How to watch UAB vs Illinois: Live stream College Football, NCAA, TV channel

The new-look Illinois Fighting Illini come off the most successful two-year stretch in program history with an almost entirely new cast as they open the season by hosting the UAB Blazers on Thursday night at Gies Memorial Stadium.

Nov 1, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies linebacker Jon Morris (28) defends against UAB Blazers wide receiver Iverson Hooks (0) in the second half at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Illinois comes off a 9-4 season that closed with a win over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl but lost a ton of talent as well as defensive coordinator Aaron Henry. Former Montana coach Bobby Hauck takes over the defense, with East Carolina transfer Katin Houser getting the quarterback job after throwing for 3,300 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. The offensive line lost four starters while Hauck installed a new 3-3-5 defensive scheme.

Ryder Burton finally gets the reins at quarterback at UAB after three years behind Jalen Kitna as coach Alex Mortensen opens his first full season. The Blazers were 4-8, 2-4 after the coaching change, last season. Georgia transfer Rod Robinson II is one of three newcomers at running back along with Bam McReynolds from ULM and Coastal Carolina transfer Ja'Vin Simpson. UAB does bring back two offensive line starters and added Texas transfer Payton Kirkland at left tackle.

Thursday's matchup marks the first meeting between the programs.

This is a great college football matchup you will not want to miss; tune in and catch all the action.

Live stream UAB vs Illinois on Fubo: Start watching now!

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