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

Nov 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood yells to his team during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Illinois' Brad Underwood Sums Up Kylan Boswell in Two Words After Northwestern Win

Underwood is running out of ways to describe Boswell, whose two-way performance sparked the Illini in a gritty road win

Jackson Langendorf

|

2 Hours Ago

Latest News

Northwestern's Jayden Reid Explains Illinois' Keaton Wagler's Breakout

Illinois' Tomislav Ivisic Reemerges in Victory vs. Northwestern – Is He Back?

Former Illinois Kicker Ethan Moczulski Returns to Program – What It Means

Social Media Reacts to Illinois Basketball's Hard-Scrabble Win at Northwestern

Three Instant Observations From Illinois Basketball's 79-68 Win at Northwestern

Former Illini Update: Morez Johnson Jr., Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn Erupt, Plus More

How to Watch No. 25 Illinois WBB vs. No. 8 Michigan: TV, Tip-Off Time, More

Illinois Running Back Ca'Lil Valentine to Return to Champaign in 2026?

Big Ten Power Rankings: Nebraska Surges, Illinois Awaits an Opportunity

Illini Featured Stories

Jan 26, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ben Humrichous (3) drives the b all against Northwestern Wildcats forward Nick Martinelli (2) during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

How to Watch No. 13 Illinois at Northwestern: TV, Tip-Off Time, More

Nov 13, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood applauds the crowd before a against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois' Midseason Addition Set to Arrive: Brad Underwood Details Expectations

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

The Surprising Secret Behind Illinois' Recent – and Upcoming – NBA Draft Success

Jan 11, 2026; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Northwestern Wildcats head coach Chris Collins reacts after a call during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

First Look at Illinois Basketball's Game 17 Opponent: Northwestern Wildcats

Football

See More

Dec 30, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema watches against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Illinois Football Signs Transfer Defensive Lineman – What It Means

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 Signs Two More in Transfer Portal – What It Means

Dec 30, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema watches against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Two More Illinois Football Players Hit the Transfer Portal – What It Means

Nov 22, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema yells to his players during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

Illinois Football Signs Two More Transfers – Including Former MLB Draft Pick

Oct 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back CJ Donaldson Jr. (12) is tackled by Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Malachi Hood (45) during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Linebacker Malachi Hood Transfers to West Virginia – What It Means

Sep 2, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Ball State Cardinals wide receiver Ty Robinson (2) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Illinois Signs Ball State Wide Receiver Transfer Ty Robinson – What It Means

Illinois coach Bret Bielema during the Music City Bowl against Tennessee in an NCAA college football game on Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Illinois Signs Colorado State Offensive Tackle Transfer Christian Martin – What It Means

Illinois defensive end Tomiwa Durojaiye (36) reacts during a play in the Illini's 24-6 win over Maryland on Nov. 15, 2025, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois.

Five More Illinois Football Players Opt for the Transfer Portal

Basketball

See More

Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz (14) makes a no-look pass against Illinois guard Kylan Boswell (4) Jan. 11, 2026 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa's Bennett Stirtz Explains How Illinois' Kylan Boswell Ruined His Sunday

Nov 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) is guarded by UConn Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11) in the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Illinois' Brad Underwood Compares David Mirkovic to Former Iowa State All-American

Jan 11, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Ben McCollum reacts during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Iowa Coach Ben McCollum Reveals What Sets Illinois' Offense Apart

Jan 11, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) and center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) and guard Keaton Wagler (23) and guard Kylan Boswell (4) and forward David Mirkovic (0) look on during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball Makes Another Leap in Latest AP Poll Rankings

Illinois forward Berry Wallace (23) takes Penn State forward Maggie Mendelson (4) off the dribble in the Illini's 92-76 win over the Nittany Lions at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pennsylvania.

Three Observations From Illinois Women's Basketball's 92-76 Win at Penn State

Jan 11, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) and forward Jake Davis (15) walk off the court after the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Illinois Continues Climb in KenPom Following Victory at Iowa

Nov 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) reacts during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Why Kylan Boswell Was the Driving Force in Illinois' Victory Over Iowa

Jan 11, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) controls the ball against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Social Media Reacts to Illinois Basketball's Narrow Win at Iowa

Recruiting

See More

Oct 25, 2025; Annapolis, Maryland, USA; Florida Atlantic Owls wide receiver Jayshon Platt (3) takes a moment after scoring a first quarter touchdown against the Navy Midshipmen at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Illinois Football Signs Three Additional Transfers to Bolster 2026 Class

Dec 30, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema calls time out against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Illinois Football Signs Quarterback Maurice Smith Jr. – Or Did It?

Wisconsin offensive lineman Jake Renfro (57) provides pass protection during the second quarter of their game against Miami (Ohio) Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.

Illinois Signs Wisconsin Transfer Center Jake Renfro to Stabilize Offensive Line

Sep 20, 2025; Greenville, North Carolina, USA; East Carolina Pirates quarterback Katin Houser (4) runs with the ball past Brigham Young Cougars safety Faletau Satuala (11) during the second half at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Illinois Signs East Carolina Quarterback Transfer Katin Houser – What It Means

Oct 16, 2025; Greenville, North Carolina, USA; East Carolina Pirates quarterback Katin Houser (4) rolls out of the pocket against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane during the first half at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Expert Predicts Illinois to Land Heralded Transfer Quarterback Katin Houser

Sep 27, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema gives players a hand after a 34-32 win against the Southern California Trojans at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Football Offers Three FCS Transfers – How Do They Fit in?

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

Brad Underwood on the Power of Illinois Athletics' Success: 'Winning's Contagious'

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 Football Takes More Personnel Losses Through the Transfer Portal

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.