Rutgers vs Illinois Prediction — AI Finds CAN'T MISS CBB Lines & Props (Jan 08)
Updated: 2026-01-06T03:31:50.923562ZBy Remi at Leans.AI — AI picks for ATS, ML, OU & props
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8‑7, 1‑3 Big Ten) travel to face the No. 16 Illinois Fighting Illini (11‑3, 2‑1 Big Ten) on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at the State Farm Center in Champaign with Illinois heavily favored in this Big Ten clash. Illinois comes in riding solid offense and home court strength, while Rutgers enters off a gritty overtime win and is seeking consistency against elite competition.
Get key insights, betting trends, and AI-powered predictions to help incorporate into your betting strategies.
GAME INFO
Date: Jan 08, 2026
Start Time: 9:30 PM EST
Venue: State Farm Center
Fighting Illini Record: (11-3)
Scarlet Knights Record: (5-7)
OPENING ODDS
RUT Moneyline: +2000
ILL Moneyline: -7143
RUT Spread: +21.5
ILL Spread: -21.5
Over/Under: 144.5
RUT
Betting Trends
- Rutgers has struggled against the spread this season, holding an ATS record of approximately 5‑10‑0, including as an underdog in road scenarios.
ILL
Betting Trends
- Illinois has been roughly middle‑of‑the‑pack ATS with about a 7‑7‑0 mark on the campaign, showing a tendency to underperform relative to heavy expectations at times.
MATCHUP TRENDS
- In recent head‑to‑head history, the teams have split cover outcomes, with Rutgers covering in their most recent meeting in 2025 but Illinois owning an undefeated mark at home versus Rutgers all‑time, highlighting a contrast between moneyline dominance and spread performance.
RUT vs. ILL
Best Prop Bet
- Remi's searched hard and found the best prop for this matchup: K. Boswell under 23.5 PTS+REB+AST.
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Rutgers vs Illinois Prediction & Odds:
Free CBB Betting Insights for 1/8/26
The Big Ten clash between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the No. 16 Illinois Fighting Illini on January 8, 2026 in Champaign shapes up as a defining moment early in conference play, pitting a rising Rutgers squad against a nationally ranked Illini team with offensive firepower and home court strength. Illinois enters the game with an 11‑3 record and a strong home mark, having won seven of eight at the State Farm Center and establishing itself as one of the league’s most consistent scoring teams. The Illini’s offensive attack thrives on volume from beyond the arc, averaging over 10 made three‑pointers per game while maintaining efficient field goal percentages and generating solid assist numbers through ball movement. Their balance and depth allow them to ramp up scoring quickly and stretch defenses, making them tough to contain, especially when multiple players are hitting from long range. Rutgers, meanwhile, brings a more rugged identity to this matchup, recently breaking through with an 88‑85 overtime win over Oregon behind a 30‑point explosion from Tariq Francis.
That performance injected confidence into the Scarlet Knights’ season, which had been marked by inconsistency in Big Ten play. Rutgers’ offense doesn’t possess the same explosive scoring ceiling as Illinois, but it plays with grit, competes on the glass, and can limit turnovers when disciplined—factors that could keep the game competitive if they execute with precision. Defensively, Rutgers must contest Illinois’ shooters and control long rebounds to prevent extra possessions, as Illinois’ athleticism and spacing can quickly transform misses into fast‑break opportunities. In this intriguing cross‑conference matchup, tempo and execution will be crucial. Illinois’ potent scoring and familiarity with conference competition gives them the statistical edge, but Rutgers’ momentum and toughness cannot be dismissed. If the Scarlet Knights can slow the pace, win key battles on the boards, and force contested shots, they have a path to hanging around; otherwise, Illinois’ balanced attack and home court edge make them a formidable favorite.
Get live CBB odds and precise AI CBB picks, predictions, and cover probabilities.
