No. 3 Illinois Opens Season Against Fairleigh Dickinson

Illinois begins its 2026-27 men’s basketball season at home against Fairleigh Dickinson on November 2, with tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m. Central time at State Farm Center. The Illini enter the season ranked No. 3 after reaching the Final Four last year, their first appearance in more than two decades.

Fairleigh Dickinson is coming off an 11-21 season and has overhauled much of its roster, adding 10 newcomers, including seven transfers, while bringing back six players. Fourth-year coach Jack Castleberry’s returning players include sophomore David Jevtic, who averaged 6.6 points and 3.4 rebounds and was named Northeast Conference Rookie of the Year.

The Knights averaged 67.2 points per game last season, shooting 41.3% from the field and 31% from three-point range. Defensively, opponents shot 46.1% overall and 36.4% from beyond the arc against them. Transfer guards JR Jacobs and Vophcy Prophete are among the newcomers expected to contribute, while Pepperdine transfer Pavle Stosic adds frontcourt size.

Illinois has a chance to build chemistry early, particularly in a reworked backcourt. In its exhibition finale, the Illini beat UIC 101-66, making 15 three-pointers despite missing several key contributors. Illinois also features a large frontcourt led by Tomislav Ivisic. The game opens a season in which the Illini will look to build on last year’s deep tournament run.