Illinois basketball is turning the page to a new year with big expectations and even bigger questions. After a strong start and plenty of national buzz, the Illini are stepping into the heart of the season where hype turns into reality.In this episode, Cody breaks down where Illinois stands right now after straight wins to close out 2025, what’s working, what needs to improve, and the biggest storylines to watch as Big Ten conference play heats up. Can this team stay consistent, handle the pressure, and prove they belong among the elite?

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Illinois went into the matchup as the favorite, but Nebraska had other plans. In a shocking Big Ten showdown, the Cornhuskers pulled off a huge upset over the Illini 83-80, flipping expectations and shaking up the conference picture.From clutch plays to momentum-shifting moments, this game had everything — and Illinois couldn’t recover when it mattered most. Was this Nebraska’s statement win, or a major missed opportunity for Illinois?Cody reacts to the loss and more on this edition of From Beyond Champaign.LINKS: https://linktr.ee/cody.illini

The Illinois Fighting Illini pull off a huge road win at the Ohio State Buckeyes — final score 88-80 — to kick off Big Ten play with a statement.Keaton Wagler leads Illinois with 23 points and big plays down the stretch. David Mirkovic steps up with 22 points and 8 rebounds, fueling the Illini starting lineup. Balanced scoring from the Illini — including Andrej Stojakovic and Zvonimir Ivisic — proves clutch in a hostile environment. Despite a monster night from Buckeyes guard Bruce Thornton (34 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists), Illinois’ composure at the free-throw line and late-game execution sealed the win.This marks Illinois’ first Big Ten win of the season and another important road victory — their 35th in conference play since 2019-20, the most in the league.Tune in with Cody as he gives his takeaways on the Illini win.LINKS: https://linktr.ee/cody.illini