The Illini are back on the pitch.
Following a season in which the team went 13-6-2 and made the NCAA tournament, Illinois finds itself with something it has not had in some time: Expectations.
Head coach Katie Hultin has quickly instilled a winning culture back into the program, and this season will look to continue it.
Key returners will play a crucial role in determining how Illinois fares this season.
Perhaps the most valuable returner is goalie Izzy Lee. The 2025 All-Big Ten Second Teamer and current program record holder for save percentage and saves in a season provides an immense amount of stability at one of the most important positions in the sport.
Forwards Cayla Jackson and Emma Yee will look to give Lee as much run support as possible.
Jackson returns as a 2025 All-Big Ten Third Teamer who finished last season tied for the team lead in goals and points.
Her offensive prowess and fine shot make her a likely candidate to repeat as the team leader in a plethora of offensive categories. Yee will also look to build off a strong 2025 as the two combine to create a potent attack for Illinois.
Yee finished third on the team in points and goals last season and should show great improvement in her junior season.
Moreover, the transfer portal provided some strong acquisitions for Illinois.
Forward Hedda Ornberg brings with her a strong knack for the net from the University of South Florida. With 19 goals across her three-year career, she will look to replace the scoring touch of 2025’s standout Sarah Foley.
The Illini were also able to land a pair of former Virginia Tech Hokies in midfielder Ava Arengo and defender Kylie Marschall.
Both have some solid experience playing at the collegiate level, and their additions through the midfield and on the back line should help Illinois’ team defense.
With the roster set, Illinois lands at number nine in the Big Ten Women’s Soccer preseason poll, right around where they finished last season.
Keep your eyes on Cayla, Emma and Izzy this season. We're starting the year as preseason No. 9 as well in the Big Ten.
— Illinois Soccer (@IlliniSoccer) August 3, 2026
Release: https://t.co/vTI9JUppPOpic.twitter.com/ej4eRsFuO0
Given the tough competition that the Big Ten holds, a result around this spot would be welcomed by Illinois fans and coaches.
The real test is what they do in the postseason. Illinois lost in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament last season, but a deeper run would be a positive sign of growth.
Likewise, Illinois lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament last season. Making the tournament is the expectation for this season, and winning a game in the big dance would cement the Illini as one of most promising programs in the nation.
Illinois is slowly starting to climb its way back to relevance, and with this roster and coaching staff that climb could be nearing its end.
The first match is Thursday night at home against Georgia.