The Illini aren't yet at full strength, but they are counting on their depth, size and shooting to carry the day against the Tigers in their opener

Only one sleep stands between Illinois fans and their program’s season opener. Jackson State awaits Illinois on Monday (7:30 p.m. CT, BTN) – and, in the meantime, we’ll offer two thoughts for this Illini squad.

Illinois opens its 2025-26 season against Jackson State, with Andrej Stojakovic set to make his debut in Champaign.

Nothing stands between Illini fans and their squad's season opener against Jackson State. But we still have one final thought for the season.

Illinois’ revamped team faces four nonconference opponents ranked in the top 18 of the preseason AP poll in the first 33 days of the season.

The 7-1, 255-pound Croatian is another top returnee for Illinois, joined this season by twin brother Zvonimir Ivisic, who transferred from Arkansas. Tomislav played started 31 games last season, leading the team in rebounding (7.7 rpg) and blocked shots (1.2 bpg). The all-Big Ten third-teamer was second on the team in scoring at 13.0 ppg.

The language, unsurprisingly, has been one of the most difficult adjustments for David Mirković in his three months at Illinois.

Illinois coach Brad Underwood made news in the off-season by bringing in highly touted players from overseas, but it mostly likely will be the returnees who will determine if the No. 17 Illini have a successful season.

CHAMPAIGN — Serbian recruit Mihailo Petrovic has been cleared to play for Illinois for the 2025-26 college basketball season, the school announced Monday. The 6-foot-3 guard will be classified as a sophomore with three years of eligibility remaining, the school said.

Every weekday leading up to Illinois' Nov. 3 regular-season opener at Champaign's State Farm Center, Illinois on SI will share a scouting report for each Illini player on the team's official roster.