Jackson Langendorf

Joined: Oct 21, 2024

Primarily covers Illinois football and basketball, and Kansas basketball, with an emphasis on analysis, features and recruiting. Langendorf, a third-generation University of Illinois alum, has been watching Illini basketball and football for as long as he can remember. An advertising student and journalism devotee, he has been writing for On SI since October 2024. He can be followed and reached on X @jglangendorf.

Illinois guard Ethan Brown (34) and forward Jake Davis (15) acknowledge a play in the Illini's 101-66 exhibition win over UIC on Wednesday at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.

Basketball

In his first season in Champaign, Williams will bring an intriguing level of defensive upside, along with athleticism on offense

Illinois guard Ethan Brown launches a shot in the Illini's 95-91 exhibition loss to Baylor last Friday at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.

Basketball

In the Illini's final exhibition game, we will be keying in on a few specific topics that may shed light on Illinois' immediate future

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

Basketball

Underwood provided the latest health information on David Mirkovic, Andrej Stojakovic, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic and Lincoln Williams on Tuesday

Illinois guard Lucas Morillo elevates for a shot against Baylor in the Illini's 95-91 exhibition loss against the Bears on Friday at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.

Basketball

Morillo, an ultra-versatile wing, is yet another first-year Illini who has a chance to crack the rotation in 2026-27

Illinois guard Quentin Coleman (11) drives to the hoop against a Baylor defender in the Illini's 95-91 loss to the Bears on Friday at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.

Basketball

The Illini, now 1-1 in exhibition outings, finish off their preseason slate against a feisty in-state squad in UIC

Oct 3, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema before a game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Gies Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Football

Despite losing two players for the season, Bielema says Illinois is "getting a little bit healthier" ahead of the Maryland game

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) reacts after losing to the Connecticut Huskies during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Basketball

The report cards came in after an unsatisfying performance, and although a few Illini earned a 4.0, others saw their GPA tank

Basketball

There was bad -– and a lot of it – from the Illini on Friday vs. Baylor, but there were also a few unexpected bright spots, especially from the freshmen

Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) reacts in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Basketball

Zvonimir Ivisic would start on nearly every other team in the country, but he'll be Illinois' premier weapon off the bench in 2026-27

Illinois’ Aidan Laughery runs for a touchdown after a catch against Michigan State during the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Football

The Illini didn't have much to hang their hats on before Saturday, but (shockingly) they may be in the midst of building a defensive identity

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

Basketball

The Illini had their fair share of shortcomings on Friday night, some of which may be concerning moving forward

Feb 10, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini got tossed around on the glass and were inefficient on offense, but there were also some bright spots in defeat

Jackson Langendorf

Joined: Oct 21, 2024

Illinois Has Unexpectedly Reinvented Its Offense: 'We Truly Don't Run Plays'

3 Things We Learned From Illinois Basketball's Exhibition Games

Instant Observations From Illinois Basketball's Blowout Exhibition Win Over UIC

Even an Exhibition – Illinois vs. UIC – Reminds What Makes College Basketball Special

Basketball

Illinois Basketball 2026-27 Scouting Report: Lincoln Williams

Basketball

3 Illinois Basketball Areas to Watch Against UIC

Basketball

Brad Underwood Updates Injury Status of Five Illinois Players Before UIC Exhibition

Basketball

Illinois Basketball 2026-27 Scouting Report: Lucas Morillo

Basketball

How to Watch Illinois Basketball vs UIC Exhibition Game

Football

Bret Bielema Offers Illinois Football Injury Update: Two Illini Out for the Year

Basketball

Illinois Basketball Player Grades After Baylor Exhibition Loss

Basketball

What Went Wrong – and Right – for Illinois Basketball in Loss to Baylor

Illinois Basketball 2026-27 Scouting Report: Zvonimir Ivisic

3 Key Stats From Illinois Football's Upset Win Over Oregon

Three Overreactions to Illinois Basketball's Exhibition Loss to Baylor

5 Stats That Defined Illinois Basketball's Exhibition Loss to Baylor