Illinois 2026 football schedule features perfect 3-0 start, Ohio State clash looming

The Illini look to build on recent success under coach Bret Bielema with a challenging Big Ten slate.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 1:31am

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The Illinois Fighting Illini football team is entering a new era in 2026 after losing several key players to the NFL draft. Under head coach Bret Bielema, the Illini have found recent success, including two bowl victories in the past three seasons. This year's schedule features a perfect 3-0 start against non-conference opponents before a highly anticipated clash with Ohio State in late September.

Why it matters

Illinois has emerged as a rising program in the Big Ten under Bielema's leadership, but they will face a tough challenge this season with the loss of several star players. How the team responds to the roster turnover and handles a difficult conference schedule, including matchups against Ohio State, Oregon, and Iowa, will be crucial in determining if the Illini can maintain their status as a contender in the Big Ten.

The details

The Illini open the season with a 3-game homestand against UAB, Duke, and Southern Illinois before traveling to Columbus to take on Ohio State on September 26. Other key games include a Homecoming matchup with Purdue, a Foundation Weekend clash with Oregon, and the regular season finale against rival Iowa on Senior Day.

  • The 2026 Illinois football schedule was finalized on Tuesday.
  • The Illini open the season on September 5 against UAB.
  • Illinois hosts Duke for Hall of Fame Weekend/FamILLy Day on September 12.
  • The Illini take on Ohio State in Columbus on September 26.
  • Illinois hosts Oregon for Foundation Weekend on October 24.

The players

Bret Bielema

The head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini, who has led the program to two bowl victories in the past three seasons.

Luke Altmyer

The former Illinois quarterback who transferred out after three years as the team's starting signal-caller.

Katin Houser

The former East Carolina quarterback who will take over as the starting QB for the Illini in 2026.

Devon Witherspoon

A former Illinois defensive back who is set to play in Super Bowl 60 for the Seattle Seahawks.

Pat Bryant

A former Illinois wide receiver who was drafted by the Denver Broncos.

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What they’re saying

“Before Bret Bielema arrived in Champaign ahead of the 2021 season, it was hard to look at Illinois Fighting Illini football as anything but an afterthought.”

— Zain Bando, Author (sportingnews.com)

“If Illinois can enter its Big Ten opener against the Buckeyes unbeaten, it will have a chance to show AP voters its 19 wins over the past two seasons weren't a fluke and that it does deserve to be considered amongst the elite of the conference.”

— Zain Bando, Author (sportingnews.com)

What’s next

The Illini will look to get off to a strong 3-0 start before their highly anticipated clash with Ohio State on September 26. A win over the Buckeyes could propel Illinois into the national spotlight and solidify their status as a contender in the Big Ten.

The takeaway

Under Bret Bielema's leadership, Illinois has emerged as a rising program in the Big Ten, but they face a significant challenge this season with the loss of several key players. How the Illini respond to the roster turnover and handle a difficult conference schedule will be crucial in determining if they can maintain their recent success and continue to build towards national relevance.