UConn and Illinois Set for Epic Final Four Showdown

Coaches Dan Hurley and Brad Underwood have history ahead of high-stakes NCAA tournament matchup.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The No. 2 Connecticut Huskies and No. 3 Illinois Fighting Illini are set to face off in a highly anticipated Final Four matchup on Saturday in Indianapolis, with a trip to the national championship on the line. The game features a rematch from earlier this season, when UConn defeated Illinois by 13 points. However, UConn head coach Dan Hurley reportedly sent a message to Illinois' Brad Underwood after that game, indicating he believed Illinois had a great team and that the two coaches would meet up in Indianapolis - not for a social gathering, but for a high-stakes tournament showdown.

Why it matters

This Final Four matchup between UConn and Illinois is a highly anticipated rematch of an earlier regular season game, with both teams now playing at a high level and vying for a spot in the national championship game. The resurfaced text message from Hurley to Underwood adds an interesting subplot to the game, hinting that the coaches recognized the potential for these two teams to meet again in the tournament.

The details

UConn is coming off a thrilling comeback victory over Duke in the Elite Eight, rallying from a 19-point deficit to win 73-72 on a last-second shot by freshman guard Braylon Mullins. Illinois, meanwhile, has been dominant in the tournament, upsetting No. 2 Iowa State in the Sweet 16 and then defeating a hot Iowa team in the Elite Eight. Both teams boast talented rosters with a mix of youth and experience, setting the stage for what could be a highly competitive and down-to-the-wire matchup.

  • UConn defeated Illinois 78-65 on November 28, 2025.
  • The UConn-Illinois Final Four matchup will take place on April 5, 2026 in Indianapolis.

The players

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn Huskies men's basketball team.

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team.

Braylon Mullins

A true freshman guard for the UConn Huskies who hit the game-winning shot against Duke in the Elite Eight.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Let's meet up in Indy. And I didn't mean for a drink or for dinner. I thought he had a great team, and I thought we did, too.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Huskies

What’s next

The winner of the UConn-Illinois matchup will advance to the national championship game on April 7, 2026.

The takeaway

This Final Four showdown between UConn and Illinois features two talented teams with experienced coaches who have already faced off once this season. The resurfaced text message from Hurley to Underwood adds an intriguing subplot, hinting that the coaches recognized the potential for a high-stakes tournament rematch. Whichever team emerges victorious will have a chance to compete for the national championship.