Illinois Fighting Illini On SI - Sports Illustrated

SI.COM
ON SI
SI SWIMSUIT
SI TICKETS
SI RESORTS
SI SHOPS
MY ACCOUNT
SUBSCRIBE NOW

FOOTBALL
BASKETBALL
RECRUITING
OLYMPIC SPORTS
SI.COM

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts against the Connecticut Huskies in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Can Lincoln Williams Make an Immediate Impact for Illinois Basketball in Year 1?

Williams appears to have the tools to contribute as a freshman in 2026-27, but is there a legitimate path to minutes?

Jackson Langendorf

|

3 Minutes Ago

Latest News

What Illinois Basketball Would Need From Zvonimir Ivisic as a Starter

3 Reasons Illinois Moved Elite Safety Recruit Jacob Eberhart to Wide Receiver

Illinois Football's Xavier Scott Is Back – And He's Ready for Any Role in 2026

The Two Illinois Players Who Must Step Up If David Mirkovic Misses Time

Bret Bielema Reveals Illinois Football's Under-the-Radar Position Battle

ESPN Projects Illinois Basketball's 2026-27 Ceiling and Floor: Are They Too Low?

Illinois' Barry Lunney Jr. Reveals What He Has Seen From Katin Houser

Bret Bielema Explains Why Two Illinois Football Players Switched Positions

Illinois' Bret Bielema Provides Comprehensive Injury Update Ahead of 2026 Season

Illini Featured Stories

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) is defended by Connecticut Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Breaking Down David Mirkovic's Best-Case Recovery Timeline

Nov 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) reacts during the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

David Mirkovic Undergoes Surgery: What Is Illinois' Next Step?

Sep 20, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema walks onto the field prior to the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Where Illinois Football and Its 2026 Opponents Rank in Preseason Coaches Poll

Dec 6, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) reacts after a made three point basket against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Big Ten Center Power Rankings 2026-27: Does Tomislav Ivisic Claim the Top Spot?

Football

See More

Oct 4, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema watches warm ups before the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Ranking the Big Ten's 10 Best Head Coaches: Where Does Bret Bielema Land?

Jul 28, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Football head coach Bret Bielema speaks during Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

What Bret Bielema Expects Out of His New Illinois Defense

Nov 1, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema before an NCAA game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois' Bret Bielema Takes Another Shot at SEC: 'They Want to Live in 2005 Forever'

Jul 22, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Illinois head coach Bret Bielema speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Bret Bielema Reveals Projected Illinois Offensive Line at Media Days: Why It Matters

Illinois coach Bret Bielema disputes a call in the first quarter of the Music City Bowl against Tennessee in an NCAA football game on Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Illinois Football's Three Toughest Games in 2026 Will Define the Season

Oct 4, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema watches warm ups before the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Bret Bielema Takes Jab at Nick Saban in Next Chapter of Big Ten-SEC Debate

Aug 29, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema before a game with the Western Illinois Leathernecks at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

ESPN's FPI Predicts Every Illinois Football Game in 2026: Agree or Disagree?

Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema during the second quarter of a Big Ten football game against Penn State, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa.

Illinois Gets Commitment From Three-Star Cornerback Trezavant Boyd: What It Means

Basketball

See More

Nov 14, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood greets the crowd before the tip of the game with the Colgate Raiders at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Reacting to Quentin Coleman's Incredible Illinois Summer Highlights

Dec 29, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the second half against the Southern University Jaguars at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball's Three Most Dangerous Big Ten Trap Games in 2026-27

Nov 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) looks to pass the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Big Ten Power Forward 2026-27 Power Rankings: Does David Mirkovic Stand Alone?

Michigan State's Divine Ugochukwu, right, meets with Illinois' head coach Brad Underwood before the game on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

3 Big Ten Matchups That Could Decide Illinois Basketball's 2026-27 Title Chase

Dec 13, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) drives the ball around Nebraska Cornhuskers forward Pryce Sandfort (21) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Big Ten Small Forward Power Rankings: Andrej Stojakovic or Pryce Sandfort at No. 1?