Top 5️⃣ Plays vs. Oregon 💥
— Rutgers Men’s Basketball 🏀 (@RutgersMBB) January 7, 2026
presented by @ggl_wins#TheKnighthood🛡️⚔️ pic.twitter.com/06zkxx0Iw0
Rutgers Scarlet Knights CBB Preview
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights enter this Big Ten road test in Champaign as a team seeking consistency and growth after an up‑and‑down start to the 2025‑26 season. Rutgers’ recent 88‑85 overtime win against Oregon highlighted the team’s potential to compete with quality opponents, with guard Tariq Francis exploding for 30 points and showing a career‑high free‑throw performance that underscored his ability to carry the offensive load in key moments. That gritty victory delivered the Scarlet Knights’ first Big Ten conference win and injected confidence into a squad that had previously struggled to find its footing, particularly on the offensive end where scoring beyond its leading contributors has been a challenge. Four freshmen and underclassmen have shown flashes of promise, but Rutgers’ overall scoring balance remains a work in progress. Against strong defenses, Rutgers has at times faltered from beyond the arc, and its shooting consistency will be tested against Illinois’ length and athleticism. On the defensive end, Rutgers has carved out an identity rooted in toughness and effort, often battling on the glass and forcing turnovers when clicking at its best.
Controlling the defensive glass and limiting Illinois’ second‑chance points will be crucial on Thursday night, as will maintaining disciplined rotations to contest shots from beyond the arc. Rutgers’ path to staying competitive hinges on capitalizing on these strengths while minimizing possessions where Illinois can leverage its offensive rhythm. The Scarlet Knights’ road struggles this season reflect the broader narrative of resilience and adjustment under Coach Steve Pikiell. Facing a formidable Illini team on their home floor presents a stern challenge, but if Rutgers can sustain physical play, get balanced scoring contributions, and avoid early deficits, it has a chance to disrupt Illinois’ rhythm and keep this contest within reach. A strong performance away from home could signal continued growth and preparedness for the grind of Big Ten play.
Credit: USA TODAY/IMAGN
Illinois Fighting Illini CBB Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini come into this home game against Rutgers with momentum and a strong identity shaped by balanced scoring, rebounding prowess, and efficiency under head coach Brad Underwood. Illinois has consistently fielded high‑octane offenses in recent seasons, often ranking among the Big Ten’s most prolific scoring teams, and this year is no different as they average near the top of the league in points per game and offensive efficiency. Their ability to space the floor with multiple reliable three‑point shooters, coupled with disciplined play that keeps turnovers relatively low, allows them to dictate tempo and force opponents into uncomfortable defensive rotations. At the State Farm Center, the Illini enjoy a significant home‑court edge, having racked up double‑digit home win totals in consecutive seasons and establishing one of the stronger home records in the conference. Defensively, Illinois complements its offensive strength with solid rebounding and physical play inside, often controlling the glass to limit second‑chance points for opponents.
This rebounding edge helps fuel offensive transition opportunities and allows the Illini to stay aggressive on both ends of the floor. Illinois’ depth and versatility mean they can roll multiple scoring threats onto the court at once, preventing defenses from keying in on a single player and keeping defensive schemes honest. While they have shown occasional vulnerability against high‑pressure defenses and athletic wings, the Illini’s execution in half‑court sets and ability to hit timely shots typically blunts many teams’ comeback efforts. Rutgers presents a competitive challenge, but Illinois’ balanced attack, home crowd energy, and rebounding advantage create favorable matchups across the lineup. If they maintain efficiency from the perimeter and glass control, Illinois should be in control for much of the contest at the State Farm Center.
Big Ten Freshman of the Week: Keaton Wagler
— Illinois Men's Basketball (@IlliniMBB) January 5, 2026
🟠 Averaged 16.3 points, 6 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.3 steals leading the Illini to three-straight wins
🔵 Shot 53.6% from the field, 46.7% from 3-point range, and 80% from the free throw line
🟠 Game-high 22 points with 8 rebounds, 4… pic.twitter.com/vm8rcynP9L
Rutgers vs Illinois Prop Picks (AI)
AI algorithm Remi is pouring through mountains of datapoints on each line. In fact, anytime the Scarlet Knights and Fighting Illini play there’s always several intriguing angles to key in on. Not to mention games played at State Farm Center in Jan almost always follow normal, predictable betting trends.
Rutgers vs Illinois Prediction (AI)
Remi, our AI sports wizard, has been pouring over millions of data from every facet between the Scarlet Knights and Fighting Illini and using recursive machine learning and industry leading AI to crunch the data to a single cover probability.
Oddly enough, we’ve seen the AI has been most fixated on the linear correlation of weight knucklehead sportsbettors often put on player performance factors between a Scarlet Knights team going up against a possibly strong Fighting Illini team. We’ve found the true game analytics might reflect a slight lean against one Vegas line specifically.
