College Basketball Experts Rank Illinois After Indiana Win

The Illini bounced back with a convincing victory over Indiana, but how much did it improve their standing in the eyes of top analysts?

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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After a tough loss to Wisconsin, Illinois responded with a 20-point win over Indiana. College basketball experts have now updated their rankings for the Illini, with the team landing in the top 10 across various polls and power rankings.

Why it matters

Illinois is considered one of the top teams in the Big Ten and a potential contender for the NCAA Tournament. How the Illini are viewed by experts can impact their seeding, national perception, and momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

The details

The Illini saw their 12-game win streak snapped by Michigan State, then struggled in an overtime loss to Wisconsin. But they bounced back with a convincing 20-point victory over Indiana on Sunday. College basketball analysts have now updated their rankings, with Illinois landing in the top 10 across various polls and power rankings.

  • Illinois lost to Michigan State, ending a 12-game win streak.
  • Illinois then lost in overtime to Wisconsin.
  • On Sunday, Illinois defeated Indiana by 20 points.
  • College basketball experts updated their rankings on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Jake Davis

An Illinois forward who played in the game against Indiana.

Keaton Wagler

An Illinois player who was helped off the court by teammate Jake Davis during the Indiana game.

Kylan Boswell

An Illinois guard who returned to the lineup and was praised for his impact on the team's trajectory.

Tucker DeVries

An Indiana forward who defended Illinois guard Kylan Boswell during the game.

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the Illinois basketball team.

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What’s next

The Illini will go on a two-game road trip in the coming weeks, which will be an important test for the team as they look to solidify their standing among the top teams in the country.

The takeaway

Illinois has the talent and potential to be a top contender, but they need to demonstrate more consistency against both top and lower-tier opponents to earn the respect of college basketball experts and cement their status as an elite program.