Two Big Ten Games Moved to Fridays for Fighting Illini Football

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Illinois football team will play in primetime on Friday nights against Nebraska (Nov. 6) and UCLA (Nov. 13) as part of the FOX College Football Friday package, the Big Ten and FOX announced Friday. 

Limited Fighting Illini season tickets are available at FightingIllini.com. With momentum continuing to build around the program, Illinois’ on-field success has led to historic crowds at Gies Memorial Stadium, and remaining tickets are expected to sell quickly. For more information visit the 2026 Season Tickets Central page.

Schedule Update

Friday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. CT – Illinois vs. Nebraska (Gies Memorial Stadium)

Friday, Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. CT – Illinois at UCLA (Rose Bowl)

2026 Illinois Football Schedule

Date
Opponent
Location


Sat., Sept. 5
UAB
Gies Memorial Stadium


Sat., Sept. 12
Duke (Hall of Fame Weekend/FamILLy Day)
Gies Memorial Stadium


Sat., Sept. 19
Southern Illinois
Gies Memorial Stadium


Sat., Sept. 26
at Ohio State
Columbus, Ohio


Sat., Oct. 3
Purdue (Homecoming)
Gies Memorial Stadium


Sat., Oct. 10
at Michigan State
East Lansing, Mich.


Sat., Oct. 17
OFF



Sat., Oct. 24
Oregon (Foundation Weekend)
Gies Memorial Stadium


Sat., Oct. 31
at Maryland
College Park, Md.


Fri., Nov. 6
Nebraska (Dads Day/Military Appreciation)
Gies Memorial Stadium


Fri., Nov. 13
at UCLA
Pasadena, Calif.


Sat., Nov. 21
Iowa (Senior Day)
Gies Memorial Stadium


Sat., Nov. 28
at Northwestern
Evanston, Ill.

All dates are subject to change.