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.

Oct 4, 2026; Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) Los Angeles Clippers guard Keaton Wagler (1) dribbles during the first half against the Golden State Warriors at Bankoh Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center. Mandatory Credit: Michelle Bir-Imagn Images

Football

The Illini (2-1) have their work cut out for them Saturday against the Buckeyes (2-1) at Ohio Stadium in Columbus

Sep 19, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Katin Houser (4) looks to pass during the first half against the Southern Illinois Salukis at Gies Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

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The odds are set against the Illini, but fans will take heart in the fact that an upset of the Buckeyes in Columbus has already been proven possible

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

Football

After a relatively rough first two weeks to the season, the Illini came down hard on the Salukis, finally giving fans something to praise

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

Football

The Illini bounced back in Week 3 against the Salukis, but even among the many positives were a handful of concerns as they enter the Big Ten schedule

Football

Guard TJ McMillen will miss the remainder of the 2026 season because of a foot fracture, which compromises the Illini in several ways

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

Football

It should be a glorious game day in Champaign on Saturday, but can the Illini do their part to complete the experience?

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

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

Jason Langendorf

Joined: Sep 28, 2024

As Good as Illinois Fans Hoped Keaton Wagler Could Be, He May Be Even Better

Illinois Nightmare Scenario Unleashed in Home Loss to Purdue – What Now?

Illinois Defensive Coordinator Bobby Hauck Gone After Four Games

Why Illinois' Performance in a Loss to Ohio State Is Oddly Encouraging

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Staff Picks: Who Wins Illinois Football vs. No. 7 Ohio State?

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How to Watch: Illinois Football at Ohio State in Week 4

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Best and Worst of Illinois Football's 48-10 Win Over Southern Illinois

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Illinois Football Injury Update: The Offensive Line Takes Another Hit

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How to Watch: Illinois Football vs. Duke in Week 2

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Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Defensive Back Mac Resetich

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Illinois Football Injury Updates After Week 1 Win Over UAB

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Defensive Lineman Joe Barna

Hottest Takes From Illinois Football's Win Over UAB

Illinois Football 2026 Projected Depth Chart: Live Lineup and Injury Tracker

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Offensive Tackle Nathan Knapik