On July 9, Illinois basketball officially announced that they are heading to Nashville this season. There, the Illini are set to take on the Tennessee Volunteers on Dec. 6.

What the coaches said

Both coaches head into this non-conference matchup with enthusiasm and high regards for the other’s coaching abilities. 

“Coming off an extremely competitive home-and-home series with Tennessee, we are excited to continue that partnership and meet in Nashville on Dec. 6, along with a game in Chicago in 2027,” Illinois head coach Brad Underwood said in a statement. “Playing the SEC will prepare us well for the Big Ten race, and you know when you’re facing the Rick Barnes-led Vols that you are going up against as tough and talented a team as there is in college basketball. We’re excited to make our program’s first-ever visit to Bridgestone Arena and know the Illini FamILLy will travel to Nashville as well.”

“Our program is really looking forward to this matchup with Illinois,” Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes said in a statement. “We have a great deal of respect for Brad Underwood and the Illini, and we know playing them will help prepare us for SEC action. The opportunity to compete in Nashville, a city filled with diehard Tennessee fans, is always special and we can’t wait to see Vol Nation pack Bridgestone Arena.”

Match-up history

For the past two seasons, the Illini came close to beating the Volunteers. Despite his efforts, however, Underwood currently stands 0-2 against the Volunteers under Barnes’ leadership.

In the 2023 season the Illini lost 86-79 in Knoxville, TN. This past season, the Illini had the home court advantage, but they fell short by two points on a buzzer beating layup, with the final score being 66-64.

Game information

Bridgestone Arena is set to host Illinois vs Tennessee on Dec. 6 with a tip-off time to be announced. Game tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. July 18 on Ticketmaster. A return game will be played in Chicago during the 2027-28 season at the United Center  

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