By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Staff Writer
May 5th, 2026
(Cover photo courtesy Anoke Deitg-Blanchard)
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Expectations are once again soaring for the Illinois men’s basketball program, as the Illini enter the upcoming season positioned among the nation’s elite. According to CBS Sports college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, Illinois is ranked No. 2 in the country in the preseason, trailing only Florida, reinforcing the belief that Brad Underwood’s program remains firmly in the national spotlight.
The 2025-26 season featured several standout players, headlined by freshman Keaton Wagler, who emerged as an All-American and is . . .
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