The storied rivalry between the University of Wisconsin and the University of Illinois takes center stage tonight, February 10, 2026, as the No. 8 ranked Fighting Illini host the Badgers at the State Farm Center. This high-stakes Big Ten basketball matchup comes just months after a significant upset on the gridiron, adding fresh fuel to the “border battle” fire.
Basketball Preview: No. 8 Illinois Looks to Extend Home Streak
The eighth-ranked Fighting Illini (20-4, 11-2 Big Ten) enter tonight’s contest as heavy favorites. Illinois has dominated the recent series in Champaign, winning four straight meetings against Wisconsin at the State Farm Center dating back to the 2020-21 season. Vegas oddsmakers have positioned Illinois as a 10.5-point favorite, with ESPN Analytics giving the Badgers a slim chance of pulling off the road upset.
Wisconsin (16-7, 8-4 Big Ten) will need a stellar performance to disrupt the Illini’s momentum. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT) and will be broadcast exclusively on Peacock.
Recent Football History: Badgers Stun Ranked Illini
While the basketball team faces an uphill battle tonight, the Wisconsin football program recently secured bragging rights. On November 22, 2025, the Badgers delivered a definitive 27-10 upset over then-No. 21 Illinois at Camp Randall Stadium. Darrion Dupree led the charge with two rushing touchdowns, while the Wisconsin defense stifled Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer.
The victory was a milestone for Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell, marking the team’s second win over a Top 25 opponent in a three-week span. The win also extended Wisconsin’s lead in the all-time football series to 46-38-7.
Historical Context of the Rivalry
The Wisconsin-Illinois rivalry is one of the oldest in the Midwest, dating back to their first football meeting on November 1, 1892. While often overshadowed by the “Border Battle” between Wisconsin and Minnesota, the Badgers and Illini have played nearly 100 times on the football field and hundreds of times across all collegiate sports.
- All-Time Football Record: Wisconsin leads 46-38-7.
- Longest Football Win Streak: Wisconsin (1948-1966).
- Recent Basketball Trend: Illinois has won four consecutive home games against Wisconsin.
Tonight’s basketball game serves as a critical juncture for both programs as they jockey for seeding in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. For Illinois, it is an opportunity to solidify their Top 10 status; for Wisconsin, it is a chance to prove they can still compete with the conference elite on the road.