Illinois vs. Michigan is perhaps the most consequential game for the No. 3 Wolverines this regular season. A win over No. 10 Illinois will earn the Wolverines the outright Big Ten regular season title with two games to play.

Michigan cruised past Minnesota on Tuesday, beating the Golden Gophers 77-67 to improve to 26-2 on the season and 16-1 in conference play. Illinois, on the other hand, is coming off a 95-94 loss to UCLA, dropping it to 22-6 overall and 13-4 in the Big Ten.

Illinois vs. Michigan, where to watch, odds, and tips

Moneyline: Illinois (+102), Michigan (-123)

Spread: Illinois +1.5 (-122), Michigan -1.5 (+100)

Total (o/u): Illinois U 157.5 (-105), Michigan O 157.5 (-115)

Betting Tip

The Wolverines are favored to win this road game with a -1.5 (+100) spread.

Illinois vs. Michigan preview

Michigan enters Friday’s game as one of the most in-form teams in the country. But while the Wolverines’ recent form puts them at an advantage over Illinois, their recent history against the Illini tells a different story.

Michigan has not earned a win against Illinois since beating the Illini 79-69 on Jan. 10, 2019, seven years ago. Even going by their current form, the Illini are not a walkover. They rank No. 1 in offensive efficiency nationally, although Michigan is closely behind at No. 7.

Michigan’s biggest advantage going into Friday’s matchup is its defensive prowess. The Wolverines are the third-best team in defensive efficiency nationally. Illinois, on the other hand, is far behind at No. 70.

Freshman guard Keaton Wagler leads Illinois in scoring, averaging 18.2 points per game. The standout recently set the Illini’s freshman scoring record. Senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg is the Wolverines’ leading scorer with a 14.2 points average per game.

Meanwhile, the game has an extra dramatic edge with sophomore forward Morez Johnson returning to Illinois for the first time since transferring this offseason. Johnson played in 30 games for the Illini last season, starting in eight, as he averaged seven points, 6.7 rebounds, and 0.3 assists.

Overall, the game promises to be a tough fight between two of the nation’s top-ranked teams, with much to fight for ahead of the postseason.

Where to watch Illinois vs. Michigan

The game is set to tip off at 8:00 p.m. (ET) on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at State Farm Center, Champaign, Illinois. It will air live on FOX.