Big Ten Conference · 2026
Updated Aug 30, 2026The TailgateNinjas model projects Illinois to finish 7-4 in 2026, the most likely of any record at 27%, averaging 6.5 wins across 11 rated games. Updated August 29, 2026.
Projected record
7-4
27% likely
Expected wins
6.5
11 rated games
Vegas win total
7.5
market
Model vs market
-1.0
we're lower
Win probability from our model. Non-FBS opponents aren't rated, so those games show no number.
The chance of each final record, from the per-game probabilities above. Records under 1% are hidden.
Hardest game
at Ohio State
Week 4 · 9% to win
Easiest game
vs UAB
Week 1 · 94% to win
Closest to a coin flip — where the season actually gets decided.