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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Duke @ Illinois Odds
Moneyline
- Illinois: -218 (bet $10 to win $14.59 total)
- Duke: +180 (bet $10 to win $28 total)
Spread
- Illinois -6: -108 (bet $10 to win $19.26 total)
- Duke +6: -112 (bet $10 to win $18.93 total)
Over/Under
- 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, Pick
From FOX Sports Research:
Illinois has been one of the toughest teams in the country to beat at home over the past three seasons, going 13-2 in Champaign, while Bret Bielema has won 10 straight non-conference games.
We know this Illinois team will be a tough out, especially at home. Duke couldn’t find a way to beat the Fighting Illini last season with one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Now, the Blue Devils have to travel to Champaign with a new quarterback leading the offense.
They also can’t count on Nate Sheppard rushing for 200-plus yards again to provide an offensive spark. Walker Eget will have to shoulder more of the load if Duke is going to hand Illinois just its third home loss since the start of the 2024 season.
Take the Illini to cover.
The Pick: Illinois -6
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
