The general consensus ahead of the 2026-27 season: Illinois, which returns the majority of its core from last year’s Final Four squad,

is a top five preseason squad .

Hard assertions are difficult to make with six months standing between today and the next campaign, but it’s safe to say the Illini, at the bare minimum, will be a top-10 club entering next year.

Where Illinois ranks in early Bart Torvik 2026-27 rankings

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts after a play against the UConn Huskies during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.…