, kick off their Big Ten Conference season tonight against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus. This matchup marks the 195th meeting between the two teams, continuing a rivalry that stretches back over a century. Illinois leads the series with a record of 112 wins to 82 losses and has emerged victorious in six of the last eight encounters.
Recent Performances and Key Players
In their last outing, the Illini secured a convincing 75-62 victory over No. 13 Tennessee at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. This win adds to head coach Brad Underwood‘s impressive record, which includes 29 victories against ranked teams since the 2019-20 season.
Illinois boasts a strong offensive lineup, with five players averaging double figures in scoring. Leading the charge is Kylan Boswell, who averages 17.0 points, along with 4.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists. He is the only player in the Big Ten with such averages. Andrej Stojakovic follows closely with 14.9 points per game, while freshmen David Mirkovic and Keaton Wagler contribute 13.8 points each.
Mirkovic stands out among freshmen nationally, averaging at least 13.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. His performance includes four double-doubles this season, placing him among the top statistical leaders in the Big Ten and NCAA.
Historical Context and Rivalry Dynamics
Tonight’s game in Columbus is particularly significant as it marks Illinois’ eighth road opener in the last ten seasons. The Illini have a mixed record in Columbus, with 44 wins and 50 losses at Value City Arena. Yet, Illinois has found success recently, winning two of their last three visits to Ohio State.
Underwood holds a 7-6 record against the Buckeyes, and the Illini are currently on a three-game winning streak against them, their longest since a five-game stretch from 2003 to 2005. In their last meeting on February 2, 2025, Illinois triumphed 87-79 at home, with standout performances from the bench and key contributions from Boswell and Mirkovic.
As the Illini prepare for this crucial conference game, they aim to continue their strong start to the season. With an average of 88.7 points per game, Illinois is on track to match some of the highest scoring averages in program history. The team has already demonstrated its offensive prowess by scoring over 80 points in each of their first seven games, a feat not seen since the 1988-89 season.
Looking ahead, Illinois will also host No. 23 Nebraska at State Farm Center this Saturday, making this a pivotal stretch in their season. The Illini are eager to solidify their position in the Big Ten standings as they continue their quest for a successful campaign.
