LOS ANGELES – For Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood, the question isn’t about navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing college basketball landscape, but rather, embracing the unwavering support of a passionate fanbase. Following a dominant 101-65 victory over USC on Wednesday, Underwood emphatically stated he has “the best job in the country,” a sentiment rooted in the remarkable dedication of Illinois supporters, even on the road.
The Illini’s performance at USC’s Galen Center wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. Seven Illinois players scored in double figures, led by Andrej Stojakovic’s 22 points in his return from an ankle injury. This comprehensive victory, coming after a demanding stretch of 11 games in 33 days, underscores the team’s resilience and depth. But it was the sea of orange and blue in the stands – roughly 2,000 miles from the State Farm Center in Champaign – that truly resonated with Underwood.
“I don’t know how else to say it. I’ve got the best job in the country, and a large piece of that is because of our fans and their support,” Underwood said postgame. “It was great at the hotel to see so many. I love when [Illinois associate athletic director] Joey Biggs sends out that we don’t have any more tickets. That’s a great thing. And this goes back years, so our fans support us. I can’t say thank you enough. You make it fun, and you make it the best job in college basketball, in my opinion.”
The enthusiastic turnout at USC was particularly striking to Illinois point guard Kylan Boswell, a Champaign native. “That’s nuts,” Boswell remarked. “I remember being a freshman here, and the ‘SC game, playing for Arizona, it was packed red. And now seeing us, just how we’re traveling … Yeah, it’s pretty surreal. Just another great thing about Illinois basketball is how much our fans love us and care about us. But, yeah, it’s pretty crazy to see we’re all the way in California and there’s more orange and blue than ‘SC red.”
Brad Underwood on an impressive showing of Illinois fans in LA last night: “I’ve got the best job in the country, and a large piece of that is because of our fans… I can’t say ‘Thank you’ enough. You make it fun, and you make it the best job in college basketball.”… pic.twitter.com/jAttIszYfj
— Glenn Kinley (@glenn_kinley) February 19, 2026
Illini Success Fuels Underwood’s Confidence
Underwood’s confidence isn’t solely based on fan support. The Illini, currently 22-5 overall and 13-3 in the Substantial Ten Conference as of February 20, 2026, are alone in second place in the league, trailing only Michigan (15-1). They are also ranked No. 4 in both the NET rankings and KenPom, indicating a strong profile for NCAA Tournament contention. According to the University of Illinois Athletics website, Underwood has led the Illini to three Big Ten championships in the last five years, tying them for the most in the conference.
The timing of this success is also noteworthy, coming amidst speculation about Underwood potentially returning to his alma mater, Kansas State, after the recent firing of coach Jerome Tang. Yet, Underwood’s comments following the USC victory, coupled with his established success at Illinois, suggest he is firmly committed to the Illini program. He has secured multiple Big Ten Tournament titles, including championships in 2021 and 2024, solidifying his legacy in Champaign.
Travel No Obstacle for a Well-Supported Team
Despite the logistical challenges of the expanded Big Ten, which now includes teams on the West Coast, Underwood downplayed any concerns about travel. “I’m one of those coaches, I really don’t give a daggum where we play,” he said on the Big Ten Network. “I don’t worry about the trips. We’re spoiled. We charter. We have great food. We stay at nice places. It’s really not that hard. Yeah, playing on the road is really hard in the Big Ten. This is a trip that the schedule says we gotta go play. We got UCLA next, who’s very excellent and very well-coached. So we just gotta show up and play.”
This attitude reflects a program that is well-equipped to handle the demands of a national schedule, both on and off the court. The support from Illinois fans, as demonstrated in Los Angeles, provides a significant boost, creating a home-like atmosphere even thousands of miles from the State Farm Center.
As the Illini prepare to face UCLA on Saturday, the focus remains on maintaining their momentum and solidifying their position as a top contender in the Big Ten. The program’s success, fueled by a talented roster, strong coaching, and an unparalleled fanbase, continues to reinforce Underwood’s belief that he truly has the best job in college basketball.
What comes next for the Illini will be determined by their performance in the final weeks of the regular season and their ability to navigate the challenging Big Ten Tournament. The team’s strong NET ranking and KenPom rating position them well for a deep NCAA Tournament run, but continued success will require maintaining the level of play demonstrated in Wednesday’s dominant victory over USC. Share your thoughts on the Illini’s season and their championship potential in the comments below.
