Brad Underwood to Serve as Honorary Captain vs. Southern Illinois
September 18, 2026 | Football
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois men's basketball head coach Brad Underwood will serve as the Fighting Illini's honorary captain for Saturday's game against Southern Illinois at Gies Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT on Peacock.
One of the most accomplished coaches in Illinois men's basketball history, Underwood solidified his place in Illini lore during the 2025-26 season by leading the Orange and Blue to the NCAA Final Four. It marked the Illini's first Final Four appearance in 21 years and third of the modern era, joining the famed 1989 and 2005 squads.
Underwood is entering his 10th season at Illinois and has a 193-110 (.637) overall record and 107-71 (.601) record in the Big Ten Conference. The Illini are the Big Ten's winningest team in conference play over the last seven seasons and one of only four schools nationally with seven straight 20-win regular seasons.
Underwood has led Illinois to six straight NCAA Tournaments, including two Elite Eight appearances in the last three seasons and last year's Final Four. Illinois has five AP Top-25 finishes in the last seven years, including three in the Top 10.
The 2026-27 Illinois basketball season begins Oct. 17 with an exhibition at Cincinnati. The Fighting Illini officially tip off on Nov. 2, hosting Fairleigh Dickinson on opening night.
