It's the LOL Bowl, the Land of Lincoln trophy or LOL trophy game. Or you could call it "the hat," the Lincoln hat, or LOL HAT game. What ever you want to call it, it's the Illinois Fighting Illini versus the Northwestern Wildcats, and it will be under the lights on Saturday night. the first November night game in Gies Memorial Stadium history. Doing something different for … [Read more...] about Illini vs Northwestern: LOL HAT Trophy Game Preview, Prediction
Illinois Fighting Illini
#8 Illini See Their Defensive Issues Exposed by #11 Alabama
It is absolutely clear that Camryn Crocker is a definite improvement over Zach Hamer as Illinois Fighting Illini defensive coordinator. However, the Illini defense remains very suspect. The #8 Illini, playing in their home away from home, Chicago's United Center, blew a second half lead and fell 90-86 to #11 Alabama tonight. You had a high profile game, against a SEC … [Read more...] about #8 Illini See Their Defensive Issues Exposed by #11 Alabama
#8 Illini Basketball Game Preview, Prediction: vs #11 Alabama at United Center
When Thursday morning gets here, it's very possible that Illini basketball fans everywhere will be able to say "and the stars, fell on Alabama, last night." Yes, #8 Alabama will be the opponent, for the first regular season game at the United Center for Illinois since 2018 (a 77-67 loss to Ohio State). It's also the first non-conference game at the UC since 2017, a 74-69 … [Read more...] about #8 Illini Basketball Game Preview, Prediction: vs #11 Alabama at United Center
Exclusive: Skyy Clark on Playing for Mick Cronin, UCLA History, Kobe and More
Perhaps no one will benefit more from the addition of Donovan Dent than UCLA combo guard Skyy Clark. The Bruins senior can now play much more freely, with or without the ball, now that the New Mexico Lobos point guard transferred into Westwood, California. Clark, whose hometown is Los Angeles, finally find home again, as he started all 34 games for the Bruins last season, as … [Read more...] about Exclusive: Skyy Clark on Playing for Mick Cronin, UCLA History, Kobe and More
Illini Basketball Among Big Ten Contenders in Second Tier After Purdue
The first and only public preseason scrimmage is in the books, and the main takeaway is clear: this Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team could make some noise in 2025-26. We're still trying to figure out the line-up and depth chart of course, and it may take awhile for all the new pieces to coalesce. But when all is said and done, this Illini basketball team should be … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball Among Big Ten Contenders in Second Tier After Purdue
Projected Illinois Basketball 2025-26 Depth Chart
Another Illinois basketball season begins on Sunday with a preseason scrimmage against Illinois State. One guy who almost certainly won't feature is Andrej Stojakovic, a former McDonald’s All-American and son of three-time NBA All-Star Peja Stojakovic. He is reportedly injured right now, and it's doubtful that reports will emerge between now and the weekend that he will be … [Read more...] about Projected Illinois Basketball 2025-26 Depth Chart
Illini Football Gets Harsh Reality Check Against #1 Ohio State
Saturday saw Memorial Stadium, at the University of Illinois, with an atmosphere much more electric than usual. It's extremely rare to see the stadium as full (and as orange) as it was for an 11 am kickoff. Of course, this is what happens when the Illinois Fighting Illini are ranked #17 in the nation, and playing the nation's #1 team, who also happen to be the reigning … [Read more...] about Illini Football Gets Harsh Reality Check Against #1 Ohio State
#1 Ohio St. Buckeyes at #17 Illinois Fighting Illini Preview, Prediction, TV Info
The #1 Ohio State Buckeyes and #17 Illinois Fighting Illini will be getting together at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, for the first time since 2017. OSU has won every game in this series since 2007, a monumental chapter in Illini football history which marked the last time that Illinois beat a team ranked #1. Illinois is 3-13 all-time against #1-ranked teams, also winning … [Read more...] about #1 Ohio St. Buckeyes at #17 Illinois Fighting Illini Preview, Prediction, TV Info
How Bret Bielema Could Someday Become the Icon of Illini Football
Bret Bielema showed it again today- he just knows how to get his team to respond. He knows how to motivate his team, after a demoralizing defeat, to come out and make a response. #24 Illinois pulled off a 6.5 point upset on Saturday, over #21 USC, by winning 34-32 on a last second field goal. … [Read more...] about How Bret Bielema Could Someday Become the Icon of Illini Football
USC Trojans QB, WRs a Big Challenge for Banged Up Illini Secondary
USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava is the nation’s highest rated passer. He’s also currently sixth in passing yards and second in yards-per-attempt. He leads an attack that is third nationally in total offense and fifth in scoring. USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon is fourth nationally in receiving yards, and Illinois must find a way to make him into lemonade on … [Read more...] about USC Trojans QB, WRs a Big Challenge for Banged Up Illini Secondary