Pranav Hegde

Pranav Hegde

Primarily covers Illinois football, basketball and golf, with an emphasis on news, analysis and features. Hegde, an electrical engineering student at Illinois with an affinity for sports writing, has been writing for On SI since April 2025. He can be followed and reached on Instagram @pranavhegde__.

Jun 13, 2025; Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA; Thomas Detry lines up his putt on the seventh green during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
News

U.S. Open Day 2 Recap: Former Illini Thomas Detry in the Top 10

After two grueling rounds at Oakmont Country Club, Detry was in striking distance of the lead

Pranav Hegde
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Jun 11, 2025; Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA; Thomas Detry plays his shot from the tenth tee during a practice round for the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
News

U.S. Open Day 1 Recap: How Former Illinois Golfers Fared

Three former Illini — Thomas Detry, Jackson Buchanan, and Brian Campbell — kicked off their U.S. Open campaigns on Thursday with varying results

Pranav Hegde
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May 16, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; University of Illinois offensive lineman Josh Kreutz throws out a ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Cleveland Guardians at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football Players Set for Appearance at Chicago Cubs' Illini Night

On June 17, Illinois coach Bret Bielema and several top Illini players will be on hand at Wrigley Field for Illini Night

Pranav Hegde
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May 16, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Thomas Detry hits his second shot on the tenth hole during the second round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Quail Hollow. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Olympic Sports

How to Watch: Former Illini Golfers at the U.S. Open

Illinois golf alumni Thomas Detry, Brian Campbell and Jackson Buchanan are set to compete in the U.S Open this weekend

Pranav Hegde
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Jackson Buchanan works through hole 9 during round one of the Dye Junior Invitational on Monday, June 7, 2021, at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel.

Pete And Alice Dye Junior Invitational At Crooked Stick Golf Club In Carmel Ind June 7 2021
News

Illinois' Jackson Buchanan and Max Herendeen Earn All-America Honors

Buchanan and Herendeen were honored by Golfweek, while Buchanan prepares for the 2025 U.S. Open

Pranav Hegde
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Oct 19, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA;  Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Luke Altmyer Rejected SEC Return to Chase History With Illinois Football

After rumors swirled during the spring transfer season, Luke Altmyer shut them down, opting to return to Champaign

Pranav Hegde
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Aug 29, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA;  Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema greets running back Ca'Lil Valentine (5) before the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football Among Final Choices for Game-Breaking Receiver Recruit

Three-star wide receiver prospect Kohen Brown listed the Illini among his top eight schools

Pranav Hegde
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May 18, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Abria Smith of Illinois gestures after winning the women's shot put at 58-10 3/4 (17.95m) during the Big Ten Championships at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Olympic Sports

Abria Smith, Several Illini Win Titles at Big Ten Outdoor Championships

Illinois track and field was well-represented at last weekend's conference meet in Eugene, Oregon

Pranav Hegde
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Defensive lineman Cameron McHaney (#95) during practice on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024 on IMG Academy Football Media Day in Bradenton, Florida.
Football

Illinois Football in the Mix for Four-Star Defensive Line Prospect

Highly ranked prospect Cameron McHaney announced his top five schools, and Illinois made the cut

Pranav Hegde
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May 16, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Cody Johnston of Illinois wins the pole vault at 18-6 (5.64m) during the Big Ten Championships at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Olympic Sports

Illinois Pole Vaulter Makes History With First Big Ten Title in Event in 31 Years

Illini sophomore Cody Johnston set a meet record in the pole vault in Friday's opening day of the 2025 Big Ten Outdoor Championships

Pranav Hegde
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Nov 16, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; The University of Illinois Marching Illini band performs before the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football Target and Four-Star Recruit Sets Commitment Date

Class of 2026 prospect Nasir Rankin announced that he will be making his college decision on Wednesday

Pranav Hegde
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Jun 14, 2024; Pinehurst, North Carolina, USA; Jackson Buchanan chips on the 13th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Pinehurst No. 2. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images

Illinois Men's Golf Advances to NCAA Championships Finals

After a strong outing at the Urbana Regional, the Illini qualified for next week's NCAA Championships finals in Carlsbad, California

Pranav Hegde
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