The Illini got back into the win column Sunday, but how much did they improve their standing in the eyes of the pundits?
After Illinois saw its 12-game win streak snapped by Michigan State, the expectation was the Illini would return to Champaign with some extra motivation for their next matchup. Instead, Illinois limped through 40 minutes of play against Wisconsin and found itself in overtime, where it simply collapsed, allowing the visitors to steal a huge win.
But on Sunday, against an Indiana club that entered having won five of its previous six games, the Illini finally righted the ship with a So with that encouraging triumph in the books, how does Illinois now rate in the eyes of college basketball’s most renowned experts? As of Monday, here’s where some of the top pundits slotted the Illini :Feb 15, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Jake Davis helps teammate Keaton Wagler off the court during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images, Gary Parrish slotted Illinois at No. 10 in the country – good for fourth among Big Ten teams, as the Illini landed behind Nebraska , Purdue and Michigan ., dropping the Illini from their No. 4 spot a week ago to No. 8. Even so, he seems to be encouraged by Illinois' trajectory, as he said, “Feb 15, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell looks to the basket as Indiana Hoosiers forward Tucker DeVries defends during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images, which is updated daily, Brad Underwood’s club landed at No. 10, one spot ahead of Nebraska and a few spots behind Purdue .– highest among the experts we include here – putting Illinois behind only Arizona , Duke and Michigan .Legendary ESPN commentator Dick Vitale had Illinois at No. 8 in his updated AP ballot, which ranked second among Big Ten teams, with Michigan naturally claiming that top slot.Nov 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell reacts after getting fouled in the second half against the UConn Huskies at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images The metrics favor Brad Underwood's crew, and the eye test tends to tell a similar story, but after falling at home to Wisconsin – an admittedly scorching-hot club – Illinois had to slip a bit. The general consensus is the Illini have the ability to beat any team in the country – a notion we firmly agree with. But until they consistently beat the teams they should be beating, they can’t slot any higher than eighth.Primarily covers Illinois football and basketball, and Kansas basketball, with an emphasis on analysis, features and recruiting. Langendorf, a third-generation University of Illinois alum, has been watching Illini basketball and football for as long as he can remember. An advertising student and journalism devotee, he has been writing for On SI since October 2024. He can be followed and reached on X @jglangendorf.
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