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
Illinois Fighting Illini
When Tim Beckman Unveiled the 2015 Illini Football Version of “W.I.N.T.”
With Big Ten Media Days this week, we flashback and re-up some of the most memorable moments from past talking seasons. This Bo Pelini post originally ran on July 28, 2014. On Thursday, Illini football coach Tim Beckman spoke publicly for the first time since allegations of abuse were made public. He had the perfect platform to get his side of the story out there (or at … [Read more...] about When Tim Beckman Unveiled the 2015 Illini Football Version of “W.I.N.T.”
How Did Illini Legend Keaton Wagler Rise So Rapidly? His Trainer Explains
Keaton Wagler is an Illinois Fighting Illini basketball legend. Yes, after just the one season, he's a legend. We said what we said. Wagler led the Fighting Illini to their first Final Four appearance in over 20 years by averaging 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. The winner of the Jerry West Award (nation's best shooting guard) shot close to 40% from three … [Read more...] about How Did Illini Legend Keaton Wagler Rise So Rapidly? His Trainer Explains
Kasparas Jakucionis in a Better Spot After Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
Finally, the Giannis Antetokounmpo transfer saga is now over. On Monday night, the Milwaukee Bucks agreed to trade the two-time MVP, along with Bobby Portis, to the Miami Heat, for four players, three first round draft picks, one second round draft pick and one draft pick swap. It's a blockbuster deal to say the least. It's a true "blow it all up and completely start over" kind … [Read more...] about Kasparas Jakucionis in a Better Spot After Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
Illini Basketball Becoming NBA Draft Pipeline for Guards, Wings
The NBA Draft is upon Tuesday, June 23, beginning at 7pm CST on ABC/ESPN. The second round is Wednesday, June 24, beginning at 7pm central on ESPN. Illini basketball superstar Keaton Wagler will almost certainly be selected somewhere in the top ten. He could even go top five. Wagler has been officially extended a draft green room invite, meaning he is almost assured of being … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball Becoming NBA Draft Pipeline for Guards, Wings
Exclusive: Star DB Matthew Bailey Talks ’26 Illini Season, Xavier Scott and More
In 2023, University of Illinois safety Matthew Bailey missed 11 of 12 games due to injury, and took a redshirt season. The Illini football team went 5-7. Here's Illinois' record for the three seasons where he's been fully healthy and playing every game- 2025: 9-4, 2024: 10-3, 2022: 8-5. That says it all right there, in regards to the defensive back's importance and value to … [Read more...] about Exclusive: Star DB Matthew Bailey Talks ’26 Illini Season, Xavier Scott and More
Illini Star Keaton Wagler Receives NBA Draft Green Room Invite
All-American. Jerry West Award Winner. Final Four. And now, a NBA Draft Green Room Invite. Keaton Wagler has done all these things. The one-and-done to the NBA Draft Illinois Fighting Illini superstar has a very bright future in front him. He's only just getting started. The league decides which prospects extend a green room invite based on a poll of NBA teams, who vote on … [Read more...] about Illini Star Keaton Wagler Receives NBA Draft Green Room Invite
Russell Wilson Will Thrive as TV Analyst, Says His Former Coach, Bret Bielema
Illinois Fighting Illini hhead coach Bret Bielema has known legendary NFL quarterback Russell Wilson since way back when; long before he earned 10 Pro Bowl selections and won Super Bowl XLVIII. During a spring football media session, the 56-year-old Silvis, Illinois native recalled Wilson's getting drafted on the same day as Wisconsin's annual intra-squad scrimmage in 2012. … [Read more...] about Russell Wilson Will Thrive as TV Analyst, Says His Former Coach, Bret Bielema
Andrej Stojakovic Likely Exiting NBA Draft Process, Returning to Illini Next Season
The Illinois Fighting Illini will certainly lose player to the NBA Draft, in Keaton Wagler, who is likely to be selected in the top ten. The Illini will also see one of their players from the 2024-25 team, Morez Johnson, stay in the draft. He'll likely be a late first round selection. Kylan Boswell and Andrej Stojakovic, two key players from this past season's Final Four team, … [Read more...] about Andrej Stojakovic Likely Exiting NBA Draft Process, Returning to Illini Next Season
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