Our rankings
Illinois 80%
Illinois #25 vs Northwestern #50 in our rankings (network centrality).
Illinois vs Northwestern Prediction
Overall: venue ignored · using games through Oct 31, 2026
Our pick
25
Illinois39%
Illinois39%Our pick: Northwestern, 61% to win · projected 24–30
Common opponents
Illinois 74%
Illinois by 8.5 points here, from 2 comparisons.
Efficiency
Northwestern 71%
Projected Illinois 24, Northwestern 30 from opponent-adjusted points scored and allowed.
Illinois and Northwestern common opponents · 2
Against the same teams: Illinois went 2–0, Northwestern went 1–1. The edge compares average margins, as played.
| Opponent | Illinois | Northwestern | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
 Oregon |
W 21–10 home, Oct 24 | L 26–34 away, Oct 31 | ILL +19.0 |
 Michigan St |
W 38–37 away, Oct 10 | W 24–21 away, Oct 17 | NU +2.0 |