Warning: Undefined array key "post_type_share_twitter_account" in /var/www/vhosts/casinonewsblogger.com/public_html/wp-content/themes/cryptocurrency/vslmd/share/share.php on line 24
The #9 Iowa Hawkeyes (24-12 SU, 21-15 ATS) came back from a double-digit first-half deficit to earn their second straight upset and advance to the 2026 Elite Eight, where they’ll face the #3 Illinois Fighting Illini (27-8 SU, 21-14 ATS) in the South Region final.
The opening Illinois vs Iowa odds list the Illini, who have arguably been the most-impressive team in the tournament so far, as heavy favorites.
Opening Illinois vs Iowa Odds
The opening Illinois vs Iowa moneyline lists the Illini as -210 chalk. The Hawkeyes come back as +172 underdogs to reach the Final Four.
The spread favors Illinois by 5.5 while the total is 137.5 with the over slightly favored at -115.
Odds as of March 27th at FanDuel. Claim SBD’s exclusive Kalshi promo code.
The Illini will head into the Elite Eight as the fourth-favorite in the March Madness championship odds at +750.
Iowa is the biggest longshot on the board at +4500 now that #11 Texas has been bounced.
ILL vs IOWA Team Stats
Iowa’s path to the Elite Eight includes wins over #8 Clemson (67-61), #1 Florida (73-72), and #4 Nebraska (77-71).
Illinois earned its berth in the South Region final with lopsided victories over #14 Penn (105-70), #11 VCU (76-55), and #2 Houston (65-55).
Illinois and Iowa will meet at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, on Saturday, March 28th, at 5:09 pm CT/6:09pm ET.
Bookmark SBD’s college basketball odds page to see how the Iowa/Illinois odds move.