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Oct 4, 2026; Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) Los Angeles Clippers guard Keaton Wagler (1) dribbles during the first half against the Golden State Warriors at Bankoh Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center. Mandatory Credit: Michelle Bir-Imagn Images

As Good as Illinois Fans Hoped Keaton Wagler Could Be, He May Be Even Better

Illini Nation knows better than to doubt Wagler, but he's already showing that even the highest expectations of him at the next level are too low

Jason Langendorf

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Oct 8, 2026

Latest News

Illinois or Michigan State: Who Stands Atop the Big Ten Entering 2026-27?

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Illinois' Jason Jakstys 'Does Everything Right,' But Can He Find the Rotation?

Illinois Football Lands Top JUCO Interior Offensive Lineman Harry Maileoi

Illinois' Brad Underwood on Transfer Stefan Vaaks' Progression – And His Next Step

Illinois Misses on 5-Star Darius Wabbington to Big Ten Rival: Time to Be Concerned?

Brad Underwood Expects New Defensive Strengths for Illinois in 2026-27

Brad Underwood on Tomislav Ivisic's Offseason: He's a 'Much Better Player'

Brad Underwood on What Makes 2026-27 Illinois Different From 2025-26 Version

Illini Featured Stories

Michigan State quarterback Alessio Milivojevic (11) fires a pass during the second quarter of their game against Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin, on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

First Look at Illinois Week 6 Opponent: Michigan State Spartans

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

Why Illinois Coach Brad Underwood's Comments on Quentin Coleman Are So Encouraging

Jan 24, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) waves for a teammate during the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Big Ten Basketball Preseason Poll and Awards Revealed: Did Voters Get Illinois Right?

Jan 8, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood greets the crowd before he first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois' Brad Underwood on Freshman Lincoln Williams' High Upside

Football

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Oct 3, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Purdue Boilermakers defensive end Trey Smith (23) hangs onto the jersey of Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Katin Houser (4) as he runs with the ball during the second half at Gies Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Social Media Reacts to a Horrific Illinois Football Loss to Purdue on Homecoming

Oct 3, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Demetrius John (54) tries to get a hand on Purdue Boilermakers running back Fame Ijeboi (2) during the first half at Gies Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Nightmare Scenario Unleashed in Home Loss to Purdue – What Now?

Sep 19, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema walks off the field after a 48-10 win over the Southern Illinois Salukis at Gies Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

What to Expect From Illinois Defense Without Bobby Hauck Calling Plays

Sep 26, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers linebacker Charles Correa (5) reacts ahead of linebacker Jojo Hayden (0) after an interception in the third quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

First Look at Illinois Football Week 5 Opponent: Purdue Boilermakers

Sep 12, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema walks off the field after a 31-27 loss to the Duke Blue Devils at Gies Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Bret Bielema Reveals How Bobby Hauck's Illinois Exit Unfolded

Sep 3, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema shakes hands with the crowd before an NCAA game against UAB at Gies Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Bret Bielema Offers Encouraging Illinois Injury Update Ahead of Purdue

Oct 2, 2021; Cheney, WA, USA; Montana Grizzlies head coach Bobby Hauck looks on against the Eastern Washington Eagles in the first half at Roos Field. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Social Media Reacts to Illinois and Bobby Hauck Parting Ways After Four Games

CHAMPAIGN, ILL. - March 23, 2026 - Defensive Coordinator Bobby Hauck during spring ball practice. Illinois Fighting Illini Football at Gies Memorial Stadium. (Photo by Aaron Quinn/Illinois Athletics)

Did Illinois' Split From Defensive Coordinator Bobby Hauck Come Too Soon?

Basketball

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Nov 24, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood gives player Illinois Fighting Illini forward Zvonimir Ivisic (44) a hand during the first half against the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Brad Underwood Reveals What Illinois Needs From a Healthy Zvonimir Ivisic

Nov 22, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) drives the ball past Long Island University Sharks guard Greg Gordon (2) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois' Andrej Stojakovic Names Favorite Players: Do Their Games Resemble His?

Dec 13, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) drives the ball past Nebraska Cornhuskers forward Berke Buyuktuncel (9) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Coach Brad Underwood Shares Latest on David Mirkovic's Recovery

Dec 6, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) celebrates the win with head coach Brad Underwood against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Why Andrej Stojakovic Is the Perfect Example of What Makes Illinois Special

Sunnsylope forward Darius Wabbington (21) drives on St Mary’s forward Cam Williams (1) during the Open Boys Championship game at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix on March 7, 2026.

Illinois Basketball Lands in 2027 5-Star Darius Wabbington's Top 3

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

Illinois Misses on Another 5-Star 2027 Guard: Are the Illini Out of Options?

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

5 Key Takeaways From Illinois Basketball's Early Fall Highlights

Feb 27, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood greets the crowd before the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball 5-Star Targets See Same Appealing Promise in Champaign

Recruiting

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Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood watches as his team plays March 21, 2026 during the first half of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game against VCU at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

Illinois to Host Benjamin Berrouet: Can the Illini Land Multiple 5-Star Prospects?

Central Catholic quarterback Owen Herrick steps back in the pocket during the PIAA Class 6A football championship game at Cumberland Valley High School, Friday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Mechanicsburg, Pa.

Illinois Football Lands Top-30 2028 Quarterback Owen Herrick

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

Is Illinois' Freshman Class Poised to Be the Best of the Brad Underwood Era?

Sunnyslope Vikings forward Darius Wabbington (21) celebrates their 61-57 win over the Millennium Tigers at Sunnyslope High School on Jan. 21, 2026.

5-Star Illinois Target Darius Wabbington Moves Up Visit to Champaign

Jan 8, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood greets the crowd before he first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball Makes List of Top-5 2027 Recruit AJ Williams

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 Misses on UConn-Bound Five-Star NaVorro Bowman Jr.: What Now?

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts after a play against the UConn Huskies during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

5-Star Bentley Lusakueno to Visit Illinois: Ranking Illini's Top September Visitors

Jan 2, 2026; Mesa, AZ, USA; Spire Institute (OH) guard King Gibson (2) against Arizona Compass Prep during the HoopHall West Tournament at Skyline High School. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball Makes Top 10 for 5-Star 2027 Guard King Gibson

Olympic Sports

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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

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