FOX's John Fanta Has a Surprise Prediction for Illinois in NCAA Tournament

The college basketball expert has the Illini facing a first-round exit at the hands of Xavier

Mar 14, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Will Riley (7) shoots the ball while Maryland Terrapins guard DeShawn Harris-Smith (5) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Just a day removed from Selection Sunday, and with the First Four tipping off on Tuesday, brackets are being filled out in a frenzy – and that includes those of college basketball experts.

One of them, FOX’s John Fanta, has put together his picks – and tte results might make Illini fans want to shield their eyes.

Although his Final Four picks of 1 seeds Florida, Houston and Duke, and 2 seed Michigan State are hardly shocking, one of Fanta’s first-round picks in the Midwest region may cause some waves.

In the Texas-Xavier matchup in the First Four in Dayton, Ohio, Fanta picked the Musketeers to prevail over the Longhorns, which would lift them into a Round of 64 matchup with sixth-seeded Illinois in Milwaukee on Friday. Not exactly a stunner.

But then there's this: Fanta has Xavier – a squad that snuck into the NCAA Tournament despite a 1-9 Quad 1 record – taking down Illinois and advancing into a second-round matchup with Kentucky.

Are you readt to write your congressman about Fanta? Don't worry: He gives the same treatment to Kentucky fans, because Fanta also picked the Musketeers to knock off the Wildcats and land in the Sweet 16.

Presenting my 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket. What do you guys think??? pic.twitter.com/iodoAykSpE

— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) March 17, 2025

An 11 seed over a 6 in the NCAA Tournament is one of the most common upset picks around, in part because statistically speaking, it's a virtual toss-up game. Throw in the Illini’s up-and-down season, and it’s clear why they would be a fashionable choice among bracketologists for a first-round exit.

Still, Illinois operating at its baseline level, let anyone playing anywhere near its ceiling, figures to have the upper hand over Xavier – that is, if the Musketeers even advance past the Longhorns in their First Four matchup.

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Plotting Illinois Basketball's Path to a National Championship

ESPN's Seth Greenberg: Illinois Capable of a Deep NCAA Tournament Run

Which Opponent Should Illinois Fans Want: Xavier or Texas?