ESPN's Jay Bilas Moves Illinois Basketball Up in Latest Rankings

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ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas recently released his first rankings update since before the season, and Illinois has moved up six spots from its preseason ranking of No. 12 to No. 6 nationally. Bilas highlighted the Illini's exceptional offense and the emergence of freshman guard Keaton Wagler, who he called an "elite, lottery-pick guard" that reminds him of NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton.

Why it matters

Bilas' rankings carry significant weight in the college basketball world, and his placement of Illinois at No. 6 nationally reinforces the Illini's status as a Final Four contender and national title threat this season. The high ranking also shines a spotlight on the remarkable freshman campaign of Keaton Wagler, who has emerged as a star despite not being highly ranked in his high school class.

The details

In his preseason rankings, Bilas slotted Illinois at No. 12 in the country, praising the team's European influence and stating they were a "Big Ten contender." Three-plus months into the season, the Illini have fulfilled those expectations, posting a 21-5 overall record and 12-3 mark in Big Ten play to sit in second place in the conference. Bilas has taken notice, bumping Illinois up six spots to No. 6 in his latest rankings, second only to Michigan among Big Ten teams. Bilas highlighted the Illini's historically dominant offense and the emergence of freshman guard Keaton Wagler, who he called an "elite, lottery-pick guard" that reminds him of NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton.

• Bilas released his preseason rankings before the 2025-26 season.
• Bilas released his first rankings update since the preseason on February 17, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Illinois will look to continue its strong season and push for a Big Ten regular-season title in the coming weeks.