Unlock this in-depth AI prediction and all of our CBB AI picks for FREE now.
Below is our current AI Rutgers vs Illinois picks, computer picks Scarlet Knights vs Fighting Illini, best bets, model edges, confidence ratings.
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DATE | GAME | LEAN | %WIN | UNITS | LEVEL |
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| CBB | 1/8 | WEBER@NAU | UNLOCK THIS PICK | 3 |
EXECUTIVE
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| CBB | 1/8 | LIB@LATECH | UNLOCK THIS PICK | 3 |
EXECUTIVE
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| CBB | 1/8 | UCRIV@CSBAK | GET FREE PICK NOW | 2 | – | |
| CBB | 1/8 | TNTECH@EILL | UNLOCK THIS PICK | 1 |
INTEL
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| CBB | 1/8 | STONEH@CCTST | UNLOCK THIS PICK | 0 |
INTEL
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| CBB | 1/8 | MAINE@UMBC | UNLOCK THIS PICK | 0 |
INTEL
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These picks update as information changes—injury reports, and market movement. Each line shows our model’s fair price, the edge versus the market, and a unit confidence rating (1–10). Odds and availability vary by sportsbook and time. Edges are computed against the listed price; value may change after line moves. Always shop for the best number. See the full CBB schedule.
Rutgers Betting Trends
Rutgers has struggled against the spread this season, holding an ATS record of approximately 5‑10‑0, including as an underdog in road scenarios.
Illinois Betting Trends
Illinois has been roughly middle‑of‑the‑pack ATS with about a 7‑7‑0 mark on the campaign, showing a tendency to underperform relative to heavy expectations at times.
Scarlet Knights vs. Fighting Illini Matchup Trends
In recent head‑to‑head history, the teams have split cover outcomes, with Rutgers covering in their most recent meeting in 2025 but Illinois owning an undefeated mark at home versus Rutgers all‑time, highlighting a contrast between moneyline dominance and spread performance.
Rutgers vs. Illinois Game Info
Rutgers vs Illinois starts on January 08, 2026 at 9:30 PM EST.
Venue: State Farm Center.
Spread: Illinois -21.5
Moneyline: Rutgers +2000, Illinois -7143
Over/Under: 144.5
Rutgers: (5-7) | Illinois: (11-3)
Remi's searched hard and found the best prop for this matchup: K. Boswell under 23.5 PTS+REB+AST.. Prices move—always shop for the best number.
In recent head‑to‑head history, the teams have split cover outcomes, with Rutgers covering in their most recent meeting in 2025 but Illinois owning an undefeated mark at home versus Rutgers all‑time, highlighting a contrast between moneyline dominance and spread performance.
RUT trend: Rutgers has struggled against the spread this season, holding an ATS record of approximately 5‑10‑0, including as an underdog in road scenarios.
ILL trend: Illinois has been roughly middle‑of‑the‑pack ATS with about a 7‑7‑0 mark on the campaign, showing a tendency to underperform relative to heavy expectations at times.
See our latest CBB picks and odds pages for 2026 to compare prices before you bet.
Rutgers vs. Illinois Odds
AI algorithm Remi is pouring through tons of data points on each player. In fact, anytime the Rutgers vs Illinois trends are analyzed, there’s always several intriguing trends to key in on. Not to mention games played at extreme temps can often follow normal, predictable betting trends.
