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.

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

Basketball

Underwood highlighted the exceptional play of guard Mihailo Petrovic in limited minutes Saturday: 'We don't win the game without him'

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

Basketball

The Illini, who were bumped up to a three seed in Joe Lunardi's Bracketology, are projected on a path that may result in an Elite Eight clash for the ages

Basketball

There's only one ball to go around on a deep Illini roster, so how does Underwood keep everyone engaged?

Nov 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini earned the commitment of 2027 wing Mason Martin on Friday. Here's everything to know about the addition.

Basketball

The Illini, per the Bart Torvik metric, have been the best college basketball team in the country over their past six games

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

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

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

Basketball

Wagler scored 20 of his 22 points after halftime Wednesday, and Reid – who defended him – details how the freshman got it going

Dec 13, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) reacts after scoring during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini big man seemingly found his rhythm against the Wildcats on Wednesday night. Was it just one night, or is he all the way back?

Dec 21, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) shoots a free throw during the first half against the La Salle Explorers at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini lost four players to the transfer portal last offseason, and each has been excellent at his new stop. Here's the latest on each.

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

Basketball

Illini signee Toni Bilic is expected to land in Champaign within hours, so what will be expected of him in the coming days and weeks?

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 appear to have a guard whisperer on their hands – one who has played a key role in building NBA-level talent over the past two seasons

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

Basketball

Underwood drew a unique – and fairly spot-on – comparison of his star freshman forward David Mirkovic

Jackson Langendorf

Joined: Oct 21, 2024

College Basketball Experts Rank Illinois – Did They Get It Right?

How Illinois Basketball Can Survive - And Maybe Thrive - in Kylan Boswell's Absence

Illinois Basketball Moves in NET Rankings After Beating Minnesota

Illinois' Zvonimir Ivisic Shines in Minnesota Win: 'He's a Freak, in a Good Way'

Basketball

Illinois' Brad Underwood Names Surprising X-Factor in Win Over Minnesota

Basketball

Joe Lunardi's ESPN Bracketology Projects Fairy-Tale Collision Course for Illinois

Basketball

Brad Underwood's Simple (If Not Easy) Fix for Keeping Illinois' Top Scorers Happy

Basketball

Illinois Lands In-State 2027 Sharpshooter Mason Martin: What Does He Bring?

Basketball

Illinois' Dominance During Win Streak Reflected in Bart Torvik Data

Basketball

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

Basketball

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

Basketball

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

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

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

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

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