Illinois will host UAB on Thursday in a Week 1 college football matchup on Big Ten Network. Bret Bielema is back leading the charge for the Fighting Illini, looking to follow up their 9-4 season in 2025. There's a new quarterback calling the shots in Champaign, as East Carolina transfer Katin Houser gets the start for the Fighting Illini after Luke Altmyer left for the NFL.
Houser comes in with 26 career starts, including 19 at ECU. In 2025, he threw for 3,330 yards, which ranked 21st in the country and third in the AAC, along with 19 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He was also a factor on the ground, adding 282 non-sack rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
Meanwhile, UAB head coach Alex Mortensen took over the program midway through last season, helping the Blazers upset No. 22 Memphis. After spending three seasons as UAB's offensive coordinator, Mortensen will now enter his first full season at the helm, looking to lead the Blazers to their first winning season since 2021.
Let’s take a look at the odds for Illinois vs. UAB at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Sept. 3.
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Moneyline Spread Over/Under From FOX Sports Research: It's a total rebrand for this UAB team. With only three returning starters, 39 transfers, and quarterback Ryder Burton making just his third career start, this isn't the best recipe for success against a team like Illinois. The Fighting Illini have scored at least 30 points in every season opener under Bret Bielema, and they've averaged 48.5 points in their last two season openers.
With so much turnover for UAB entering the season, keeping this game within four touchdowns against an experienced head coach like Bielema will be a tall task. Take the Fighting Illini to cover. How to Watch Illinois vs.
UAB
