Breaking Down Illinois’ 2026 Football Schedule: Trophy Games, Coast-to-Coast Trips, and a Big Ten Gauntlet
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Big Ten just dropped its 2026 football schedule, and for Illinois, it’s a slate that packs in everything from in-state rivalries to cross-country showdowns - and yes, plenty of trophy games. Let’s take a closer look at how the season shapes up for Bret Bielema’s squad.
A Home-Heavy Start
Sept. 5 - vs. UAB
The Illini open the season at Gies Memorial Stadium with a visit from UAB, a program out of the American Athletic Conference. It’s the kind of matchup that gives Illinois a chance to set the tone early, especially with three straight home games to kick things off.
Sept. 12 - vs. Duke
Next up, a rematch with the reigning ACC champs, Duke. Illinois ran away with the game last year in Durham, winning by 26, but this year’s Blue Devils will look different under center.
Quarterback Darian Mensah is officially on the move after entering the transfer portal, so Illinois will be facing a new signal-caller this time around.
Sept. 19 - vs. Southern Illinois
Illinois wraps up non-conference play with an in-state clash against FCS opponent Southern Illinois. The Salukis make the trip up from Carbondale in a matchup that should favor the Illini on paper, but these games always carry a little extra juice when it’s two Illinois programs squaring off.
Big Ten Play Begins
Sept. 26 - at Ohio State
No easing into conference play here.
Illinois heads to Columbus to face the Buckeyes in a battle for the Illibuck Trophy. It’s the second straight year these two meet, and with the game back at the Horseshoe, it’s a tall task - but also a massive opportunity - for the Illini.
Oct. 3 - vs. Purdue
Back home and back into another trophy game. This time it’s The Cannon on the line against Purdue.
Illinois has won the last two meetings and will look to make it three straight in front of the home crowd at Gies.
Oct. 10 - at Michigan State
Circle this one.
Illinois QB Katin Houser returns to East Lansing, where he started his college career. He’ll face a Michigan State team under new leadership, as former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald begins his first year at the helm.
Emotions will be high, and so will the stakes.
Oct. 17 - Bye Week
A well-timed breather before a tough stretch.
Oct. 24 - vs. Oregon
This one’s a headliner. Oregon comes to Champaign for the first time since 1993, fresh off a College Football Playoff run.
Quarterback Dante Moore is back for another year, even after being projected as the No. 2 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. It’s a huge test - and a potential statement game - for Illinois.
Oct. 31 - at Maryland
The Halloween trip takes Illinois to College Park.
Last season, the Illini ran wild against the Terps, racking up 225 rushing yards in a dominant 24-6 win. Replicating that performance on the road won’t be easy, but the blueprint is there.
Nov. 7 - vs. Nebraska
Illinois and Nebraska go way back - all the way to 1892. The next chapter of this long-standing rivalry unfolds in Champaign.
Their last meeting in 2024 ended in overtime drama, with the Illini pulling out a thrilling win. Expect another tight one.
Nov. 14 - at UCLA
The lone West Coast trip of the season takes Illinois to Los Angeles, where they’ll face a UCLA team entering a new era.
Bob Chesney takes over the Bruins after leading James Madison to a College Football Playoff appearance. A new coach, a new system, and a long road trip - this one will test Illinois on multiple levels.
Nov. 21 - vs. Iowa
This is one of the Big Ten’s most storied rivalries, and 2026 marks the 80th meeting between Illinois and Iowa. The Illini currently hold a one-game edge in the all-time series, and they’ll look to defend that lead at home in what’s sure to be a physical, hard-fought battle.
Nov. 28 - at Northwestern
The regular season wraps up in Evanston, where Illinois will be among the first teams to play in Northwestern’s brand-new $850 million Ryan Field. The Land of Lincoln Trophy will be on the line, and with rivalry bragging rights at stake, there’s no better way to close out the year.
Final Thoughts:
From a loaded non-conference slate to a Big Ten schedule filled with rivalry games and playoff contenders, Illinois’ 2026 season is anything but ordinary.
The Illini will crisscross the country, defend multiple trophies, and face several teams with serious postseason aspirations. For Bret Bielema’s group, the path is challenging - but the opportunities are massive.