Illini now
Zain Brando

Zain Bando

Joined: Jul 26, 2024

Bando is a sports journalist based in the Chicago suburbs. He is a proud Fighting Illini (undergrad alumnus) and completed his Master of Science in Journalism at Northwestern's Medill School, focusing on Sports Media. He’s been covering combat sports since June 2019 and collegiate sports since May 2020, featured in The Sporting News, MMA Knockout On SI, Kansas State On SI, BJPenn.com, Field Level Media, SB Nation's Inside NU, MSN, Yardbarker, Deadspin, Reuters, Mike Farrell Sports, NewsNet Media, FanSided, Men's Journal. Hosts a podcast called Bando’s Breakdowns, which premieres weekly at 3 p.m. ET/noon PT Wednesdays on the Empty The Bench Podcast Network

Oct 19, 2024; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Hudson Clement (3) celebrates after catching a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Kansas State Wildcats at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football Transfer WR Hudson Clement Isn't Alone in New 'Home'

Hudson Clement was joined by brother Murphy Clement in Champaign, where, he says, "it felt like I fit."

Zain Bando
|
Oct 19, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema before a game with the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football Lands Commitment From Three-Star LB Kaedyn Cobbs

Cobbs, the ninth pledge to Illinois' 2026 recruiting class, marks consecutive days of future football building

Zain Bando
|
The Illini flags are run across the field at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, during Illinois' 21-17 win over South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31, 2024.
Football

No. 1 JUCO LB Ismael Kante Already Feeling at Home With Illinois Football

Kante – from Iowa Central CC by way of Minnesota and West Africa – is ready to make hay in his new home

Zain Bando
|
Sep 14, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Leon Lowery Jr. (8) during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Football

Film Session Seals the Deal for Leon Lowery Jr. to Join Illinois Football

The Illini caught the eye of Lowery during a film session last season while he was playing for Wisconsin

Zain Bando
|
Sep 14, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Ball State Cardinals wide receiver Justin Bowick (1) runs with the football against the Miami Hurricanes during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football WR Justin Bowick Reunites With Former Head Coach

Bowick, a Ball State transfer, already has familiarity with one member of the Illini staff – his former coach Mike Neu

Zain Bando
|
Jul 26, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema speaks to the media during Big 10 football media days at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Football

Four-Star Linebacker Cam Thomas Commits to Illinois Football

A linebacker from West Chester Township, Ohio, Thomas becomes the Illini's eighth 2026 commitment

Zain Bando
|
Middletown football player Tomiwa Durojaiye smiles after putting on his University of Kentucky hat during his signing ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021. Sports Middletown Signings
Football

Illinois Football: New DL Tomiwa Durojaiye Gears Up for NFL Push

Durojaiye, a transfer, said Monday that he has finally found the right environment in Illinois' football program

Zain Bando
|
Dec 27, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Wisconsin Badgers nose tackle Curt Neal (92) against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the 2022 Guaranteed Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Football

Curt Neal Finds New Home With Ex-Teammates in Illinois Football

Curt Neal said he and several former Wisconsin teammates decided it would be "amazing" to rejoin in Champaign

Zain Bando
|
Oct 19, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema leads his team into the stadium before kickoff against the Michigan Wolverines game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football Flips Former Air Force Commitment LB Jack Paris

Bret Bielema and the Illini added another quality piece to what is shaping up as a loaded 2025 defense

Zain Bando
|
Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema during the second quarter of a Big Ten football game against Penn State, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa.
Football

Illinois Football Signs Elite Cornerback Recruit Victor Singleton

Singleton, of Toledo, Ohio, made history without even arriving in Champaign yet

Zain Bando
|
Oct 12, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Zakhari Franklin (4) scores a touchdown in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Wide Receiver Zakhari Franklin Declares for 2025 NFL Draft

Franklin became the latest Illinois standout from the 2024 Citrus Bowl team to turn pro

Zain Bando
|
Sep 21, 2024; DeKalb, Illinois, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Ethan Hampton (2) drops back to pass against the Buffalo Bulls during the second half at Huskie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Football

Transfer QB Ethan Hampton Calls Illinois Football 'a Pros Program'

NIU-turned-Illinois quarterback Ethan Hampton moved to Champaign for several reasons, but one stands out

Zain Bando
|