Where is Illinois in updated college basketball rankings ahead of the Missouri game? See where Fighting Illini stand on Dec. 22, 2025.

Dec 6, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) goes up to dunk the ball but goes off the back of the rim against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

No. 1 Arizona and No. 2 Michigan remained locked in place atop The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll released Monday while No. 15 Nebraska jumped to its highest Top 25 ranking in

One lopsided victory over Missouri places the current Illinois men's basketball team into the annals of history.

The Illini, who are now on a two-game winning streak, continue to inch ahead in KenPom, one of college basketball's most renowned metrics

The men's college basketball season is a wild ride, and I’m here to sort it out every Sunday.With so many big games each week — plus emerging stars carrying their teams toward March — the men's college hoops schedule and many storylines is a lot to keep track of.

The Illinois Fighting Illini and Missouri Tigers tangle on neutral hardwood at Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, Monday at 8 p.m. ET.

Hoiberg is not just tasked with reviving Nebraska basketball. He is intent on guiding it to a place it has never even been before: the second round of the NCAA Tournament. If the squad can stay the course, Lincoln's brutal drought should end in March.

3. Ja'Kobi Gillespie, Tennessee: Gillespie is carrying a heavy load for Tennessee as the primary creator who simultaneously doubles as the best off-movement shooter on the roster. He toggles between both roles so flawlessly. Gillespie is averaging 17.6 points and 5.7 assists with impressive efficiency in a less-than-ideal offensive ecosystem.

Palatine's win against Fremd helps Hersey vault into the top 15. The top seven teams remain the same heading into the holiday tournaments.