Illinois basketball just cracked the top 16 in the national coaches poll, making a big statement for the 2026 season. After back-to-back wins—including a dominant home game and a clutch road victory—the Illini are now fifth among Big Ten teams, trailing only powerhouses like Michigan and Purdue. What’s wild is how balanced this squad looks, with multiple players stepping up and the team showing serious offensive firepower. With tough games against Rutgers and Iowa coming up, do you think Illinois can keep climbing? How far can this team go in March? #Sports #IllinoisBasketball #BigTen