It may still be the offseason, but the college basketball conversation is alive and well – and Joe Lunardi is helping to keep it going with his latest 2026 NCAA Tournament Bracketology update . In his newest projections, Lunardi has Illinois slotted as a No. 4 seed – a significant bump from its earlier placement and a strong endorsement of the program’s offseason progress under coach Brad Underwood.

Just a few months ago, the Illini were slotted as a No. 7 seed in Lunardi’s initial 2026 Bracketology. But after a series of important offseason additions, Illinois has surged up the ranks in the latest update.

The biggest reason? Former Cal standout Andrej Stojakovic, who transferred to Illinois after a breakout sophomore year in the ACC, where he averaged 17.9 points. His ability to create his own shot and operate as a go-to scorer at the high-major level adds a new dynamic to the Illini offense.