Illinois at Northwestern
Saturday, November 28, 2026. For the Land of Lincoln Trophy, which Illinois holds Share
Illinois plays at Northwestern on Saturday, November 28. It will be their 120th meeting; Illinois leads the series 59–55–5.
Game notes: the series, streaks, the coaches and school records within reach, from the research desk.
Kickoff time TBA at Ryan Field, Evanston
Players to watch
Illinois
- ReceiverCollin Dixon47 catches, 608 yards, 9 TDLast: at Michigan State, 7 catches, 62 yards, 1 TDNo. 3 in FBS in receiving touchdowns
QuarterbackKatin Houser1,440 passing yards, 12 TDLast: at Michigan State, 20 of 29, 194 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; 5 carries, 14 yards, 1 TDTeam leader in passing yards- Defensive backMatthew Bailey41 tackles, 1 INTLast: at Michigan State, 4 tacklesTeam leader in tackles
Northwestern
- QuarterbackAidan Chiles1,398 passing yards, 9 TDLast: at Michigan State, 18 of 27, 226 yards; 16 carries, 25 yards, 1 TDTeam leader in passing yards
- Running backCaleb Komolafe401 rushing yards, 4 TDLast: at Michigan State, 15 carries, 67 yards, 1 TD; 4 catches, 51 yardsTeam leader in rushing yards
- LinebackerBraydon Brus52 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 INTLast: at Michigan State, 15 tackles ★Team leader in tackles
Each side’s two top producers this season (national leaders first) and its leading tackler. Photos: Wikimedia Commons, free licenses; credits on each player’s page.
Before kickoff
Our ratings and the line, going in
Our ratings (scores only)
Northwestern 67% to win.
The line
Illinois −3.5, over/under 52.5.
Updated once a night until kickoff: the consensus line when the books publish one, otherwise a single major sportsbook’s.
Win chances before kickoff: Illinois 59%, Northwestern 41%. CollegeFootballData.com’s estimate from the point spread.
The series
Every Illinois–Northwestern gameIllinois leads 59–55–5 in 119 meetings.
Around this game
Illinois
- SeasonIllinois in 2026
- ProgramIllinois history and records
Northwestern
- SeasonNorthwestern in 2026
- ProgramNorthwestern history and records