Illinois vs Iowa prediction, analysis, Elite Eight expert picks for men’s March Madness

Published

2 days ago

March 27, 2026

Illinois vs Iowa prediction, analysis, Elite Eight expert picks for men’s March Madness

The men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament continues with Elite Eight action Saturday with No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 9 Iowa on the two-game schedule.

USA TODAY Sports’ college basketball experts have analyzed all the angles and determined a path to victory for each side. Here’s everything you need to know before the Elite Eight matchup tips off.

USA TODAY has a team of journalists covering the men’s NCAA Tournament to keep you up to date with every point scored, rebound grabbed and game won in the 68-team tournament.

Illinois will win Elite Eight game vs Iowa if…

John Leuzzi: It replicates what it did defensively against Houston.
Jordan Mendoza: It controls the interior.
Ehsan Kassim: Wagler can win the matchup against Stirtz.
Austin Curtright: If its defense plays like it did against Houston.

Iowa will win Elite Eight game vs Illinois if…

John Leuzzi: It limits Illinois on offensive rebounds, and second chance opportunities.
Jordan Mendoza: it’s knocking down 3-pointers.
Ehsan Kassim: Hawkeyes can make the game slower paced and Illinois misses shots.
Austin Curtright: Its bench contributors of Alvaro Folgueiras, Tate Sage and others continue their strong play.

Illinois vs Iowa: 1 Stat to watch

John Leuzzi: Bennett Stirtz vs. Keaton Wagler at the point guard battle.
Jordan Mendoza: 3-point shot.
Ehsan Kassim: Illinois 3-point shooting.
Austin Curtright: Illinois’ defense has been outstanding in the NCAA Tournament, despite ranking outside the top 20 in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency.

Illinois vs Iowa Elite Eight prediction

John Leuzzi: Iowa
Jordan Mendoza: Illinois
Ehsan Kassim: Illinois
Austin Curtright: Illinois

3 Illinois vs 9 Iowa

Opening Moneyline: Illinois (-275), Iowa (+227)
Opening Spread: Illinois (-6.5)
Opening Total: 139.5

How to Watch Illinois vs Iowa in the Elite Eight

No. 3 Illinois takes on No. 9 Iowa at Toyota Center on March 28 at 6:09 PM The game is airing on TBS.

Stream March Madness on Sling

2026 Men’s March Madness full schedule

See the schedule, live scores and results for all of the NCAA Tournament action here.

March 17-18: First Four
March 19-20: First Round
March 21-22: Second Round
March 26-27: Sweet 16
March 28-29: Elite 8
April 4: Final Four
April 6: National Championship

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Decorated Illinois guard Josh Gesky met with Saints ahead of draft

Published

3 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

Decorated Illinois guard Josh Gesky met with Saints ahead of draft

Once again, the NFL pre-draft circuit is in full effect, as teams spread out their staff all over the country to try and ensure they view as many pro days as physically possible. With some of the most substantial schools being next up on the schedule, it is going to draw national attention from the media, especially with results from the top prospects and potentially some passing drills from the quarterbacks.

Among the plentiful news coming out of these events is some intriguing meetings from the New Orleans Saints, with one of the most recent being Illinois guard Josh Gesky, who they met with at the school.

Gesky had an extremely impressive 2025 season when it comes to the metrics, allowing only 1 sack and 12 pressures, while only having 1 penalty tied to his name. While his run blocking left a bit to be desired, he has shown promise there in previous years, and it is something he has been solid at in various years.

At 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds, he has great size and has quite a few distinctions during his time at Illinois. He was listed as a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar in 2023, an Academic All-Big Ten from 2022 to 2025, and was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention from 2023 to 2025. These types of things certainly factor into potential draft selections, and with the Saints needing another guard, Gesky could be an option for them in 2026.

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Illinois

How to buy Illinois Final Four gear, hats, shirts, hoodies, more

Published

15 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

How to buy Illinois Final Four gear, hats, shirts, hoodies, more

No. 3 Illinois knocked off No. 9 Iowa on Saturday night in Houston, now they’re advancing to the Final Four in the men’s NCAA Tournament.

The Fighting Illini pulled away late and ended their the Hawkeye’s Cinderella run in the Elite Eight with a 71-59 victory.

SHOP: Illinois Final Four tickets

Illinois fans know this is special, it’s the team’s first Final Four appearance since 2005, so now it’s time to celebrate.

Get the gear the players wore on the court, including Illinois Final Four hats, Illinois Final Four shirts, and more.

Shop ALL Illinois Final Four gear

Illinois Final Four hat

Illinois Final Four shirt

Illinois Final Four game location

Illinois will play its Final Four game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Get your Illinois Final Four NCAA Tournament tickets now.

Shop Illinois Final Four tickets

Illinois Final Four appearances

The last time the Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball team made the Final Four was in 2005. They also made it in 1989, 1952, 1951 and 1949.

When is the Final Four?

The 2026 NCAA Tournament concludes with the Final Four on Saturday, April 4 and the National Championship game on Monday, April 6. Saturday’s games are scheduled for 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET respectively, while the National Championship game is set to tip at 8:30 p.m. ET on Monday, April 6.