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.

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

Basketball

Underwood said he's focused on the long-term health of his club, which could mean leaving Stojakovic at home during Illinois' trip to Los Angeles

Jan 29, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) watches the dribble of Washington Huskies guard Zoom Diallo (5) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini always want Stojakovic and Boswell on the floor, but the duo will be more needed than usual against the Hoosiers

Nov 29, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) during a stoppage against the Boston Celtics in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Basketball

Are Shannon and new teammate (and fellow former Illini) Dosunmu about to give Illinois fans a pro team to get behind?

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

Basketball

Since the start of February, three of the Big Ten's top five teams have taken at least one loss. Here is our updated top five following the chaos.

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

Basketball

The Illini have turned into an NBA factory, producing prospects on a yearly basis – and the latest evidence is overwhelming

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

Basketball

The Illini have dropped two in a row for the first time this year. Illinois on SI has a plan to help them right the ship.

Basketball

Underwood says his team needs just one thing to ensure it gets back on track after dropping its second straight game

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

Basketball

Underwood vented to the media after his club fell at home to the Badgers for its second straight loss

Jan 24, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) celebrates a win agains the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini are well-balanced, with seemingly infinite weapons on offense. They just added another one in the Michigan State loss.

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

Basketball

Underwood remained tight-lipped about a timeline, but Boswell appears to be nearing a recovery from a broken hand

Illinois center Tomislav Ivisic (13) throws down a dunk in the Illini's 85-82 loss to Michigan State on Saturday at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan.

Basketball

The Illini, who were ranked No. 5 by Andy Katz, actually inched ahead in the expert's rankings after a loss to Michigan State. Here's why.

Basketball

The Illini didn't have a premium offensive showing in East Lansing on Saturday, yet the advanced metrics were actually impressed

Jackson Langendorf

Joined: Oct 21, 2024

Can Illinois Still Earn a No. 1 Seed in the NCAA Tournament? What Needs to Happen

Where College Basketball's Top Experts Rank Illinois After Indiana Win

KenPom Rewards Illinois' Elite Defense With Boost After Indiana Win

David Mirkovic Takes Blame for One Loss, Sets a New Standard in a Win

Basketball

Brad Underwood Implies Illinois' Andrej Stojakovic Could Miss More Time

Basketball

Why Illinois Desperately Needs Andrej Stojakovic, Kylan Boswell Back for Indiana

Basketball

Can Terrence Shannon, Ayo Dosunmu Turn Minnesota Into Illini Nation North?

Basketball

Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings: Can Illinois Still Track Down Michigan?

Basketball

ESPN Names Five Illinois Players Among Top 75 Prospects for 2026 NBA Draft

Basketball

The Formula That Will Halt Illinois Basketball's Two-Game Skid

Basketball

Brad Underwood's Simple Solution for Illinois After Wisconsin Loss

Basketball

Brad Underwood 'Very Frustrated' With Big Ten Officiating After Wisconsin Loss

Why Illinois' New Offensive Wrinkle Featuring David Mirkovic Is So Encouraging

Is Illinois' Kylan Boswell Close to a Return? Brad Underwood Shares New Update

Why Illinois Rose in Andy Katz's Rankings After Losing to Michigan State

Illinois' Offense Unexpectedly Rises in KenPom Despite Michigan State Loss