Oregon vs Illinois Picks and Predictions for Saturday, October 24, 2026
The Oregon Ducks visit the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Saturday. Kickoff is at 3:00 pm ET on BTN. Oregon is 4-2, with a 2-1 Big Ten record that puts the Ducks in a tie for fifth. A 17-14 win over Nebraska followed a 17-15 loss to UCLA. Illinois is 3-3 and tied for 12th in the conference at 1-2. The Illini last played October 10, when they slipped past Michigan State 38-37 in overtime. Get more game previews with our free NCAAF picks.
Oregon Hoping for More Points This Week
Oregon needed its defense against Nebraska. The Ducks scored only 17 points, but that was enough to avoid a second straight loss after UCLA held them to 15. Earlier, Oregon looked different on offense. The Ducks scored 41 at USC and put up 84 against Portland State. Oklahoma State also beat them 39-31. With 1,698 passing yards and 838 rushing yards through six games, Oregon has shown it can move the ball. Finishing drives has been tougher lately.
Dante Moore hasn't thrown an interception in 99 attempts. He's completed 69 passes for 926 yards and nine touchdowns. Dylan Raiola has also contributed 515 yards and six scores. Jordon Davison has six rushing touchdowns and 330 yards, while Dierre Hill Jr. has gained 295. Evan Stewart and Dakorien Moore have each caught four touchdown passes, with 352 and 347 receiving yards respectively. Koi Perich has 40 tackles and two interceptions on defense. Matayo Uiagalelei leads the pass rush with six sacks.
Injuries: Iverson Hooks, Aaron Flowers and Jeremiah McClellan are out. Evan Stewart, D. Gresham and S. Price are questionable.
Illinois Getting Plenty From Passing Game
Illinois gave its fans quite a finish against Michigan State. The Illini pulled out a 38-37 overtime victory after losing twice in a row. Purdue had beaten them 24-17 in Champaign, and Ohio State won 42-19 the week before. Illinois also lost 31-27 to Duke earlier in September. When things click offensively, this team can score. The Illini put up 48 against Southern Illinois and have gained 1,528 passing yards. Their defense has been less convincing, recording only five sacks in six games.
Katin Houser has 12 touchdown passes and four interceptions, completing 122 of 184 throws for 1,440 yards. Collin Dixon has been getting open regularly, catching 47 passes for 608 yards and nine touchdowns. Hudson Clement has contributed 404 receiving yards, and Ty Robinson has three touchdown catches. Aidan Laughery leads the rushing attack with 391 yards. Matthew Bailey has 41 tackles and an interception return for a touchdown, while Ismael Kante also has a defensive score. Illinois needs more pressure against Oregon.
Injuries: G. Smith, B. Thurman, A. Perry and T. Hollinger are out. J. Platt, J. Eberhart, J. Forster, J. Harvey, W. Vala III, N. Rankin and K. Alston are questionable.
Key To The Game
Illinois has five sacks in six games. Moore has thrown nine touchdowns without a pick, so giving him time could be costly. Oregon also has nine interceptions, making Houser's decisions especially important.
Oregon vs Illinois Game Pick
- Oregon Ducks -8.5
Oregon has managed only 32 points across its last two games, but Illinois has given up too much defensively against better opponents. Ohio State scored 42 on the Illini, and Michigan State added 37. Moore has protected the football, while Oregon's defense has intercepted nine passes. Illinois can stay competitive through Dixon and Houser, but Oregon has the stronger overall lineup. The Ducks will cover the 8.5-point spread this Saturday afternoon.
Oregon vs Illinois Over/Under Pick
- Over 50.5
Illinois just played a 38-37 overtime game against Michigan State, and its defense has recorded only five sacks this season. Oregon has scored 41 against USC and 31 at Oklahoma State, showing what its offense can do when the passing game gets going. Dixon's nine touchdown catches give Illinois a way to answer. Expect enough big plays from both passing attacks for the game to finish over 50.5 points on Saturday.