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Illinois' Brad Underwood Chokes Up After Ending 21-Year Final Four Drought
The Fighting Illini are headed to their first Final Four since 2005 after beating Iowa in the Elite Eight.
Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:06pm
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Illinois head coach Brad Underwood became emotional after his team clinched its first Final Four berth in 21 years with a 71-59 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight. Underwood, who has been with the program for over a decade, said the moment was about the team's fans and what it means for the Champaign community. Star guard Keaton Wagler also expressed how special it is to reach the pinnacle of college basketball.
Why it matters
Illinois' return to the Final Four ends a long drought for the program and the Champaign community. Underwood has built the team into a national title contender, and this run could be a springboard for the program to compete for its first championship since 2005.
The details
Illinois defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes 71-59 in the Elite Eight on Saturday night in Houston to clinch its first Final Four berth since 2005. Head coach Brad Underwood, who has been with the program for over a decade, became emotional while cutting down the nets, saying the moment was about the team's fans and the Champaign community. Star guard Keaton Wagler, who is facing an NBA decision, expressed how special it is to reach the Final Four and compete for a national title.
- Illinois defeated Iowa on Saturday, March 29, 2026 to clinch the Final Four berth.
- The Fighting Illini last reached the Final Four in 2005.
The players
Brad Underwood
The head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini, who has led the program for over a decade and guided them to their first Final Four since 2005.
Keaton Wagler
The star guard for the Illinois Fighting Illini, who scored 25 points in the Elite Eight win over Iowa. Wagler is facing an NBA decision after this historic run.
What they’re saying
“One of the most fulfilling moments personally that I just had was standing on the ladder with the net and then seeing our fans and being able to just -- that wasn't about me. That was about our fans, and that was about what's probably going on in Champaign right now, because that's what you believe this to be, and you know it is.”
— Brad Underwood, Head Coach, Illinois Fighting Illini
“This is what kids dream of. I know I dreamed of this when I was growing up, playing in the Final Four, competing for a National Championship. To be able to do it with the people around me, you know, teammates, coaches, fans, managers, everyone, it means a lot.”
— Keaton Wagler, Guard, Illinois Fighting Illini
What’s next
Illinois will face the winner of the East Regional final between Duke and UConn in the Final Four on April 5th in Indianapolis.
The takeaway
Brad Underwood's emotional reaction and the community celebration in Champaign highlight how much this Final Four berth means to the Illinois program and its loyal fanbase. After a 21-year drought, the Fighting Illini are back on college basketball's biggest stage with a chance to win their first national title since 2005.
