Honestly, if you just glanced at the scoreboard after the Illinois vs Jackson State game on November 3, 2025, you probably shrugged and moved on. 113–55. A 58-point gap. In the world of college hoops, these "buy games" are usually just a chance for the big programs to shake off the rust while the smaller schools collect a check.
But if you’re a fan of the Fighting Illini or someone who follows the SWAC closely, this wasn't just another blowout. It was a massive reveal of Brad Underwood's new-look roster. We're talking about a team that looked fundamentally different from the squad that made an Elite Eight run. The Tigers, led by coach Mo Williams, walked into a buzzsaw at the State Farm Center, and the tape from that night tells us a lot about where both these programs are headed in 2026.
The Night the Illini Went Nuclear
Illinois entered the game ranked No. 17, but nobody really knew what to expect. They had lost so much production from the year before. Within the first six minutes, the question wasn't if they’d win, but by how much. They opened on a 24–3 run. It was brutal.
What was wild about the Illinois vs Jackson State matchup was the sheer efficiency of the Illini’s "five-out" offense. They weren't just bigger; they were faster and more skilled at every single position. They knocked down 17 three-pointers. When you have guys like Ben Humrichous and Tomislav Ivisic both dropping 21 points while shooting with "pro-level" range, the defense basically has to pick how they want to die. Do you guard the perimeter and give up dunks, or pack the paint and watch 30-footers rain down? Jackson State tried both, and neither worked.
Freshman David Mirkovic is a Problem
Look, we've seen talented freshmen come through Champaign before. But what David Mirkovic did in his debut was something else. He had a double-double before the halftime buzzer even sounded.
He ended the night with 19 points and 14 rebounds. To put that in perspective, he’s the first Illini freshman to pull that off in an opener since Kofi Cockburn back in 2019. Mirkovic doesn't play like a kid. He’s got this weirdly polished game where he can facilitate from the top of the key and then bully you on the glass the next possession. He was the biggest reason Illinois won the rebounding battle by a staggering 61–19 margin. You don't see +42 rebounding margins very often in Division I basketball.
Where Jackson State Went Wrong (and Right)
It's easy to kick a team when they lose by 58, but Mo Williams’ Tigers aren't a bad squad. They just ran into a nightmare matchup. Devin Ree was a legitimate bright spot for the Tigers. He finished with 19 points, including four threes. He looked like an athlete who could play in any conference in the country.
The problem for Jackson State was the "shot selection" early on. They were taking off-balance jumpers four seconds into the shot clock. Against a team like Illinois, that’s suicide. Every miss turned into a long rebound and a transition bucket for the Illini. Daeshun Ruffin added 12 points, but he was forced into tough looks all night.
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Honestly, the Tigers' schedule is always a gauntlet. They play these high-major teams to prepare for the SWAC season. While the Illinois vs Jackson State score looked ugly, the experience of playing against the Ivisic twins—who are basically 7-footers with guard skills—is going to make the SWAC big men look a lot less intimidating in February.
Key Takeaways from the Stats
If you're a numbers person, the box score for Illinois vs Jackson State is a fever dream.
- Bench Depth: The Illini bench outscored JSU's bench 33–17. That includes guys like Keaton Wagler, who dropped 18 points in his debut.
- The Rebound Gap: As mentioned, 61 to 19. That’s not just a height advantage; that’s an effort and positioning clinic.
- Three-Point Precision: Illinois shot nearly 46% from deep. In 2026 basketball, if you hit 17 threes at that clip, you aren't losing to anyone.
- Historical Context: This 58-point win tied for the largest margin of victory in the Brad Underwood era.
The Twin Tower Experiment
One of the most interesting things Underwood did was play Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic together. It shouldn't work in the modern game where everyone wants to play small and fast. Yet, it did. They provided a rim protection presence that forced Jackson State to settle for those aforementioned bad jumpers. Zvonimir only scored four points, but he grabbed nine boards and blocked shots that never even made it to the rim. It’s a "space race" out there, and Illinois is bringing heavy artillery.
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What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
Most casual fans look at Illinois vs Jackson State and say, "Well, Illinois should win that game." Sure. But they shouldn't necessarily play perfect basketball. Usually, these openers are sloppy. There are turnovers, missed assignments, and "freshman moments."
Illinois looked like a team that had been playing together for three years, not three weeks. Their passing was crisp—23 assists on 40 made baskets. That’s the stat that should scare the rest of the Big Ten. If a team with this many new faces is already sharing the ball that well, their ceiling is basically the Final Four.
What’s Next for Both Programs?
For Jackson State, the road doesn't get much easier. They’ll likely continue their non-conference "money tour" before settling into the grind of the SWAC. The goal for them is simple: health and chemistry. If Devin Ree keeps shooting like he did in Champaign, they’re going to be a problem in their own league.
Illinois, on the other hand, has a target on its back. The Illinois vs Jackson State game was a warning shot. They proved they can play multiple styles. They can beat you with size, or they can beat you by putting five shooters on the floor and sprinting.
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If you're tracking the Illini this season, watch the development of the backcourt. Kylan Boswell handled the point guard duties well with five assists, but the real story is how the "bigs" are being used as secondary playmakers. It’s a positionless basketball dream that Brad Underwood has been trying to build for years. It finally looks like he has the roster to do it.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the Rebound Margins: If Illinois continues to out-rebound opponents by double digits, they will be a top-10 team by mid-season.
- Keep an Eye on David Mirkovic: He is the most impactful freshman in the Big Ten right now. Period.
- Jackson State's Devin Ree: Scout him for your mid-major "player to watch" lists; his shooting stroke is elite.
- The Zone Defense: Illinois played more zone against Jackson State than they usually do. Watch if Underwood uses this as a primary weapon or just a change-of-pace tactic as the season progresses.
Check the upcoming schedule for the Fighting Illini as they move into the meat of their non-conference slate against high-major opponents to see if this offensive explosion was a fluke or the new reality.