Good morning, Illini fans. We’re officially in the final two-week stretch before Illinois football returns, and Monday brought plenty of news from Champaign. Here are the things that matter this morning.
🏈 The Big Story: Illinois has something to prove
The Illini were left out of the AP Top 25 preseason poll Monday, receiving nine votes and unofficially landing at No. 33.
That’s a little lower than some Illinois fans probably hoped for after last year’s 9-4 season.
Ranked teams are all over the schedule. Illinois faces No. 1 Ohio State, No. 2 Oregon and No. 22 Iowa.
🏈 Katin Houser gets a strong endorsement
Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. met with the media Monday and offered perhaps his strongest endorsement yet of new starting quarterback Katin Houser.
Lunney said Houser is in “total command” of the offense after months of preparation.
That doesn’t mean everything is perfect. Illinois is replacing four starters on the offensive line, and Lunney acknowledged that the group is still developing chemistry.
🏀 Mirkovic is getting major national love
David Mirkovic continues to pile up preseason recognition.
Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Sweeney ranked the Illinois sophomore as the No. 1 power forward in college basketball heading into the 2026-27 season.
Mirkovic averaged 13.3 points and eight rebounds as a freshman while shooting 37.5% from three-point range. He also earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors.
Mirkovic underwent surgery on his left foot after suffering an injury in late July. His recovery could take up to two months, meaning his availability for the start of the season remains something to watch.
🏈 Xavier Scott is back and Illinois needs him
One of the biggest reasons for optimism surrounding Illinois’ defense is the return of Xavier Scott.
Scott missed most of last season with an injury but had four interceptions in 2024 and enters this season as part of a veteran-heavy secondary.
TCR’s latest Oskee Talk episode breaks down the defensive backs, including Scott, Matthew Bailey and the rest of Illinois’ “Big Three,” while examining how the group could benefit from Bobby Hauck’s more aggressive defensive system.
⚽ What’s next for Illinois soccer
After opening the season with a scoreless draw against No. 19 Georgia, Illinois soccer is preparing for its next two matches.
The Illini travel to Cincinnati on Thursday before returning home Sunday to host UIC.
After making the NCAA Tournament last season, Illinois enters 2026 with considerably higher expectations.
🗓️ 16 days until kickoff
Illinois opens the 2026 season against UAB on Sept. 3 at Gies Memorial Stadium.
The countdown is officially down to 16 days.