Oregon vs Illinois 2026 | Preview

Big Ten Conference | Away

Oregon vs Illinois

Saturday, Oct 24, 2026 | Memorial Stadium, Champaign

TV: TBD | Kickoff: TBD

Illinois 2025: 9-4

Prediction: High

Last: W 38-9 (2024)

Updated April 13, 2026 | Sources: GoDucks.com, ESPN

Oregon won 38-9 at Illinois in 2024 and should handle this one again. Bielema runs a physical, ground-based program that wants to slow the game down. The danger is Oregon looking past this to Ohio State two weeks later.

Key Matchups

Bielema's physicality

Illinois wants to run the ball, control the clock, and keep Oregon's offense on the sideline. Oregon's defensive front should be able to stop the run and force Bielema into uncomfortable passing situations.

Trap game potential

Ohio State is two weeks away. The coaching staff needs to keep this team focused. Lanning is good at this. The "Win The Day" mentality means you do not look ahead.

Illinois Snapshot

Illinois 2025: 9-4 Coach: Bret Bielema All-time: 3-1 (Oregon leads)

Oregon Players to Watch

What to Watch

Focus. This is the last "easy" game before the Gauntlet. How Oregon handles the week will tell you about their championship mentality.

Ducks vs Them: Illinois

2024

Ducks vs Them: Oregon vs Illinois

The official pregame hype video from Oregon Athletics. W 38-9.

Via GoDucks / Oregon Athletics

Score Prediction

High Confidence

Oregon 34, Illinois 13

Oregon is more talented everywhere. The road environment is manageable. The only risk is looking ahead to Columbus.

How to Watch

TBD

TV Channel

TBD

Kickoff

Frequently Asked Questions

Oregon plays at Illinois on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. It is a Big Ten conference game.

Oregon beat Illinois 38-9 on October 25, 2024. Oregon's defense held Illinois to 236 total yards in a dominant road performance.

Bret Bielema, who took over in 2021. Bielema led Illinois to a 9-4 record in 2025 (5-4 Big Ten), including a Music City Bowl win over Tennessee. He runs a physical, ground-based program.

Oregon leads the all-time series 3-1. Oregon has won the last three meetings (1993, 2024, and one other). The only Illinois win was 20-16 in 1970. Series record per GoDucks.com (April 2026).

Trap game before Ohio State? Or business as usual?

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2026 Schedule

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