UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

ABOUT ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

Nestled in Urbana with an enrollment of 60,848 students, Illinois operates 17 varsity sports as a Big Ten Conference member competing at the Football Bowl Subdivision level. Founded in 1867, the university has maintained a comprehensive athletic portfolio spanning from football and basketball to Olympic sports like swimming and diving, soccer, and tennis across both genders. The Fighting Illini athletic department manages competition across multiple revenue-generating programs alongside 11 Olympic sports that provide opportunities for over 600 student-athletes annually.

Illinois football and men's basketball represent the program's most visible sports within the Big Ten's competitive landscape. The football team plays in a major conference that consistently produces bowl-eligible teams, while men's basketball competes in the same conference that has produced numerous NCAA Tournament participants. Beyond revenue sports, Illinois supports balanced men's and women's programs in cross country, golf, swimming and diving, tennis, and soccer, with additional women's sports including lacrosse, volleyball, and softball rounding out varsity offerings.

More information about Fighting Illini athletics, including schedules, rosters, and ticket information, is available at fightingillini.com for prospective student-athletes and fans interested in following the 17 varsity programs.