Jason Langendorf

Jason Langendorf

Joined: Sep 28, 2024

Jason Langendorf has covered Illinois basketball, football and more for Illinois on SI since October 2024, and has covered Illini sports – among other subjects – for 30 years. A veteran of ESPN and Sporting News, he has published work in The Guardian, Vice, Chicago Sun-Times and many other outlets. He is currently also the U.S. editor at BoxingScene and a judge for the annual BWAA writing awards. He can be followed and reached on X and Bluesky @JasonLangendorf.

Sep 19, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois fighting Illini cheerleaders during the first half against the Southern Illinois Salukis at Gies Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Sep 19, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Hudson Clement (13) poses after getting first down during the second half against the Southern Illinois Salukis at Gies Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois football coach Bret Bielema addresses his players at Gies Memorial Stadium after a practice during fall camp in August 2026.

Sep 3, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Matthew Bailey (7) tackles UAB Blazers running back Bam McReynolds (3) during the first half at Gies Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois' Mac Resetich (0) runs back a punt for a big gain in the first half of the Illini's 42-23 win over UAB on Sept. 3, 2026 at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois.

Football

Resetich, a senior, has paid his dues to earn a starting role in what could be one of college football's best secondaries

Jul 28, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Football head coach Bret Bielema speaks during Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Football

Illini coach Bret Bielema on Thursday addressed the health status and Week 2 availability of Brandon Henderson, Daniel Brown and Jayshon Platt

Sep 13, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Western Michigan Broncos quarterback Brady Jones (10) looks to pass as Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Joe Barna (43) defends during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Football

With Gabe Jacas now in the NFL, the Illini need Barna to fill his shoes – or at least keep the defensive line afloat during a transition year

Sep 3, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Katin Houser (4) passes the ball during the first half against the UAB Blazers at Gies Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Football

The Illini emerged from their opener with a 42-23 win over the Blazers, but there was more to know than met the eye

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

Football

Follow any changes to Illinois on SI's projections for the Illini's starting lineup, depth chart and player availability for the 2026 season

Illinois offensive tackle Nathan Knapik (71) lines up for a play during the Illini's 30-28 win over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl in Nashville, Tennessee, on Dec. 30, 2025.

Football

Knapik got only one start in 2025, but it was an important one – and may be an indication of how much he can help the Illini offensive line this season

Sep 6, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema during the third quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

Football

Matelau appears to have the maturity and raw ability to deliver in his first season in Champaign, and he could be a true gem if he develops quickly

Oct 4, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Kaden Feagin (3) jumps to avoid tackle by Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Traveon Wright (17) during the second quarter at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Football

Feagin has made the move from running back to tight end, where the hope is he'll be healthier but as productive as ever

Nov 15, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Hudson Clement (13) reacts after a catch and run during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Clement should play a bigger role in the Illini passing game this season, especially if he clicks with new quarterback Katin Houser

Oct 16, 2025; Greenville, North Carolina, USA; East Carolina Pirates quarterback Katin Houser (4) react against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane during the first half at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Houser, a transfer from East Carolina, will be a one-and-done Illini, but he is critical to the immediate future of the program

Illinois men's basketball coach Brad Underwood speaks to the media after the Illini's 92-65 exhibition win over Illinois State on Oct. 19 at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.

Will McCoy, a Chicago native who played at Arizona State the past two seasons, make an impact as a late addition for the Illini?

Jul 28, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Football head coach Bret Bielema speaks during Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Illini coach Bret Bielema announced Eberhart's position change Saturday, but what was the rationale behind the move?