In the lead up to their upcoming season, Dan Hurley and the UConn Huskies continue to fill out their non-conference schedule, with the Illinois Illini recently agreeing to a two-game series against the Huskies. The series will commence on Nov. 28, 2025 at Madison Square Garden, a rematch of 2024’s East Regional Final in Boston. The final result was a 77-52 victory for the Huskies highlighted by an historic 30-0 run. The series will continue during the 2026-27 season at the United Center in Chicago, giving the Illini some home-state advantage. Connecticut is 3-1 all-time against Illinois, dropping the first meeting in the 1938-39 season before sweeping a home-and-home played between 1992-1994 ahead of the Elite Eight battle. The Huskies have won their last five contests against teams currently in the Big 10. Illinois has been one of the strongest programs in the Big Ten in recent years, making the last five NCAA Tournaments and posting four top-20 Kenpom finishes in that span. Returning starters Tomislav Ivis
