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.

Dec 13, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood before the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini had to sweat it out but ultimately locked up their first Big Ten win and road game over the Buckeyes in Columbus on Tuesday

Dec 6, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) celebrates a three-point shot by guard Keaton Wagler (23) against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini (7-2) will try to overpower the backcourt-oriented Buckeyes (7-1, 1-0 Big Ten) on Tuesday in Columbus – or they will if they know what's good for them

Feb 2, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) drives the ball against Ohio State Buckeyes forward Devin Royal (21) during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

The No. 13 Illini (7-2) open their Big Ten season against a Buckeyes squad (7-1, 1-0) with loads of scoring firepower and a home-court edge

Dec 6, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) drives to the basket against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Basketball

Even after a big win, the Illini barely budged in the latest AP poll – but the could change dramatically in the coming weeks

Dec 6, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) and forward David Mirkovic (0) celebrate after a called time out against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Basketball

See how Illinois on SI evaluated each Illini's individual performance in a head-turning win over the Volunteers

Dec 6, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44), guard Andrej Stojakovic (2), and forward David Mirkovic (0) blocks the shot of Tennessee Volunteers forward Nate Ament (10) during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini (7-2) finally put all – or at least most of – the pieces together in a gritty victory over the Volunteers in Nashville

Dec 14, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ben Humrichous (3) dunks the ball during the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

The No. 14 Illini (6-2) head south to Nashville to take on the No. 13 Volunteers (7-2) in a neutral-site battle that each team needs in its own way

Nov 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) collides with UConn Huskies guard Malachi Smith (0) in the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini (6-2) take on a physical, disciplined Volunteers squad (7-2) in Nashville on Saturday

Football

Follow Illinois on SI's live tracker for all the signings, information, updates and analysis on the newest Illini during the early signing day period

Illinois guard Mihailo Petrovic (77) drives by a UT Rio Grande Valley defender in the Illini's win over the Vaqueros last week at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.

Basketball

Petrovic, a jet-fueled sophomore guard, is healthy, dealing and just the shot in the arm the Illini could use Saturday against Tennessee

Illinois guard Kylan Boswell (4) finish at the rim against a UConn defender in the Illini's 74-61 loss to the Huskies last week at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Basketball

The Illini sputtered in a loss to UConn last week, the latest indication that they aren't yet ready for prime time

Football

The snow fell, The Hat was held high and the Illini were again on top – at least for a day – as social media sorted out a win over the Wildcats

Jason Langendorf

Joined: Sep 28, 2024

Illinois Extends Offer to In-State Guard Mason Martin: What It Means

Illinois Signs Another International Recruit – And He'll Be Eligible Soon

Three Instant Observations From Illinois Basketball's 83-80 Loss to Nebraska

Staff Picks: Who Wins No. 13 Illinois vs. No. 23 Nebraska?

Basketball

Three Key Observations From Illinois Basketball's 88-80 Win Over Ohio State

Basketball

How to Watch No. 13 Illinois at Ohio State: TV, Tip-off Time, More

Basketball

Staff Picks: Who Wins Illinois Basketball at Ohio State?

Basketball

Opportunity Is About to Knock for Illinois in AP College Basketball Poll

Basketball

Illinois Basketball Grades: Evaluating the Illini Against Tennessee

Basketball

Basketball

Staff Picks: Who Wins Illinois Basketball vs. Tennessee?

Basketball

How to Watch No. 14 Illinois vs. No. 13 Tennessee: TV, Tip-off Time, More

Illinois Football Early Signing Day Tracker: Every Player Coming in 2026

Is It Finally Time for Illinois Basketball to Start Mihailo Petrovic?

Illinois Ranked in Latest AP College Basketball Poll Right Where It Belongs