As the Illinois Fighting Illini prepare for their highly anticipated primetime matchup against the Houston Cougars in the Sweet 16 round of the 2026 March Madness Tournament, there are some key injuries and player questions on the table. While the Illinois basketball team enters the game with momentum after a dominant Round of 32 performance, the health of several contributors could play a pivotal role in determining how competitive they can be against one of the nation’s top defensive teams.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Illinois basketball program’s injury status and relevant updates going into the Sweet 16 matchup. A full schedule of March Madness Sweet 16 games is available here.
Key Injuries Plaguing Illinois and Player Availability: Andrej Stojakovic
GettyGREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA – MARCH 21: Andrej Stojakovic #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dunks the ball against the VCU Rams during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 21, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
The most notable name surrounding the Illinois injury situation is guard/forward Andrej Stojakovic. He has been dealing with an ankle injury dating back to the regular season, and while earlier reports have listed him as out or limited, his status has gradually been improving as the tournament has unfolded. Recent performances suggest he is working his way back into form having made a 21-point outing off of the bench in the win Illinois secured against VCU earlier in the tournament. However, there are still remaining questions about his conditioning and durability during game play, especially against a physical team such as Houston and the Cougars’ defense.
Even if Stojakovic is available for the Sweet 16 game, he may not be at full strength. Illinois head coach Brad Underwood has been cautious with the player’s minutes on the court and has often used him in more of a spark-plug role rather than as a full-time starter since he endured his injury. The limitation of Stojakovic could affect the Illinois basketball team’s offensive rhythm, particularly in half-court sets where his shot creation is exceptionally valuable.
Key Injuries Plaguing Illinois and Player Availability: Ty Rodgers
GettyGREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA – MARCH 21: Barry Evans #5 of the VCU Rams shoots the ball against Zvonimir Ivisic #44, Jake Davis #15 and Andrej Stojakovic #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 21, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Another long-term absence to the Illinois roster has been guard/forward Ty Rodgers, who has been sidelined all season with a significant knee injury. His absence removes a versatile defender and experienced presence from the Illinois lineup, forcing the team to instead rely more heavily on younger players in high-pressure situations.
Additionally, center Jason Jakstys remains out with an undisclosed injury, further thinning the depth of the Illinois frontcourt. While the Illini still maintain strong size and rebounding ability, the lack of depth could become an issue against Houston’s physicality and relentless rebounding effort.
The two teams will face off in the Sweet 16 round on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 10:05 PM ET / 9:05 PM CT / 7:05 PM PT.
Illinois Injury Status Update Ahead of Sweet 16 Game Against Houston