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Jackson Langendorf

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 Kasparas Jakucionis (32) drives up to the basket as Xavier guard Dayvion McKnight (20) attempts to guard him during the second half of their first round NCAA men’ s basketball tournament game on Friday March 21, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis.
Basketball

3 Big Questions for Illinois vs. Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament Second Round

The well-matched Illini and Wildcats appear set to put on an offensive showcase in Milwaukee on Sunday

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Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood watches the action Friday, March 14, 2025, in a quarterfinals game at the 2025 TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament between the Maryland Terrapins and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Basketball

Illinois' Brad Underwood Breaks Down Kentucky's Versatile Offense

The Illini coach says the Wildcats "can hurt you in a lot of different ways" – and he would know

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Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Illinois guard Kylan Boswell (4) and Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) celebrate their victory over Xavier at the end of their first round NCAA men’ s basketball tournament game at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jovanny Hernandez/USA Today Network via Imagn Images
Basketball

ESPN Predicts Illinois vs. Kentucky: Which Team Will Keep Dancing?

The Illini and Wildcats appear poised for a nail-biter, as ESPN has one squad as a very slight favorite

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Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA: Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ben Humrichous (3) shoots a three point basket against the Xavier Musketeers during the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Basketball

ESPN's Jeff Borzello Explains the Key for Illinois to Take Down Kentucky

Borzello focuses on the Illini's reliance on the three-pointer and how it may determine their Round of 32 fate

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Kentucky defeats Troy 76-57 in the first round NCAA men’ s basketball tournament game on Friday March 21, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis.
Basketball

Stunning Stat Reveals How Long It Has Been Since Illinois Last Faced Kentucky

The Illini and Wildcats haven't met in more than 40 years – back when the game was played much differently

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Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA: Illinois Fighting Illini forward Will Riley (7) drives to the hoop past Xavier Musketeers guard Marcus Foster (1) during the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Basketball

How to Watch: Illinois vs. Kentucky in NCAA Tournament Second Round

Two high-scoring offenses get set to meet in what is shaping up as a second-round shootout in Milwaukee on Sunday

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February 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; TNT broadcaster Ernie Johnson Jr. after the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Basketball

Ernie Johnson on Illinois' Performance Against Xavier: 'You Believe in Illinois'

The legendary sportscaster was impressed by the Illini's showing in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament

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Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA: Illinois Fighting Illini forward Will Riley (7) drives to the hoop past Xavier Musketeers forward Jerome Hunter (2) during the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Basketball

John Fanta After Illinois' Win Over Xavier: 'The Illini Can Absolutely Make a Run'

Fanta, FOX's college basketball expert, believes Illinois' offense can carry it to unforeseen heights

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Jan 21, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns former player Charles Barkley in attendance at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Basketball

Charles Barkley's Hilarious Halftime Blunder in Illinois' NCAA Tournament Game

The NBA legend, a bit distracted, was ultimately unable to analyze Illinois' performance against Xavier

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Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA: Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) reacts during the second half against the Xavier Musketeers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Basketball

Social Media Buzzes About Illinois' NCAA Tournament Win Over Xavier

The Illini's excellent performance drew out college basketball experts and fans from all over the country

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Mar 21, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Marcus Domask (3) shoots over Morehead State Eagles forward Dieonte Miles (23) in the first half during the first round of the NCAA Tournament at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images
Basketball

Celebrating Former Illini Marcus Domask's Historic NCAA Tournament Gem

Domask logged the 10th triple-double in March Madness history when Illinois beat Morehead State in last year's opening round

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Illinois Fighting Illini guard Tre White (22) celebrates scoring a three-point basket Thursday, March 13, 2025, during the second round of the men's Big Ten tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Illinois Fighting Illini defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes, 106-94.
Basketball

Who is Illinois Basketball's 'X-Factor' in the NCAA Tournament?

If the Illini have one key player whose contributions may determine how long they wear their dancing shoes

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