On the final day of summer practice, Illinois Fighting Illini power forward David Mirkovic suffered a foot injury that required surgery and extensive recovery time. However, Mirkovic returned to practice this week, and he was seen dunking, driving to the rim, crashing the boards, and just looking like he's very close to returning. The first preseason game is tomorrow at … [Read more...] about Illini Star David Mirkovic Set to Take the Basketball World By Storm
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Illini #1, Michigan State #2, USC #3 in Big Ten Preseason Power Rankings
You can crank up the old school Eminem and Kanye West, because the early to mid 2000s are back! At least they are from a Big Ten basketball perspective. Yes, the Illinois Fighting Illini and Michigan State Spartans are once the class of the conference. Both were #1 seeds in the 2001 NCAA Tournament. Both made the Final Four in 2005. … [Read more...] about Illini #1, Michigan State #2, USC #3 in Big Ten Preseason Power Rankings
Illini Football Program Parts Ways with Defensive Coordinator Bobby Hauck
The Bobby Hauck experiment...did not last very long at all. After just four games, or 1/3 of one season, the University of Illinois football program is parting ways with their Defensive Coordinator. Officially, this is a "mutual parting of ways," but given how the defense performed through the first four games, this is most likely to a firing. That said, Hauck was probably on … [Read more...] about Illini Football Program Parts Ways with Defensive Coordinator Bobby Hauck
ESPN College Gameday: From Transcendent Genius to Unwatchable Dreck
Happy College Football season to those who celebrate- to honor the occasion, re-booting this classic once again from 2018, enjoy! I absolutely loved ESPN College Gameday, about a decade and half ago when it was only one hour long, instead of three. Back in those days, it was not overrun with wall-to-wall native advertising, and it was much more about football than what's … [Read more...] about ESPN College Gameday: From Transcendent Genius to Unwatchable Dreck
Illini Find True WR1 in Collin Dixon, but Defense is Missing in Action
In the preseason, Illinois quarterback Katin Houser said that he once received a Joe Burrow comparison. He'll need to be that level if the Fighting Illini are to have a winning season in 2026. That's because the other side of the ball is well, the phrase "optional defending" pretty much sums it up. However, at least the team has found a true go-to receiver, a bonafide WR1 in … [Read more...] about Illini Find True WR1 in Collin Dixon, but Defense is Missing in Action
Illinois Fighting Illini vs Duke Blue Devils Game Preview, Prediction
The Illinois Fighting Illini vs the Duke Blue Devils- yes, what a Final Four matchup we have on our hands in Detroit, on this early April Saturday night. Oh, sorry, no, this is football, not men's basketball. But last year's match-up on the gridiron was an entertaining one, and this year's edition should be compelling as well. Illinois beat Duke, at their place, last season, … [Read more...] about Illinois Fighting Illini vs Duke Blue Devils Game Preview, Prediction
Preseason Expectations for 2026 Illini Football are Rather Mid
We are just hours away from 2026 Big Ten Media Days commencing, and Illini football coach Bret Bielema will be the very first head coach on dais, of the event's first day. Talking season is all about optimism. Everybody, right now, has a sunny summertime outlook on the upcoming season. Everyone is "excited to be here" and "excited to get started." For every team, it's "the … [Read more...] about Preseason Expectations for 2026 Illini Football are Rather Mid
TE Christian Abney: Emerging Illini Football Player to Watch in 2026
It goes without saying that 2026 will be a "changing of the guard" type of season for Illini football. Immediate living legend of a starting quarterback Luke Altmyer, top pass rusher Gabe Jacas, leading receiver Hank Beatty, team captain and free safety supreme Miles Scott are all gone. As is an overwhelming majority of the starters on both lines, and a couple more starters in … [Read more...] about TE Christian Abney: Emerging Illini Football Player to Watch in 2026
Katin Houser Getting Good Protection Key to Illini Hopes in 2026
Veteran quarterback Katin Houser transferred to Illinois from East Carolina, where he put in a very successful 2025 season. Houser, who has good size and some dual threat ability, threw for 3,300 yards and 19 touchdowns (against just 6 interceptions) to go along with 193 rushing yards. It's his last season at the collegiate level, and it provides him an opportunity to … [Read more...] about Katin Houser Getting Good Protection Key to Illini Hopes in 2026
Exclusive: Detroit Lions Superstar Kerby Joseph Mentors Illini DB Juice Clarke
Illinois defensive back Juice Clarke has an elite mentor, in one of the best safeties in the game, Kerby Joseph. The Detroit Lions free safety led the NFL in interceptions in 2024, en route to earning first team All-Pro honors. Joseph is a former Illini, and he's a close friend of current Illinois defensive back Jaheim "Juice" Clark. "He's been watching me for a couple years … [Read more...] about Exclusive: Detroit Lions Superstar Kerby Joseph Mentors Illini DB Juice Clarke