July 19, 2025; North Augusta, South Carolina, USA; Brad Beal Elite Quentin Coleman (1) gestures to a teammate as Team Durant Evans Barning Jr. (7) defends during the Brad Beal Elite and Team Durant game at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam at Riverview Park Activity Center. Brad Beal Elite won 91-59. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale - Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY NETWORK

Big Ten Shooting Guard 2026-27 Power Rankings: Is Quentin Coleman in the Mix?

Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball to Host Five-Star 2028 Recruit Dylan Betts for Unofficial Visit

Nov 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood walks to the court before the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Sets Visit With Five-Star 2027 Guard NaVorro Bowman Jr.

Recruiting

See More

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts against the Connecticut Huskies in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball Offers Class of 2028 No. 1 Prospect AJ Williams

Jan 17, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood before the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Recruiting: 2027 Target to Schedule Visit, 2028 Prospect Makes EYBL History

Feb 8, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks on during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Illinois Enters Race for Versatile 2028 Five-Star Benjamin Berrouet: How He'd Fit

Nov 14, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood greets the crowd before the tip of the game with the Colgate Raiders at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball Extends Offer to Under-the-Radar 2027 Forward Ed Stasys

Illinois coach Bret Bielema celebrates after the Illini's 30-28 win over No. 23 Tennessee in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30, 2025, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Illinois Gets Commitment From Defensive Back Darryl Flemister: What It Means

Mar 13, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Illinois Hosts 2028 Five-Star Guard Brady Pettigrew For Unofficial Visit

Apr 2, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois head coach Brad Underwood during a press conference ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball Offers Emerging 2027 Wing Jayon Connor

Apr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood speaks during a press conference ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball's Top 2027 Recruiting Targets by Position

Olympic Sports

See More

Brandon Dang competes in the pommel horse on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024 during the Winter Cup Men s Day 2 Competition at the Kentucky International Convention Center.

Illinois Men's Gymnast Brandon Dang Wins National Title

Jeremy Hunter was named Illinois wrestling's permanent head coach on Thursday after serving 25 years as an assistant for the program and assuming the role of acting head coach in December.

Illinois Wrestling Names Jeremy Hunter Permanent Head Coach

Jun 1, 2024; Hamilton, Ontario, CAN; Adrien Dumont de Chassart hits his tee shot at the seventh hole during the third round of the RBC Canadian Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Former Illini Adrien Dumont de Chassart Wins Event With Record-Breaking Round

Mar 22, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Lucas Byrd of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates win against Drake Ayala of the Iowa Hawkeyes (not pictured) during the Division I Men's Wrestling Championship held at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Defending National Champ Lucas Byrd Will Return to Illinois for Senior Season

May 23, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Nick Hardy plays his shot from the ninth tee during the second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images

Illinois Golf Alum Nick Hardy Fires Another Steady Round at 3M Open

Feb 25, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Shauna Green watches her team play the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

Illinois Women's Basketball Offers Dynamic Freshman Daughter of Former Illini

Mar 22, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Lucas Byrd of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates win against Drake Ayala of the Iowa Hawkeyes (not pictured) during the Division I Men's Wrestling Championship held at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Illinois Wrestling Coach Mike Poeta Receives Contract Extension

Jul 6, 2025; Silvis, Illinois, USA; Brian Campbell lines up a putt on the 9th hole during the final round of the John Deere Classic golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Illinois Golf Alum Brian Campbell Wins the John Deere Classic

Takedown Policy

Terms and Conditions

SI Accessibility Statement

© 2026 ABG-SI LLC - SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Betting and gambling content is intended for individuals 21+ and is based on individual commentators' opinions and not that of Sports Illustrated or its affiliates, licensees and related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only and not a guarantee of success or profit. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.