Illinois Basketball Coach Brad Underwood Reflects on Building Powerhouse Program

Underwood says he's driven to lead Illinois to a national championship after making the Sweet Sixteen again.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 4:39pm

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After leading the Illinois basketball team to the Sweet Sixteen with a win over VCU, head coach Brad Underwood reflected on the program's sustained success under his leadership. Underwood said the expectation of competing for national titles is what drives him, and that he would retire or the school should hire someone else if he felt they couldn't win it all.

Why it matters

Illinois basketball has become a consistent national power under Underwood's tenure, making the Sweet Sixteen a regular occurrence. Underwood's comments show his unwavering commitment to delivering a national championship for the school and its passionate fanbase.

The details

Underwood, who is in his 10th season as Illinois' head coach, has led the team to the Sweet Sixteen for the 5th time. He said the standard of excellence he has set is what motivates him, and that he would step aside if he felt the program couldn't win a national title under his leadership.

  • Illinois beat VCU 76-55 on March 22, 2026 to advance to the Sweet Sixteen.
  • The Fighting Illini will face the Houston Cougars in the Sweet Sixteen on March 26, 2026.

The players

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the Illinois basketball team, who has built the program into a consistent national power during his 10-year tenure.

Illinois Fighting Illini

The men's basketball team at the University of Illinois, which has become a perennial NCAA tournament contender under Underwood's leadership.

Houston Cougars

The men's basketball team at the University of Houston, who will face Illinois in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA tournament.

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What they’re saying

“It's why I came here. It's why I'm still doing it. If I didn't think that we could have the ability to get to the Sweet Sixteens and get to and have the ability to win a national championship, and it's hard, that's what drives me. That's everything that drives me.”

— Brad Underwood, Head Coach, Illinois Fighting Illini

“But we're in that mix, and our fans are great, the best in the country. We're getting great players, our staff doing an incredible job. Our facilities are incredible. We've got an athletic director that I love. Why would you ever want to leave that? And that's all it takes, all of that to be successful, and I've got it.”

— Brad Underwood, Head Coach, Illinois Fighting Illini

What’s next

The Illinois Fighting Illini will face the Houston Cougars in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA tournament on March 26, 2026.

The takeaway

Brad Underwood has built Illinois basketball into a national powerhouse, with the Sweet Sixteen becoming a regular occurrence under his leadership. His unwavering commitment to winning a national championship is driving the program's continued success and has the Illini poised for a deep tournament run.