CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) – The Shauna Green era at Illinois continues with high expectations as the Fighting Illini women’s basketball team announced its 2025-26 non-conference schedule. This year’s match ups feature nine home games at State Farm Center and marquee road matchups against top-tier opponents.
The action tips off with an exhibition against Maryville (Mo.) on Oct. 30, before the regular season opener against Southeast Missouri State on Nov. 4. Illinois will then host Illinois State on Nov. 9, marking three early games in front of the home crowd.
The Illini’s road schedule includes high-profile return trips to Oregon State (Nov. 14) and Florida State (Nov. 23)—teams they battled in previous seasons. In between, they’ll host Murray State on Nov. 18, followed by Western Kentucky (Nov. 26) and a rematch with Le Moyne (Nov. 30).
Illinois will face rival Missouri on Dec. 10 in the McBride Homes Braggin’ Rights game in Columbia, before closing out non-conference play with a trio of home contests: North Texas (Dec. 14), Jackson State (Dec. 19), and Bellarmine (Dec. 21).
The early Big Ten matchup, set between Dec. 4–9, will be announced at a later date. The full Big Ten schedule will also be released soon, though home and away opponents have already been confirmed.
Big Ten Home Opponents: Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Northwestern, Ohio State, Rutgers, Wisconsin, UCLA, USC
Big Ten Road Opponents: Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Northwestern, Penn State, Purdue, Washington, Oregon
Illinois continues to build momentum under head coach Shauna Green, now entering her fourth season. Over the past three years, the program has posted 63 total wins, a 38–11 home record, a historic 2024 WBIT championship, and the program’s first NCAA Tournament win in 25 years.
The Illini also boast six AP Top 25 victories during that span and just welcomed the No. 7-ranked recruiting class for 2025-26, according to espnW.
Season tickets for the 2025-26 season are on sale now.
