High-level opponents on 2024-25 schedule

Jun. 27—CHAMPAIGN — The highlight of Illinois’ nonconference schedule in the 2017-18 season was either hosting DePaul in the Gavitt Tipoff Games or playing at Wake Forest in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.

Slim pickings in the first season of the Brad Underwood era. There was a single neutral-site game beyond the annual Braggin’ Rights matchup. Playing New Mexico State in Chicago was strong on narrative (Lou Henson coached both programs) and short on interest (5,695 people saw the Aggies win).

Opportunities for higher-profile games have increased in direct relation to Illinois’ level of success with Underwood at the helm. The schedule for year eight of the Underwood era will look far different than the first season.

Illinois has neutral-site games set with Alabama, Arkansas and Duke — plus Missouri — and will host Tennessee in the return game from last year’s trip to Knoxville, Tenn.

All in addition to a 20-game Big Ten schedule that now takes the Illini coast-to-coast from Seattle to Rutgers.

Underwood simply doesn’t believe in the idea of too many high-profile games on the Illinois schedule.

“I think players want to play in big games,” Underwood said. “I think it speaks to the level (of the program). Believe me, I don’t forget the first two years when we couldn’t find a national television game and we couldn’t find an opportunity to play some of these games.”

Illinois will find itself in the college basketball spotlight with its nonconference schedule. The game against Alabama — likely a top-five team heading into 2024-25 — will be played in Birmingham, Ala., with the return next year in Chicago. The Illini will play Arkansas on Thanksgiving Day in Kansas City, Mo., with an NFL game as a lead in on CBS.

Then there’s another trip back to New York City and a third game in three seasons at Madison Square Garden. Duke’s the opponent this time after wins against Texas and Florida Atlantic the past two seasons, and a Feb. 22 date adds some late-season intrigue.

“I’m grateful for that and grateful for the opportunities,” Underwood said. “It’s how we’re building this program and continuing to build it and keep it elevated through great scheduling and having opportunities to play in some marquee events and some marquee games.

“We’re never going to shy away from playing anybody, anywhere or any time. We keep recruiting to try to put guys in these situations where they’re going to play against the best — not only in the Big Ten, but get them well prepared for the Big Ten by our nonconference schedule.”

Illinois will need a scheduling assist from the Big Ten to work in the Duke game in February. The Blue Devils will need the same from the ACC.

The value of that game, particularly given the unique nature of a nonconference game at that point of the season, makes it a made-for-TV matchup. The national exposure matters.

“I don’t know what the dollar value is for marketing for playing on national television on CBS and in these games, but from the recruiting side of things, that’s notoriety,” Underwood said. “You can’t ask for anything more. You ask why I want to play those. Absolutely for that, and we’ve been able to win some of those games — our fair share.”