Illinois basketball adds former NCAA tournament runner-up with home-and-home series

Key Takeaways:

• Illinois and Texas Tech Schedule Series: The Fighting Illini and the Red Raiders have agreed to a home-and-home series.
• Series Begins in 2025-26 Season: The games are set to start in the 2025-26 college basketball season.
• Facing a Former NCAA Runner-Up: Texas Tech brings notable prestige as a former NCAA tournament runner-up.
• Big 12 Opponent for Illinois: This series adds a significant Big 12 Conference team to Illinois’s schedule.
• Home-and-Home Format Details: Each team will host one game, offering fans opportunities to see the matchup locally.

Illinois Basketball to Face Texas Tech in Anticipated Series

Illinois basketball will meet Texas Tech of the Big 12 in a home-and-home series starting in the 2025-26 season.

A New Chapter in Non-Conference Play

In a strategic move to enhance their non-conference schedule, the University of Illinois Fighting Illini have announced a home-and-home basketball series with the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Beginning in the 2025-26 season, this series promises to deliver compelling matchups for both programs.

Meeting the Former NCAA Runner-Up

Texas Tech, a team that has reached the pinnacle of college basketball as a former NCAA tournament runner-up, adds significant competitive weight to Illinois’s future schedule. Facing such a formidable opponent underscores the Illini’s commitment to challenging themselves outside of Big Ten Conference play.

Home-and-Home Format Benefits Fans

The home-and-home arrangement means that each school’s fans will have the opportunity to witness this exciting matchup on their own courts. Illinois will host one game at the State Farm Center, bringing Big 12 basketball action to Champaign. In return, the Illini will travel to Lubbock to play at Texas Tech’s United Supermarkets Arena.

Anticipation Builds for the 2025-26 Season

While the games are a few seasons away, the announcement generates early excitement. Players, coaches, and fans alike can look forward to what promises to be a highlight in the 2025-26 college basketball season. The series not only enhances the schedule but also provides valuable experience against high-caliber opposition.

Strengthening Competitive Ties

This scheduling reflects a broader trend of major programs seeking strong non-conference opponents to prepare for postseason play. By engaging with teams like Texas Tech, Illinois aims to bolster its resume and gain critical experience that could pay dividends in March.

Conclusion

The upcoming series between Illinois and Texas Tech is a significant addition to both programs’ futures. It represents an opportunity for the Fighting Illini to test themselves against top-tier talent and for fans to enjoy high-stakes basketball. As the 2025-26 season approaches, anticipation will undoubtedly continue to build for this standout non-conference matchup.