Analyzing EvanMiya’s 2026-27 Projections for Illinois Basketball

Comparing the predictive analytics to the general consensus of experts – the preseason version of the eye test – is always an intriguing proposition. The vast majority of pundits slot Illinois in college basketball’s top five heading into 2026-27 – and many of them have the Illini in the top three.

But what do the objective (if not truly predictive) numbers foresee for Illinois? One of the sport’s key preseason metrics – EvanMiya – was unveiled on Wednesday. Evan Miyakawa, the creator of the analytical tool, revealed his top 30 teams and top 30 players (the rest of the rankings will be updated on his site this Friday).

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Where does EvanMiya rank Illinois in the 2026-27 preseason?

The player list was loaded with individual Illini – but where do they stand as a team? EvanMiya rated Illinois as the No. 3 team in the country entering next season. Florida (No. 1) and Duke (No. 2) are neck and neck at the top with the Illini trailing just below.

Key numbers to know from Illinois’ EvanMiya rating

Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood watches as his team plays March 21, 2026 during the first half of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game against VCU at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The offense ranks No. 1

Illinois’ offense being elite again next year is the expectation. Despite the absence of Keaton Wagler, the engine of the 2025-26 Illini offense and now a Los Angeles Clipper, Illinois is expected to pick up right where it left off – and EvanMiya seconds that notion, rating Brad Underwood’s offense as the best in the country heading into the season.

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The defense ranks No. 8

This isn’t coming out of left field, but it is a bit unexpected. The defense ranked No. 16 in EvanMiya last season, and the Illini have lost Kylan Boswell and Ben Humrichous – two of their premier defenders. And Wagler, if not a force, wasn’t a liability on that end.

Providence transfer Stefan…

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Publish date : 2026-09-20 20:58:00

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