| RUT Moneyline | +2000 |
|---|---|
| ILL Moneyline | -7143 |
| RUT Spread | +21.5 |
| ILL Spread | -21.5 |
| Over / Under | 144.5 |
Rutgers vs Illinois Live Odds
| Games | PTS | ML | SPR | O/U | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Jan 9, 2026 6:00PM EST
Miami Ohio Redhawks
Toledo Rockets
1/9/26 6PM
MIAOH
TOLEDO
|
–
–
|
-117
|
-1 (-115)
|
O 167 (-108)
U 167 (-112)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 7:00PM EST
Rider Broncs
Fairfield Stags
1/9/26 7PM
RIDER
FAIR
|
–
–
|
+327
-415
|
+8.5 (-105)
-8.5 (-115)
|
O 143 (-110)
U 143 (-110)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 7:00PM EST
Marist Red Foxes
Sacred Heart Pioneers
1/9/26 7PM
MARIST
SACRED
|
–
–
|
-260
+215
|
-6 (-110)
+6 (-110)
|
O 143 (-108)
U 143 (-112)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 7:00PM EST
Merrimack Warriors
Siena Saints
1/9/26 7PM
MERRI
SIENA
|
–
–
|
+207
-250
|
+5.5 (-110)
-5.5 (-110)
|
O 133 (-114)
U 133 (-106)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 7:00PM EST
Canisius Golden Griffins
Manhattan Jaspers
1/9/26 7PM
CAN
MANHAT
|
–
–
|
+285
-355
|
+8 (-111)
-8 (-109)
|
O 145.5 (-110)
U 145.5 (-110)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 7:00PM EST
Cleveland State Vikings
Oakland Golden Grizzlies
1/9/26 7PM
CLEVST
OAKLND
|
–
–
|
-1300
|
-14 (-110)
|
O 172.5 (-116)
U 172.5 (-104)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 7:00PM EST
Niagara Purple Eagles
Iona Gaels
1/9/26 7PM
NIAGRA
IONA
|
–
–
|
+434
-580
|
+10 (-115)
-10 (-105)
|
O 142 (-110)
U 142 (-110)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 7:00PM EST
Saint Peter's Peacocks
Mt. St. Mary's Mountaineers
1/9/26 7PM
STPETE
MOUNT
|
–
–
|
-125
+105
|
pk
pk
|
O 139.5 (-110)
U 139.5 (-110)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 7:00PM EST
IUPUI Jaguars
Green Bay Phoenix
1/9/26 7PM
IUPUI
GBAY
|
–
–
|
+237
-290
|
+6.5 (-110)
-6.5 (-110)
|
O 157 (-110)
U 157 (-110)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 7:00PM EST
Wright State Raiders
Detroit Mercy Titans
1/9/26 7PM
WRIGHT
DETRIOT
|
–
–
|
+203
|
+5.5 (-105)
|
O 148 (-110)
U 148 (-110)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 8:00PM EST
Northern Kentucky Norse
Milwaukee Panthers
1/9/26 8PM
NKTY
MILW
|
–
–
|
+140
-160
|
+3 (-109)
-3 (-111)
|
O 156.5 (-110)
U 156.5 (-110)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 8:00PM EST
Akron Zips
Bowling Green Falcons
1/9/26 8PM
AKRON
BGREEN
|
–
–
|
-195
+170
|
-4.5 (-110)
+4.5 (-110)
|
O 164 (-110)
U 164 (-110)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 8:30PM EST
USC Trojans
Minnesota Golden Gophers
1/9/26 8:30PM
USC
MINN
|
–
–
|
+153
-175
|
+3.5 (-110)
-3.5 (-110)
|
O 146 (-115)
U 146 (-105)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 10:00PM EST
UNLV Rebels
Colorado State Rams
1/9/26 10PM
UNLV
COLOST
|
–
–
|
+245
|
+6.5 (-105)
|
O 149 (-110)
U 149 (-110)
|
|
|
Jan 10, 2026 12:00PM EST
Tennessee Volunteers
Florida Gators
1/10/26 12PM
TENN
FLA
|
–
–
|
+180
-220
|
+4.5 (-110)
-4.5 (-110)
|
O 153.5 (-110)
U 153.5 (-110)
|
CBB Past Picks
Remi—our in-house AI—prices every game and prop using multi-season priors, tempo/efficiency, injury/usage signals, and market movement.
We publish fair prices, recommended “buy-to” numbers, and confidence so you can bet prices, not teams.
This preview covers Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Illinois Fighting Illini on January 08, 2026 at State Farm Center.
Odds shown reflect widely available numbers and may update closer to kickoff.
