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After a long offseason, college football is finally back for the University of Illinois.

The Fighting Illini will kick off their 2026 season on Thursday night against the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers, hoping to record their fourth winning season in five years. They are heavy favorites over UAB, which went 4-8 a year ago.

Illinois will be led by graduate transfer Katin Houser, who arrives in Champaign by way of East Carolina and Michigan State. Houser began his career in East Lansing before breaking out as the Pirates' starter over the past two seasons. In 2025, Houser completed 65.9% of his passes for 3,300 yards and 19 touchdowns to six interceptions.

Under Bret Bielema, the Illini have a 37-26 record. Illinois has won a bowl game in each of the past two seasons, having defeated South Carolina in the 2024 Citrus Bowl and Tennessee in the 2025 Music City Bowl.

The Blazers are just 11-25 overall and 7-17 in conference play since joining the American in 2023. UAB fired head coach Trent Dilfer last season amid a 2-4 record and appointed Alex Mortensen to serve as the interim in October. Mortensen led the Blazers to a 31-24 upset win over previously undefeated No. 22 Memphis in his first game at the helm, eventually leading to his promotion as the full-time head coach.

Here's everything you need to know before the Fighting Illini face the Blazers on Thursday night:

How to Watch

UAB Blazers (4-8, 2-6 American in 2025) @ Illinois Fighting Illini (9-4, 5-4 B1G in 2025)

Location: Gies Memorial Stadium | Champaign, Ill.

Kickoff: Thursday, Sep. 3 at 8:00 p.m. CT

TV: Big Ten Network | Announcers: Mark Followill (play-by-play), Rhett Lewis (analyst), Caroline Hendershot (sideline)

Radio: Busey Bank Illini Sports Network | Announcers: Brian Barnhart (play-by-play), Carey Davis (analyst), Kevin Mitchell (sideline)

Betting Odds (FanDuel Sportsbook)

Betting Line: Illinois -27.5

Moneyline: Illinois -4500, UAB +1600

Over/Under: 54.5

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Injury Report

Illinois Fighting Illini

WR Jayshon Platt: Out

LB Daniel Brown: Out

WR Alex Perry: Out for Season

TE BJ Thurman: Out for Season

TE Tanner Hollinger: Out for Season

TE Grant Smith: Out for Season

UAB Blazers

WR Jaylen Elder: Out

RB Rod Robinson II: Questionable

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