Iowa vs. Illinois rematch headlines Big Ten basketball schedule for 2026-27
The Big Ten released its full conference schedule with dates on Wednesday, and for Iowa Hawkeyes fans, one date stands out above the rest: March 6, when Iowa travels to Champaign to face Illinois in the regular season finale.
That game will be the first meeting between the two programs since Illinois outlasted Iowa in the Elite Eight last season, a game that punched the Illini's ticket to the Final Four. For Iowa, reaching the Elite Eight in Ben McCollum's first season was a massive success, and the Hawkeyes will look to build on that momentum in year two.
What does the Big Ten title race look like in 2026-27?
The conference sent two teams to the Final Four last season, including reigning national champion Michigan. But the Wolverines will look completely different after losing four starters from their title team and watching former coach Dusty May jump to the NBA on the eve of the 2026 NBA Draft.
With Michigan in transition, the Big Ten title race appears wide open. Illinois reached the Final Four for the first time since 2005 and returns the nucleus of its roster, headlined by David Mirković, Andrej Stojaković and Tomislav Ivišić. Michigan State brings back Jeremy Fears Jr., who led the country in assists per game at 9.4 and will likely be the preseason Big Ten Player of the Year.
USC has its best roster under third-year coach Eric Musselman, and crosstown rival UCLA made one of the biggest offseason acquisitions by signing Serbian forward Nikola Kusturica, who could be the No. 1 pick in the 2028 NBA Draft.
When do the Hawkeyes face Illinois?
Iowa and Illinois will meet March 6 at State Farm Center in Champaign. It will be the final game of the regular season for both teams.
The Hawkeyes will have to replace two of their top three scorers from last season. Bennett Stirtz departed for the NBA, and Alvaro Folgueiras transferred to Louisville. Iowa returns 50.3% of its scoring production, which ranks sixth in the Big Ten.
McCollum does return veteran guard Tavion Banks, who played for him at Drake during the 2024-25 campaign. Banks will be counted on to provide leadership and production as Iowa looks to replace key pieces.
What are the other top Big Ten games to watch?
While Iowa fans will circle March 6, several other matchups will shape the conference title race:
- Illinois vs. Michigan State (Feb. 5, Champaign): These two teams enter the season as top contenders for the regular-season title. Illinois returns five of its top eight scorers from a 28-win team and adds transfer Stefan Vaaks and five-star freshman Quentin Coleman. Michigan State has the same returning scoring production at 65.4%, which ranks No. 1 in the Big Ten.
- Michigan vs. Michigan State (Feb. 26, Ann Arbor): The in-state rivals play twice this season. Michigan swept Michigan State last year for the first time since 2013-14. The Wolverines return Final Four Most Outstanding Player Elliot Cadeau but must replace four starters. A serious blow came last month when five-star guard Brandon McCoy Jr. tore his ACL during Michigan's European Tour.
- UCLA vs. USC (March 6, Los Angeles): The crosstown rivals play twice as part of the Big Ten scheduling model that prioritizes rivalry games. USC returns Jacob Cofie, Alijah Arenas and Rodney Rice and signed three top-30 recruits. UCLA welcomes Kusturica, the program's best draft prospect in nearly a decade.
- Purdue vs. Michigan (Jan. 4, Ann Arbor): Purdue's roster will look completely different after saying goodbye to its Big Three of Braden Smith, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer. This game is a rematch of the Big Ten title game, where Purdue upset Michigan in what marked the Wolverines' last loss before winning the national title.
What does this mean for Iowa's season?
The March 6 matchup against Illinois gives Iowa a chance to measure itself against one of the conference's best teams in a game that could have significant Big Ten tournament seeding implications.
McCollum proved in year one that he can win in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes' Elite Eight run was the program's deepest NCAA Tournament advancement in years, and the foundation appears solid for continued success.
The Big Ten will once again be one of the deepest conferences in college basketball, and Iowa will need to navigate a challenging schedule to position itself for another tournament run. The rematch with Illinois on the final day of the regular season provides a natural measuring stick for how far this team has come.
Frequently asked questions about the Big Ten schedule
When does the 2026-27 Big Ten basketball season start?
The Big Ten released its full conference schedule with dates on Wednesday, September 16. Conference play will begin in early January 2027, with the regular season concluding March 6.
Who are the favorites to win the Big Ten title?
Illinois, Michigan State and Michigan are expected to be the top contenders. Illinois returns the core of a Final Four team, Michigan State brings back the nation's assists leader, and Michigan remains dangerous despite heavy roster turnover.
How many times does Iowa play Illinois this season?
Iowa and Illinois play once during the regular season, on March 6 at State Farm Center in Champaign. The game will be the regular season finale for both teams.
Will Michigan be able to defend its national title?
Michigan faces significant challenges after losing four starters and head coach Dusty May. The Wolverines will rely heavily on Elliot Cadeau and sophomore Trey McKenney, who projects as a breakout candidate after being a microwave scorer off the bench last season.