The Illinois women’s basketball team has kicked off the 2025-26 season with a bang, racing out to an 11-1 record and putting themselves firmly in the early NCAA tournament conversation. And while the non-conference slate wasn’t exactly loaded with heavyweights, it’s hard to ignore what this group has accomplished so far. The real tests are coming, and that’s where we’ll learn just how far this young Illini squad can go.
Let’s start with what’s clear: this team is talented, deep, and trending in the right direction. Sitting just outside the AP Top 25 and ranked No. 36 in the NET, Illinois is in a position to climb - and fast. The Big Ten schedule is loaded with Quad 1 opportunities, and that means every game from here on out is a chance to boost their tournament résumé.
What makes this stretch even more intriguing is the makeup of the roster. This isn’t the same veteran-heavy group we saw last season.
Illinois has leaned into its youth, and several freshmen are already making an impact. That kind of inexperience can be a double-edged sword - there will be growing pains - but it also means this team has room to grow, and a high ceiling to chase.
As things stand, ESPN’s bracketology expert Charlie Creme has Illinois slotted as a No. 8 seed, which would set up a first-round clash with undefeated Arizona State - a 14-0 team that, like Illinois, hasn’t faced a Quad 1 opponent yet. That matchup would be a fascinating measuring stick for both programs.
The Sun Devils have been dominant, but their strength of schedule leaves questions. Illinois, on the other hand, is about to dive headfirst into the fire.
That experience could pay off come March.
And if the Illini were to get through that opening round? Waiting in the wings would likely be the No. 1 seed in the region: Texas.
Yes, that Texas team - the same one that ended Illinois’ tournament run last season in the second round, winning by 17 and holding the Illini to just 48 points. That was a tough lesson, but it might’ve been exactly what this program needed. Because while this year’s roster is younger, it might also be better equipped to handle that kind of challenge.
Last year’s squad leaned heavily on Kendall Bostic, who was outstanding in her role. But this year’s team has a more balanced approach, especially on the glass.
Multiple players are averaging over seven rebounds per game, and five are pulling down at least three. As a team, Illinois is averaging nearly two more rebounds per game than they did last season - a small but telling sign of improved depth and effort across the board.
Defensively, there’s been another noticeable jump. The Illini are allowing just 55.3 points per game, down from 61.7 a year ago.
That’s not just a statistical blip - it’s the product of more athleticism, better rotations, and a team that’s bought in on that end of the floor. Defense travels, and come tournament time, that’s a weapon you want in your back pocket.
So yes, Illinois is in the mix. But they’re not just happy to be projected into the field - they’re aiming higher.
With a strong Big Ten showing, there’s a real chance this team could climb out of the 8-9 range and into a more favorable seed line. That journey starts Sunday, and if the Illini can keep stacking wins, the bracket will take care of itself.
Bottom line: this is a young, hungry, and improving team with a real shot to make noise in March. The early wins laid the foundation - now it’s time to build something bigger.