Illinois Basketball Shakes Up Season with Surprise Home-and-Home Series Against Former NCAA Finalist

There’s something electric brewing on the college basketball horizon as Illinois and Texas Tech ink a home-and-home series that promises to ignite some serious competition. Mark your calendars for November 11th, when the Fighting Illini open the showdown on their home court in Champaign. Fast forward a little into the 2026-27 season, and the Red Raiders will return the favor in Lubbock, Texas. This isn’t just another game on the schedule—it’s a clash between a team riding high off a recent strong season and a program with a storied NCAA tournament pedigree. Texas Tech, still basking in the glow of their 2019 NCAA runner-up finish and a potent 28-9 campaign just wrapped up, is ready to prove their mettle once again. Meanwhile, Illinois is gearing up to keep its fans on the edge of their seats, adding another exhilarating chapter to their basketball saga. For those following the pulse of college hoops, this series is not to miss. LEARN MORE

AI-assisted summary
• Illinois and Texas Tech will play a home-and-home basketball series.
• The first game will be in Champaign, Illinois on November 11th.

Texas Tech is the 2019 NCAA tournament runner-up, having made the field of 68 that season for the first time since 1996.According to CBS Sports college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, the Fighting Illini will host the first game at Nov. 11 in Champaign. A return game will be played in Lubbock, Texas, during the 2026-27 season.Illinois and Texas Tech have reportedly agreed to a home-and-home college basketball series.The Red Raiders made a run to the Eight Eight this season, finishing 28-9 overall and second place at 15-5 in the Big 12 Conference.