Illinois State Men’s Basketball Set to Host Northwestern In Exhibition
Written by Jack Polkow on October 17, 2026
Image courtesy of Illinois State athletics
NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State men’s basketball will host Northwestern in an exhibition game at CEFCU Arena on Sunday, Oct. 18th. at 4:00 p.m.
This will mark the final game of the home-and-home exhibition series between Illinois State and Northwestern. Last year’s matchup took place inside of Welsh-Ryan Arena, where Northwestern defeated the Redbirds 100-65.
Northwestern head coach Chris Collins is the son of Redbird legend Doug Collins. Chris Collins has been at the helm of the Wildcats for 13 seasons heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
“Chris (Collins) is my blood relationship and Illinois State, I married into the family,” Doug Collins said. “I hope people will come out and watch the game.”
Dug Collins will serve as an honorary assistant coach for the Redbirds in the first half before switching to his son’s side in the second half.
The Wildcats are coming off a season in which they went 15-19 overall and 5-15 in Big Ten play. Northwestern also made a run in the Big Ten tournament, defeating Penn State and Indiana before falling to Purdue.
The Wildcats were led by Nick Martinelli, who graduated after last season. This year, Northwestern will look to players such as Jake West and Angelo Ciaravino to lead the scoring after they took significant steps forward last season.
The Redbirds will have their hands full, but the exhibition will provide a valuable test against a Big Ten opponent before the regular season begins.
Illinois State also has several high-major opponents on its non-conference schedule, including Saint Mary’s on opening night and Purdue a week later. Facing a Big Ten opponent will provide valuable experience before those matchups, especially on the Redbirds’ home court.
This marks the first time a Big Ten team has played at CEFCU Arena since 2013, when Illinois State defeated Northwestern 68-64.
Fifth-year graduate student Malik Messina-Moore could also be available to play after legal complications surrounding his eligibility. His potential return could be a significant addition for the Redbirds, as Messina-Moore is expected to compete for a starting role.
Illinois State returns four players from last season: Ty Blake, Mason Klabo, Johnny Kinziger, and Chase Walker. Klabo, Kinziger, and Walker are expected to be among the starters against Northwestern.
One thing to watch on Sunday will be how the Redbirds matchup defensively against a high-major team with size that the Redbirds have not seen much of. The frontcourt combination of transfer Noah Cleveland and Walker has the potential to be a strength this season. If they can establish themselves against a Big Ten opponent, it could be an encouraging sign for the season ahead.
For all things Redbird basketball, be sure to stay tuned to wznd.com.
