Illinois basketball moved up three spots to No. 16 in the first USA TODAY Network coaches poll of 2026, released Monday, Jan. 5. Illinois (11-3, 2-1) closed the nonconference season last Monday with a win over Southern and then opened the 2026 calendar year with a road win over Penn State in Philadelphia. The Illini remain one of six Big Ten teams ranked in the poll. The Illini are fifth in the league behind No. 1 Michigan, No. 5 Purdue, No. 11 Nebraska and No. 13 Michigan State and ahead of No. 19 Iowa. Illinois basketball scores...
