UAB vs Illinois Picks and Predictions for Thursday, September 3rd, 2026

By: Cameron Ross Published 08/31/2026, 10:31 PM ET

UAB vs Illinois Game Information

The UAB Blazers will be on the road Thursday night for a 9:00 PM matchup inside Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IL against the Illinois Fighting Illini. UAB comes into this year after an abysmal season last year, losing 4 of their last 5 games. Illinois finished last year with a 9-win season after winning 3 of the last 5, including a 2-point victory in the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl on December 30th against Tennessee. Stay in the action with our College Football Picks.

UAB Preview

With the departure of starter Jalen Kitna from a year ago, Ryder Burton will step into the starting spot. Burton completed 62 passes last year for 708 yards and 7 scores. Kaleb Brown is the top receiver back this season for UAB after 255 yards and 2 scores on 17 catches a year ago.

Illinois Preview

Luke Altmyer is no longer on the Illinois roster as the Fighting Illini went to the transfer portal for their new quarterback. Katin Houser will take control of the team for Illinois this season after 3300 yards and 19 scores last year for East Carolina in 2025. Ca’Lil Valentine returns this season to lead Illinois out of the backfield after 614 yards and 4 scores on 131 carries last year. Collin Dixon is the leading receiver back this year for Illinois after 548 yards and 5 scores on 35 catches. Hudson Clement is also back for Illinois this season after 454 yards and 3 scores on 36 grabs in 2025.

UAB vs Illinois Pick

Illinois is a far better team in this matchup, and it will show from early on Thursday night. Look for the Illini to start the season with a bang Thursday as they dominate this game from the opening kickoff. Take Illinois to pick up where they left off last year with a win and cover Thursday night at home to start the season undefeated.

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Pick: Illinois Fighting Illini -27.5
Secondary: Under 55.5

Final Score Prediction: Illinois Fighting Illini win and cover 42-3.

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