What does it mean for Brad Underwood and the Illinois Fighting Illini to reach the Final Four for the first time since 2005? It signifies a monumental achievement in Underwood’s coaching career and a dream fulfilled for the team and its supporters. On March 28, 2026, the Illini defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes 71-59 in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, marking a pivotal moment in the program’s history.
Underwood, who has dedicated 39 years to coaching, expressed his emotions after the victory, stating, “I’m going to get emotional, but I’ve been doing this 39 years, and you dream about this as a kid, and I dreamt about doing it at Illinois.” His journey with the Illini began in 2017, and since then, he has transformed the program, leading them to six consecutive NCAA tournament appearances.
Illinois’ success this season has been a collective effort, with players like Keaton Wagler sharing their excitement: “This is what kids dream of. I know I dreamed of this when I was growing up, playing in the Final Four, competing for a National Championship.” The team has shown resilience and talent throughout the tournament, culminating in this significant victory.
Before Underwood’s hiring, Illinois had faced a challenging period, missing the NCAA tournament for four years. His dream job, despite having no prior ties to the school, has turned into a remarkable reality, as he has led the team to an impressive overall record of 28 wins against just 8 losses this season.
As the Illini prepare for their next challenge, they will face the winner of the Duke vs. UConn game in the Final Four on April 4, 2026. This upcoming match promises to be another thrilling chapter in their journey.
Andrej Stojakovic, another key player, reflected on the team’s journey, saying, “I mean, it feels great. From the moment we stepped on campus, we kind of got a sense of how talented we were, but it feels surreal actually being in this moment.” The excitement surrounding the team is palpable, and the community is rallying behind them as they aim for the ultimate prize.
With their eyes set on the championship, the Illini are ready to embrace the challenge ahead. The journey to the Final Four has not only been a testament to Underwood’s coaching prowess but also a celebration of the spirit and determination of the Illinois basketball community.
