Photo by: Ryan Kuttler/Northwestern Athletics
Northwestern Announces Home-and-Home Exhibition Series with Illinois State
6/16/2025 9:32:00 AM | Men's Basketball
EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern's men's basketball will host in-state foe Illinois State at Welsh-Ryan Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, for an exhibition contest.
As part of a home-and-home series announced today by both schools, the Wildcats will travel to Normal for an exhibition at a date to be determined during the 2026-27 season.
There are ties between the two programs, which have not met on the hardwood since 2013. Northwestern Sullivan-Ubben Head Coach Chris Collins' father, Doug Collins, is the Redbirds' all-time leading scorer, totaling 2,240 points (29.1 ppg) from 1970-73. His No. 20 jersey is retired at Illinois State, and the court is named in his honor. Wildcats' Special Assistant to the Head Coach Brian James is also an Illinois State graduate.
The Wildcats will play two exhibition tilts this season, both against Division I teams, as they travel to Iowa State on Sunday, Oct. 26.
Nick Martinelli, the Big Ten's leading scorer last season, returns to the team after averaging 20.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in 2024-25. The team also welcomes a group of first-years ranked as the No. 23 recruiting class in the nation by 247Sports. Head coach Chris Collins, entering his 13th season, signed a contract extension this offseason through 2030.
Northwestern's full schedule will be released at a later date. Fans can purchase season tickets for the 2025-26 season HERE.
As part of a home-and-home series announced today by both schools, the Wildcats will travel to Normal for an exhibition at a date to be determined during the 2026-27 season.
Preseason Tests with the Redbirds ?? pic.twitter.com/kV6R07PnJn
— Northwestern Basketball (@NUMensBball) June 16, 2025
There are ties between the two programs, which have not met on the hardwood since 2013. Northwestern Sullivan-Ubben Head Coach Chris Collins' father, Doug Collins, is the Redbirds' all-time leading scorer, totaling 2,240 points (29.1 ppg) from 1970-73. His No. 20 jersey is retired at Illinois State, and the court is named in his honor. Wildcats' Special Assistant to the Head Coach Brian James is also an Illinois State graduate.
The Wildcats will play two exhibition tilts this season, both against Division I teams, as they travel to Iowa State on Sunday, Oct. 26.
Nick Martinelli, the Big Ten's leading scorer last season, returns to the team after averaging 20.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in 2024-25. The team also welcomes a group of first-years ranked as the No. 23 recruiting class in the nation by 247Sports. Head coach Chris Collins, entering his 13th season, signed a contract extension this offseason through 2030.
Northwestern's full schedule will be released at a later date. Fans can purchase season tickets for the 2025-26 season HERE.
Players Mentioned
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