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The 2026-27 college basketball season tips off in less than a month. And it would be fair to say some fan bases – hey, we aren’t pointing fingers, Illini fans – are counting down the days.
Illinois, widely viewed as a top-five preseason team and a national title contender, is entering the campaign with astronomically high expectations. One accomplishment very much within the Illini’s reach: a Big Ten title.
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Initially, their primary competition appeared to be Michigan and Michigan State. But with the Wolverines losing head coach Dusty May and projected starter Brandon McCoy (season-ending injury), Big Blue has slipped from the front of the pack. The Spartans, though, haven’t gone anywhere.
Should Illinois or Michigan State be Big Ten preseason favorite?
Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts after a play against the UConn Huskies during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
On Monday, the annual unofficial Big Ten basketball media poll, conducted by The Columbus Dispatch, was released. Illinois was named the favorite, with Michigan State hot on its heels. Let’s take a deep dive into the debate – and finish with our take.
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Why Illinois should be the 2026-27 Big Ten basketball preseason favorite
Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) celebrates after scoring Saturday, March 21, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game against the VCU Rams at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
For years now, Illini coach Brad Underwood has been one of the nation’s best – if not the best – in terms of evaluating talent, acquiring it and tailoring an offensive scheme to fit his roster like a glove. The result: Illinois has hung around the top tier of the Big Ten like clockwork – just not…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/illinois-michigan-state-stands-atop-130439086.html
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Publish date : 2026-10-08 13:04:00
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