Nov 28, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) shoots the ball during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images / William Purnell-Imagn Images

Illinois showed that they are once again a legit threat in the Big Ten with this victory. Arkansas is expected to be a solid team this season, and the Fighting Illini made easy work of the Razorbacks on a neutral court as the two teams battled it out in Kansas City.

Illinois men’s basketball has re-entered the AP Top 25 poll following its big week, climbing all the way to No. 19. It’s the program’s second time appearing in the national rankings during the first month of the 2024-25 season.

The AI-driven NET rankings model, which is now used as the primary evaluation tool by the NCAA Tournament selection committee, ranked the Illini (6-1) at No. 10 – in the highest slot among Big Ten clubs and just below No. 9 Kansas, which AP voters have ranked No. 1.

With the first month of the college basketball season in the books, the NCAA NET rankings are now available, and the Florida Gators begin December ranked No. 6 overall following an 8-0 start. "The 202