Report: Illinois adds non-conference matchup with west coast school

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 04: David Mirkovic #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is introduced prior to playing against the Connecticut Huskies in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images

The non-conference schedule is almost put together.

Illinois reportedly added another game this week: a Dec. 29 matchup with Seattle, according to Rocco Miller.

Sources: Illinois will host Seattle U. as part of its 2026-27 non-conference schedule. Date is set for Tuesday, December 29th.

First meeting between the two programs in history. #B1G#WCC

— Rocco Miller (@RoccoMiller8) July 20, 2026

The two programs have never played each other.

The Redhawks play in the West Coast Conference and rejoined Division I in 2009. They finished 21-14 last season, including an 8-10 mark in conference play.

Here’s a look at the updated non-conference slate for the Illini:

• vs Fairleigh Dickinson – Monday, November 2nd (Opening Night)
• vs Penn – Thursday, November 5th
• @ Texas Tech – Tuesday, November 10th
• vs Sam Houston State – Friday, November 13th
• @ Duke – Tuesday, November 17th
• vs Eastern Illinois – Friday, November 20th
• vs Winthrop – Monday, November 23rd
• UConn (United Center) – Friday, December 4th
• Missouri (Enterprise Center) – Sunday, December 20th
• vs Seattle – Tuesday, December 29th
• North Carolina (Bridgestone Arena) – Saturday, January 30th
• TBD

As TCR’s Robby Nardini points out, there’s still one game left, and he says Underwood has hinted at a big-time matchup on Black Friday weekend.

Seattle @ Illinois December 29

One game remains on the non conference schedule. Underwood hinted at a big time matchup Black Friday weekend https://t.co/3hM8uNbSlQ

— RN2 (@RobbyNardini) July 20, 2026

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