The “Arch Rivalry” is making a comeback. Well, at least it will be in about a decade.

On Monday morning, Illinois and Missouri reached an agreement on a four-game home-and-home series that will stretch from 2026 through 2029. Both teams will host two home games.

Illinois and Missouri have not met on the gridiron since 2010, a contest the Tigers won 23-13.

After the announcement was made that this series — often referred to as the “Arch Rivalry” — Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman spoke about restoring this head-to-head contest.

Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman said he has been in talks with Missouri athletic director Jim Sterk since last season and was pushing to restore the rivalry. He also said that, while it’s scheduled for a home-and-home series, the game could be pushed to St. Louis, Missouri if things play out appropriately.

From 2002 through 2010, the two schools played six times, all of which were hosted in St. Louis.

There’s still nearly a decade until this rivalry truly gets restored, but this is a huge step for the two schools. This was a great non-conference rivalry that served as a true test for both programs early in the season.

Missouri leads the all-time series 17-7 and has won the last six games between the two schools. Illinois last win over the Tigers came in 1994.