Illinois AD Josh Whitman's Patience Pays Off with Final Four Berth

Illini's Elite Eight victory over Iowa secures program's first Final Four appearance in 17 years.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:01am

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Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman's unwavering support for head coach Brad Underwood has paid dividends, as the Illini secured their first Final Four berth since 2005 with a 71-59 win over Iowa in the Elite Eight. The victory capped a remarkable turnaround for the program under Underwood's leadership.

Why it matters

Illinois' return to the Final Four is a significant milestone for the storied basketball program, which had struggled to regain its national prominence in recent years. Whitman's decision to stick with Underwood, despite some early challenges, has been vindicated and will likely strengthen the coach's standing within the university and the broader college basketball landscape.

The details

In his seventh season at Illinois, Underwood has guided the Illini to new heights, culminating in their first Elite Eight appearance since 2005. The team's victory over Iowa was a testament to their resilience and the coach's ability to develop his players into a cohesive, championship-caliber unit.

  • Illinois last reached the Final Four in 2005.
  • Underwood is in his seventh season as Illinois' head coach.
  • The Illini defeated Iowa 71-59 in the Elite Eight on March 29, 2026.

The players

Josh Whitman

The athletic director at the University of Illinois, who has provided unwavering support for head coach Brad Underwood despite some early challenges.

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the Illinois men's basketball team, who has led the program to its first Final Four appearance in 17 years.

Iowa

The opponent that Illinois defeated 71-59 in the Elite Eight to secure their Final Four berth.

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What they’re saying

“Josh Whitman's patience and belief in our program has been instrumental in getting us to this point. We're thrilled to be heading to the Final Four and can't wait to represent the University of Illinois on the national stage.”

— Brad Underwood, Head Coach, Illinois Men's Basketball

What’s next

Illinois will face the winner of the West Regional final in the national semifinal on April 5, 2026, with the chance to advance to the national championship game on April 7.

The takeaway

Illinois' return to the Final Four is a testament to the power of patience and the transformative impact of strong leadership. Whitman's unwavering support for Underwood has paid off, and the Illini now have the opportunity to compete for their first national championship in nearly two decades.