The Illinois State Redbirds will open the 2026 Acrisure Series on November 23 at 6 p.m. Central Time, facing Santa Clara in Palm Springs, California. The following day, on November 24 at 3:30 p.m. CT, they will meet Tulsa in the same venue, concluding a two‑game stretch that forms part of a six‑day tournament featuring 26 contests.
A Thanksgiving Tradition Revived
Santa Clara entered the 2025‑26 season with a 26‑9 record and secured an NCAA Tournament berth, posting a NET rating of 42 and a KenPom ranking of 38. Tulsa, meanwhile, compiled a 30‑8 slate but fell short in the NIT Championship game, finishing with a NET rating of 51 and a KenPom rating of 56. Both programs bring strong résumés that promise competitive matchups for the Redbirds.
Illinois State returns key contributors such as senior forward Chase Walker, who averaged 13.7 points per game last season, and guard Johnny Kinziger, who dished out 11.5 points while handing out 119 assists. Rising sophomore Mason Klabo adds depth, while newcomers Noah Cleveland, a Division III All‑American forward, and Louie Semona, an All‑NEC second‑team forward, are expected to bolster the frontcourt.
Head coach Ryan Pedon, now in his fourth year at the helm, has guided the Redbirds to incremental improvements each season, culminating in a 23‑13 record and a semifinal appearance in the NIT before a loss to Auburn. Pedon’s steady development of the program adds a narrative of growth that fans will watch closely during the upcoming games.
The Acrisure Series itself has become a Thanksgiving week staple in college basketball, offering premium experiences and a showcase of mid‑major talent. With 26 games scheduled from November 21 through November 26 in the Coachella Valley, the event provides a unique platform for teams to test strategies and for fans to enjoy high‑level competition in a festive setting.