Want more? Check live edges, player props, and line moves on our CBB odds pages, and compare prices before you place a bet.
|
CBB |
LEAN | %WIN | UNITS | RESULT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VMI@ETNST | VMI +17.5 | 56.4% | 6 | WIN |
| HOLY@LEHIGH | HOLY +125 | 44.6% | 1 | WIN |
| MIAMI@WAKE | MIAMI +100 | 54.3% | 4 | WIN |
| CHARLO@UTSA | CHARLO -4.5 | 54.0% | 3 | WIN |
| ARK@OLEMISS | MISS +4 | 54.3% | 4 | LOSS |
| SOILL@UIC | SOILL -1.5 | 56.8% | 6 | LOSS |
| BGREEN@KENTST | KENTST -1.5 | 56.6% | 6 | WIN |
| EMICH@BALLST | BALLST -118 | 56.6% | 5 | LOSS |
| FRESNO@SJST | SJST -1 | 55.0% | 4 | LOSS |
| DUKE@LVILLE | LVILLE -110 | 54.2% | 4 | LOSS |
| BAMAST@ARKPB | BAMAST -102 | 53.2% | 3 | LOSS |
| NWESTST@NICHOLLS | NWESTST +8.5 | 54.1% | 3 | WIN |
| LIU@CHIST | LIU -7.5 | 53.2% | 1 | WIN |
| STONEH@WAGNER | STONEH +8.5 | 54.6% | 4 | WIN |
| MOUNT@QUINN | MOUNT +9 | 57.8% | 7 | LOSS |
| LATECH@WKY | WKY -9 | 54.6% | 4 | LOSS |
| DUKE@FSU | FSU +16 | 54.1% | 2 | WIN |
| BC@GATECH | BC +7 | 54.9% | 4 | LOSS |
| KANSAS@UCF | UCF +5.5 | 54.9% | 4 | WIN |
| BRYANT@MAINE | BRYANT -1 | 55.6% | 5 | WIN |
| MISSST@TEXAS | TEXAS -8.5 | 56.3% | 6 | LOSS |
| UNC@SMU | SMU +1.5 | 56.6% | 6 | WIN |
| WCU@FURMAN | WCU +9.5 | 57.2% | 7 | WIN |
| LONGWD@HIGHPT | LONGWD +17 | 57.7% | 7 | WIN |
| TEXSOU@SOUTHERN | TEXSOU +6.5 | 57.8% | 7 | LOSS |
| SJST@UTAHST | UTAHST -20.5 | 58.2% | 8 | LOSS |
| OREGST@PACIFIC | OREGST +4.5 | 56.1% | 6 | LOSS |
| ND@CAL | CAL -4 | 56.6% | 6 | LOSS |
| OREG@MD | OREG -1 | 52.6% | 1 | WIN |
| GASOU@COASTAL | GASOU +1.5 | 57.0% | 6 | WIN |
| TNTECH@ARKLR | ARKLR -109 | 55.3% | 5 | WIN |
| SDAK@NDAKST | SDAK +11.5 | 53.3% | 3 | LOSS |
| BUCK@HOLY | HOLY +3 | 53.0% | 3 | WIN |
| RICE@TULSA | TULSA -12.5 | 53.4% | 3 | WIN |
| DEPAUL@NOVA | DEPAUL +12.5 | 54.0% | 3 | WIN |
| NEVADA@COLOST | COLOST -125 | 58.7% | 7 | LOSS |
| FSU@UNC | UNC -14.5 | 54.8% | 4 | LOSS |
| BUTLER@CREIGH | BUTLER +6 | 53.3% | 3 | WIN |
| SANFRAN@OREGST | SANFRAN -4.5 | 56.4% | 6 | LOSS |
| NEAST@ELON | NEAST +5 | 54.8% | 4 | LOSS |
| STPETE@FAIR | FAIR -2 | 55.3% | 5 | LOSS |
| DETROIT@YOUNG | DETROIT +10 | 55.4% | 5 | WIN |
| SUTAH@UTTECH | SUTAH +8.5 | 55.6% | 6 | LOSS |
| BELMONT@INDST | BELMONT -7 | 55.7% | 6 | LOSS |
| NORFLK@UL | NORFLK +2.5 | 54.3% | 3 | LOSS |
| NOVA@SETON | SETON +1.5 | 54.4% | 4 | LOSS |
| UT-ARL@ORU | UT-ARL -3.5 | 54.1% | 3 | WIN |
| UTTECH@CREIGH | UTTECH +20.5 | 54.6% | 4 | LOSS |
| ILL@MIZZOU | MIZZOU +10.5 | 54.0% | 4 | LOSS |
| UMBC@SFLA | SFLA -21.5 | 53.5% | 2 | WIN |
| MEMP@MISSST | MISSST -3 | 53.8% | 3 | WIN |
