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Illinois Ranked No. 3 in Rothstein's Preseason Top 45 After Stefan Vaaks Commitment
The Illini's roster retention and transfer portal additions have them primed for a title run.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:22am
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Illinois' talented roster and strategic offseason additions have elevated the program to national title contender status.Champaign TodayDespite losing a few players to the transfer portal, Illinois is poised to be one of the top teams in the country next season. The Illini's addition of highly coveted transfer Stefan Vaaks has elevated their status, with CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein ranking them No. 3 in his preseason top 45 rankings behind only Michigan and Florida.
Why it matters
Illinois was already expected to be a contender, but Vaaks' commitment solidifies them as one of the favorites to win the national championship. The Illini's combination of returning players and key transfer additions has them primed for a deep tournament run.
The details
Rothstein projects Illinois' starting lineup to feature Vaaks, Andrej Stojakovic, David Mirkovic, Tomislav Ivisic and Zvonimir Ivisic. The Illini also have a strong bench unit led by Jake Davis and Ty Rodgers. While they may be missing a true lead guard, the overall talent and depth of this Illinois squad has them firmly in the top 5 nationally.
- On April 13, 2026, CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein released his preseason top 45 rankings.
- Illinois landed at No. 3 in Rothstein's rankings, behind only Michigan and Florida.
The players
Stefan Vaaks
A highly coveted transfer guard who can shoot the ball extremely well, Vaaks' commitment to Illinois has elevated their status as a national title contender.
Brad Underwood
The head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini, Underwood has built the program into a perennial powerhouse.
Keaton Wagler
An Illinois player who has already declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, potentially leaving a hole in the Illini's roster.
Andrej Stojakovic
An Illinois player who is in the NBA Draft discussion and may leave for the professional ranks.
Tomislav Ivisic
One of the Ivisic twins who are key contributors for the Illini and are also in the NBA Draft discussion.
What they’re saying
“Rothstein projects the Illini starting lineup to consist of Vaaks, Andrej Stojakovic, David Mirkovic, Tomislav Ivisic and Zvonimir Ivisic. With that crew, plus a bench unit headlined by Jake Davis and Ty Rodgers, Illinois is tabbed by Rothstein as the No. 3 team in his top 45, landing behind only Michigan (No. 1) and Florida (No. 2).”
— Jon Rothstein, CBS Sports Analyst
What’s next
The Illini will look to solidify their roster in the coming weeks, with the potential addition of Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell potentially vaulting them to the top of the preseason rankings.
The takeaway
Illinois' impressive roster retention and key transfer additions have them poised to be one of the top teams in the country next season. The Illini's combination of returning talent and new faces has them firmly in the national title conversation.
