Social Media Buzzes Over Illinois Basketball Redshirt Ty Rodgers' Big Decision

Rodgers, who started all 38 games for the Illini in 2023-24, will return from his redshirt season to stay at Illinois

Jan 21, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ty Rodgers (20) dunks the ball during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images / Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Early departures have been an odd staple of Brad Underwood-coached teams at Illinois, but the news of Morez Johnson Jr. entering the transfer portal and subsequently choosing Big Ten rival Michigan was too much to bear for Illini Nation.

Thankfully, redshirt junior swingman Ty Rodgers offered a salve late Tuesday night:

🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/qghW1Zyfl7

— Ty Rodgers (@Ty_rodgers20) April 2, 2025

A key member of the Illini’s Elite Eight run in 2024, Rodgers started every single game of that season, averaging 6.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 52.7 percent from the field.

With Underwood's recent turn to a three-point-heavy offense, Rodgers seemingly felt a full year in the gym and pressing pause on his eligibility were in his best interests. So he elected to redshirt last season and spend time polishing his jumper, and now the 6-foot-6 guard/forward will rejoin the Illini next season for his junior campaign.

After serving as a veteran presence around an exceptionally young Illinois squad last season (despite not suiting up), Rodgers figures to be a go-to leader next year alongside senior guard Kylan Boswell.

Naturally, the exciting news of Rodgers’ return to Champaign set social media atwitter. Here are a few of the best reactions:

HE'S BACK!

Ty Rodgers walking into Ubben tomorrow pic.twitter.com/ogLZhJOyew

— Anon5900475_Scout (@anon5900475) April 2, 2025

Ty Rodgers: Ragnarok

That's Ty Rodgers https://t.co/KbQrnBWxbP

— Courtney Layne Brewer (@courtneylaynebr) April 2, 2025

Back with a vengeance

Big year on deck for Ty Rodgers #TheRedshirtRedemption pic.twitter.com/yhxaNaExg5

— Tommy (@tentoestweets) April 2, 2025

It's real, Benjamin!

If this Ty Rodgers announcement is an April Fools joke, I swear imma need to commit myself

— Benjamin. (@bheadr75) April 2, 2025

#Winner

Ty Rodgers knows nothing but how to win and to impact winning.

Elite-8, Big Ten Tournament Champion, and a ton of Big Ten wins as both a starter and a bench player.

The ultimate dog and utility player is BACK. https://t.co/msouVyyLjR

— Fighting Illini (@TheIlliniFN) April 2, 2025

Illini Nation's everyday savior

Ty Rodgers just saved the Everyday Guys culture

— NFG (@dalt217) April 2, 2025

Simply elation

It makes me very happy knowing Ty Rodgers will be playing for #Illini basketball again.

— Mike Carpenter (@FanboyCarp) April 2, 2025

Love/hate

The thought of Ty Rodgers dunking on Morez Johnson has me on #ClimaxWatch

— Bob Zuppke (@BobZuppke) April 2, 2025

#Loyalty

Ty Rodgers remaining loyal to the orange & blue when it’s cool not to will make him one of the most beloved Illini of all time.

— SKS (@SteveKSnider) April 2, 2025

The key to happiness? Ty Rodgers in an Illini jersey

THE WORLD JUST GOT BRIGHTER 🥹🔶🔷

WELCOME BACK TY RODGERS!!! https://t.co/B4wiRnqn9V

— I-L-Lunatic (@itsjustgaret) April 2, 2025

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Report: Illinois Forward Morez Johnson Jr. Selects Transfer Destination

Illinois Basketball's First Transfer Portal Entry Commits to New Program

Arkansas' Zvonimir Ivisic Hits Transfer Portal – Will He Join Tomislav at Illinois?