CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois basketball fans have been eagerly awaiting updates from head coach Brad Underwood, and his recent comments about the upcoming 2026-27 season are sure to inspire optimism. Underwood appeared on CBS Sports' "Inside College Basketball Now" podcast, where he reflected on the Illini's journey through March Madness and outlined his vision for the next season.
During the podcast, Underwood addressed the Illini's overtime defeat to Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals, suggesting that while it may have provided a sense of urgency, it was not the key factor in their subsequent performance. “I think there’s a little bit of that. I’m not gonna say that’s the reason … I think it’s more that we got out of the Big Ten. We saw some different opponents, we were able to gain a little confidence,” Underwood explained. He emphasized that the Illini played well against Wisconsin, but the Badgers simply outperformed them that day.
As the Illini advanced through the NCAA Tournament, Underwood noted the momentum gained from their victories over Penn and VCU, which propelled them into a decisive win against Houston. “We were definitely ready to play. We had heard enough about the ‘Houston in Houston,’” he remarked, highlighting the team's physicality as a crucial factor in their success.
In the Elite Eight, Illinois faced a formidable Iowa team that had recently upset both Florida and Nebraska. Despite having previously beaten Iowa earlier in the season, Underwood felt the pressure mounting. He candidly admitted, “No question,” when asked if that was the most pressure he had felt as a head coach. He acknowledged that while the stakes were high, the Illini managed to dominate the boards, which ultimately contributed to their performance.
Following their loss to UConn in the Final Four, Underwood has maintained a forward-looking mindset, choosing not to dwell on the past. He stated, “I’m very much a forward thinker. So I haven’t watched the UConn game yet,” indicating his focus on future opportunities rather than past disappointments. Underwood reiterated his singular goal: “It’s never about anything but a national championship for me.”
As the new season approaches, Underwood is keen to emphasize that the 2026-27 Illinois team will have a fresh identity, despite the presence of returning veterans. He has implemented significant tactical changes in practice, moving away from last season's strategies. “I won’t bring up last year with our team. This year’s got a new identity, new pieces, new parts,” he stated, reflecting a commitment to adapt and innovate.
The Illini's roster will see the addition of newcomers like Quentin Coleman and Stefan Vaaks, who are expected to play pivotal roles. Underwood expressed satisfaction with their seamless integration into the team, alongside promising freshmen such as Ethan Brown and Landon Davis, who have exceeded expectations during the offseason. “I’ve been very impressed with Ethan Brown … Landon Davis has been a very big surprise,” he noted.
Strength and conditioning have also taken center stage, with Underwood praising the efforts of his players in the weight room. He highlighted the physical transformations of players like Zvonimir and Tomi, emphasizing the importance of physical readiness for the upcoming season. “Zvonimir is 266 pounds now. He came in at 222,” he pointed out, showcasing the team's commitment to improving their physicality.
Looking ahead, Underwood has scheduled a challenging non-conference slate, including matchups against traditional powerhouses such as North Carolina, Duke, and UConn. He believes that these tough games will serve to strengthen the Illini, preparing them for the rigors of March basketball. “It’s about hardening you, toughening you up,” Underwood explained, underscoring the importance of resilience and experience as they aim for a successful tournament run.
As the season approaches, Underwood's thoughts are already on the possibility of returning to the Final Four. He candidly admitted, “To go try to do it again, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about it a lot.” He concluded by emphasizing the need for his team to manage external pressures, build chemistry, and execute effectively to achieve their championship aspirations.
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