No, this isn’t a men’s college basketball game. These two teams are meeting on the football field for the second straight season.
The Illinois Fighting Illini take on the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday in a Week 2 college football matchup on FS1.
Illinois dominated Duke 45-19 in Week 1 last season, but both teams enter this year’s matchup with new quarterbacks leading the way.
Both programs opened the 2026 season with wins, as Duke defeated Tulane 17-3 and Illinois beat UAB 42-23.
Katin Houser threw three touchdown passes and added another on the ground in his Fighting Illini debut. Two of those scores went to wide receiver Collin Dixon, while Ca’Lil Valentine led the game with 88 rushing yards and found the end zone. Illinois’ defense also got in on the scoring with a pick-six.
Bret Bielema’s team has now won six straight season openers and will look to start 2-0 for the third consecutive season.
Duke, meanwhile, had to replace one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Darian Mensah, turning to San Jose State transfer Walker Eget. In his Blue Devils debut, Eget completed 50% of his passes for 131 yards and no touchdowns.
Fortunately for Eget, the Blue Devils didn’t need much from the passing game. Running back Nate Sheppard carried the offensive load, rushing for 227 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries.
With Week 1 behind them, Illinois and Duke now turn their attention to Saturday’s matchup and a rematch of last season’s blowout.
Let’s take a look at the odds for Illinois vs. Duke at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Sept. 12.
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Moneyline
- Illinois: -218 (bet $10 to win $14.59 total)
- Duke: +180 (bet $10 to win $28 total)
Unfold
- Illinois -6: -108 (bet $10 to win $19.26 total)
- Duke +6: -112 (bet $10 to win $18.93 total)
Over/Below
- Over 51.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)
- Under 51.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)
Duke @ Illinois Prediction, Decide
From FOX Sports activities Analysis:
Illinois has been one of many hardest groups within the nation to beat at residence over the previous three seasons, going 13-2 in Champaign, whereas Bret Bielema has gained 10 straight non-conference video games.
We all know this Illinois staff can be a tricky out, particularly at residence. Duke could not discover a method to beat the Preventing Illini final season with probably the greatest quarterbacks within the nation. Now, the Blue Devils should journey to Champaign with a brand new quarterback main the offense.
In addition they cannot rely on Nate Sheppard speeding for 200-plus yards once more to offer an offensive spark. Walker Eget should shoulder extra of the load if Duke goes handy Illinois simply its third residence loss for the reason that begin of the 2024 season.
Take the Illini to cowl.
The Decide: Illinois -6
Learn how to Watch Illinois vs. Duke
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- TV: FS1
- Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App
- Location: Gies Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois
