NORMAL, Ill. — As part of a previously home-and-home series, Northwestern men’s basketball will play a preseason exhibition game at Illinois State on Sunday, Oct. 18. Tipoff from CEFCU Arena is scheduled for 4 p.m. CT.
The matchup marks the second edition of the exhibition series that began last season at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The Wildcats downed the Redbirds 100-65 on Oct. 29, 2025 — the first meeting between the two schools since 2013.
As part of a previously announced home-and-home series, Northwestern will play a preseason exhibition game at Illinois State on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 4 p.m. CT 📅 pic.twitter.com/RTFpiu1Q0O
— Northwestern Basketball (@NUMensBball) July 8, 2026
Northwestern Sullivan-Ubben Head Men’s Basketball Coach Chris Collins’ father, Doug Collins, holds Illinois State’s all-time scoring record. He amassed 2,240 points (29.1 points per game) from 1970-73. His No. 20 is retired from the Redbirds men’s basketball program, and Illinois State renamed its court Doug Collins Court in his honor in 2007.
The exhibition will mark Collins’ first time coaching on Doug Collins Court.
The Wildcats will play two exhibition games ahead of the 2026-27 season, both against Division I squads. In addition to their clash with the Redbirds, the ’Cats will face Iowa State in the second edition of a home-and-home series at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Northwestern’s regular season non-conference schedule will be released at a later date.