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

Dec 29, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) and teammate Kylan Boswell (4) react in the closing minutes of the second half against the Southern University Jaguars at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

How to Watch No. 20 Illinois vs. Penn State: TV, Tip-Off Time, More

The Illini (10-3, 1-1 Big Ten) enter the heart of conference play when they meet the Nittany Lions (9-4, 0-2) at Philadelphia's famed Palestra

Jason Langendorf

|

54 Minutes Ago

Latest News

Three More Illinois Football Players Are Set to Transfer – What It Means

Three Instant Observations From Illinois WBB's Statement Win Over Maryland

Illinois Kicker David Olano Enters the Transfer Portal – What It Means

How to Watch Illinois WBB vs. No. 7 Maryland: TV, Tip-Off Time, More

First Look at Illinois Basketball's Game 14 Opponent: Penn State Nittany Lions

How Luke Altmyer Changed Illinois Football for the Long Haul

Social Media Buzzes After Illinois' Music City Bowl Win Over Tennessee

Three Instant Observations From Illinois' Dramatic Win Over Tennessee

By the Numbers: Where Illinois Ranks in Key Metrics Entering Big Ten Play

Illini Featured Stories

Illinois football coach Bret Bielema poses in front of Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, where his Illini will face Tennessee in Tuesday's Music City Bowl.

Non-CFP Bowls Don't Matter? Tell That to Illinois' Bret Bielema

Dec 6, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood yells to his team against the Tennessee Volunteersduring the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

The Shift Fueling Illinois’ Rise – And Why It Matters Long Term

Dec 9, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts to a call during the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

What We've Learned About Illinois Through the End of Non-Conference Play

Nov 22, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) throws the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

Why Tennessee Coach Josh Heupel Has 'Great Respect' for Illinois' Luke Altmyer

Football

See More

Nov 1, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; The Illinois Fighting Illini team stands as the band plays the school fight song after a win against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Staff Picks: Who Wins Illinois vs. Tennessee at the Music City Bowl?

Nov 22, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) runs the ball against Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Ricardo Hallman, left, and Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Aaron Witt (59) during the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

How to Watch Illinois vs. Tennessee in Music City Bowl: TV, Kickoff Time, More

Oct 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema during warmups prior to a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

ESPN's FPI Reveals Favorite for Illinois vs. Tennessee in Music City Bowl

The crowd at Illinois' Gies Memorial Stadium rises in honor of Military Appreciation Day before the Illini's win over Maryland on Nov. 1 in Champaign, Illinois.

Illinois Defensive Back Vernon Woodward III Enters Transfer Portal: What It Means

Oct 4, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema stands on the sidelines during the second quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Illinois Wide Receiver Mario Sanders II Announces Transfer Decision: What It Means

Nov 16, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Matthew Bailey (7) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois' Matthew Bailey Declared Out for Music City Bowl: What It Means

Jul 22, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Illinois offensive lineman J.C. Davis speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Illinois Left Tackle J.C. Davis Opts Out of Music City Bowl: What It Means

Nov 22, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) throws during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

Illinois Football Stars Announce Status for Music City Bowl: What It Means

Basketball

See More

Dec 29, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) drives the ball against Southern University Jaguars forward Malek Abdelgowad (8) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Social Media Reacts to Illinois Basketball's Beatdown of Southern

Illinois forward Jake Davis (15) rises up to fire one of his five made three-pointers in the Illini's 90-55 win over Southern on Monday at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.

Three Instant Observations From Illinois Basketball's 90-55 Win Over Southern

Mar 14, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Giorgi Bezhanishvili (15) reacts to the crowd during a stop in play against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Two Former Illinois Fan Favorites Catch Fire in NBA G League

Dec 9, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) handles the ball as Ohio State Buckeyes guard John Mobley Jr. (0) defends during the first halfat Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Illinois' Keaton Wagler Soars Up Latest NBA Mock Draft, Other Illini Projected

Illinois forward Berry Wallace drives against a Purdue defender in the Illini's win over the Boilermakers on Sunday at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Three Instant Observations From Illinois Women's Hoops Historic Win at Purdue

Nov 23, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood during the first half against the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Chasing Unexpected Target: Who is Emerging 2026 Wing Boyuan Zhang?

Illinois center Cearah Parchment (30) launches a three-pointer over a Jackson State defender in the Illini's 86-43 win against the Tigers on Dec. 19 at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.

How to Watch Illinois Women's Basketball vs. Purdue (Game 13)

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

How High Did Illinois Basketball Climb in ESPN's Latest Top 25 Rankings?

Recruiting

See More

Nov 23, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood during the first half against the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

What Is Illinois Getting in Toni Bilic? Brad Underwood Discusses Illini Signee

Nov 23, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood during the first half against the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Recruiting Buzz: Lucas Morillo Returns From Injury, Plus Key Updates

Mar 23, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood leaves the court after the game against the Duquesne Dukes in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Illinois Enters Race for Five-Star Prospect Christian Collins: What Are the Odds?

Dec 13, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood before the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Extends Offer to In-State Guard Mason Martin: What It Means

Nov 22, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood greets fans before the opening tip off against the Long Island University Sharks at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Signs Another International Recruit – And He'll Be Eligible Soon

Oct 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema during warmups prior to a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois' Trey Petty, Easton Baker Plan to Enter Transfer Portal: What It Means

Oct 4, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema stands on the sidelines during the second quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Illinois Early Signing Day Superlatives: Who Stood Out in the Illini's 2026 Class?

Sep 27, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema leads his team down the Illini Walk before an NCAA football game with the Southern California Trojans at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Flips 2026 Offensive Lineman Micah Smith From UCLA: Why it Matters

Olympic Sports

See More

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

Jul 25, 2024; Blaine, Minnesota, USA; Nick Hardy hits his tee shot on the tenth hole during the first round of the 3M Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Former Illinois Golfer Nick Hardy Shoots Another Low Round to Close 3M Open

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

May 23, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Nick Hardy watches 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's Max Herendeen and Alum Nick Hardy Deliver in 3M Open First Round

North Fort Myers resident John Berg has collected putters, drivers and irons in Illinois, the Miami area, Lake Okeechobee and now North Fort Myers.

Fnp 012321 Rr Nf Golf Collector003

Illinois Golf Rising Star Max Herendeen Set to Make PGA Tour Debut

Feb 25, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Shauna Green reacts against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the fourth quarter at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Illinois Women's Basketball Ranks as Top Academic Program in Big Ten

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.