Illinois' Brad Underwood Leads Team to First Final Four in 21 Years

Emotional coach reflects on long-awaited tournament breakthrough for Fighting Illini

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:14pm

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After over a decade as the head coach of the University of Illinois basketball team, Brad Underwood has finally led the Fighting Illini to their first Final Four appearance in 21 years. Underwood became visibly emotional on the court after clinching the historic tournament berth with a 71-59 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Why it matters

Underwood's achievement ends a long drought for the Illinois program, which had not reached the Final Four since 2005. The team's success this season has generated significant excitement and pride among the school's passionate fan base in Champaign.

The details

In his 11th season as Illinois' head coach, Underwood has built the program into a national powerhouse, culminating in this year's deep NCAA Tournament run. The Fighting Illini defeated the Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight to punch their ticket to the Final Four for the first time since their last appearance in 2005.

  • Illinois clinched its Final Four berth on March 25, 2026.
  • The Fighting Illini last reached the Final Four in 2005.

The players

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the University of Illinois basketball team, who has led the Fighting Illini to their first Final Four appearance in 21 years.

University of Illinois

The public research university located in Champaign, Illinois, whose basketball team, the Fighting Illini, have qualified for the NCAA Final Four for the first time since 2005.

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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,”

— Brad Underwood, Head Coach, University of Illinois

What’s next

Illinois will face the winner of the other Elite Eight matchup in the Final Four on April 5, 2026, with a chance to advance to the national championship game.

The takeaway

Underwood's emotional reaction underscores the significance of this achievement for the Illinois program and its passionate fan base, who have waited over two decades to see their team reach college basketball's biggest stage.