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No. 24 Illinois swept by No. 7 Wisconsin
The Illini battled hard dropping the sets, 18-25, 19-25, and 22-25, Thursday night to No. 7 Wisconsin at Huff Hall. Through all the sets, it seemed the Badgers managed to always have a five-point advantage that never faltered. Senior setter Kenna Phelan had another impressive showing putting up 31 assists and four digs. I asked […]
Can Illinois still make a bowl? Fans don’t think so
After last week’s disappointing and demoralizing Homecoming loss to Purdue, it’s no question that fans are down in the dumps about this year’s Illini football team. So, in this week’s TCR Reacts, we posed the question of how many Big Ten games Illinois will win in 2026. The answers are not encouraging. Nearly half of […]
Illinois basketball doesn’t need to win every recruiting battle
Brad Underwood has made Illinois a destination. What started with Ayo Dosunmu’s commitment in 2018 has continued, with highly rated recruits consistently viewing Illinois as a prime destination to win in college and take the next step to the NBA. The most recent recruiting class ranks 27th in the nation, per 247Sports, featuring one five-star […]
It’s time for Brad Underwood to capitalize on this opportunity
I promise you I’m not here to criticize Brad Underwood. We’re coming off one of the most successful seasons in Illinois basketball history. If that wasn’t enough, we’re right in the middle of the most successful stretch this program has ever seen. It’s hard to look around and find another program that has had […]
‘Bring your hard hat’: Illinois earns praise from Big Ten rivals at Media Days
ROSEMONT, Ill. — Toughness, hard to guard and crashing the glass. Of all the words floating around Big Ten Media Days, anytime the Illinois Fighting Illini came up, those were the commonalities. Head coach Brad Underwood’s squad has been getting more than its fair share of national attention, with many outlets labeling the Illini as […]
How Brad Underwood completely changed the perception of Illinois basketball
ROSEMONT, Ill. — A few weeks ago, Ayo Dosunmu told TCR that before his commitment, it wasn’t “cool” to come to Illinois if you were from Chicago. Fast forward to today, and Brad Underwood’s Illini are in the national conversation for title contenders. “It’s an unbelievable time to be an Illini.” Brad Underwood on how […]
Jasmine Brown-Hagger is ready to lead. Illinois needs her to step up
CHICAGO — Jasmine Brown-Hagger has been a consistent presence in Illinois’ backcourt over the past two seasons. Now, she has one more go-around to lead this team to new heights. Alongside Maddie Webber, Brown-Hagger is one of just two seniors on the Illini roster, putting the veteran guard in a position to lead a team […]
Illinois, Green determined to finish close games
CHICAGO — A few possessions last season cost the Illini a chance to play NCAA Tournament games at home. After finishing the 2025-26 season with a 22-12 record, Illinois entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 7 seed, forcing the Illini to travel to Nashville for the opening weekend rather than play in front of […]
Michigan State vs Illinois Preview with The Only Colors! | TCR Podcast
Illini Isaac is joined by Robbie Bettelon of The Only Colors, SB Nation’s Michigan State site, to preview the matchup between Illinois Football and the Spartans. Check out State Farm Agent Brian Hanson for a home, auto, business, and life insurance needs quote today: https://gtlk.link/5zlx5Emx Treat Your Pup to Something Better with Chief’s Naturals! Give your […]
How high should expectations be for Illinois basketball this season?
Expectations have arguably never been higher for an Illini basketball season than this upcoming one. This team undoubtedly has the talent to cut down the nets next April, but what will it take for them to accomplish that goal? And what will the future outlook be if they underperform this upcoming season, especially in March? […]
Illinois football needs answers. Bret Bielema says he’s not changing anything
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Five games into the season, Illinois football finds itself in territory not seen since the pre-Bielema era. After a more-than-disappointing 2-3 start, the Fighting Illini are searching for answers as they prepare to try to mount a better second half of the season. Despite all of the recent disappointment and turnover, Head […]
Shauna Green has a deeper Illinois roster — and she plans to use it
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — It’s only just the preseason, but the Fighting Illini are heavy in numbers. While it’s common to see the same five or six players coming off the bench, head coach Shauna Green plans to use eight or nine this season. The transfers and freshmen have been getting more reps in during practice […]
Berry Wallace is coming off a breakout season. Illinois thinks her best is still ahead
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Berry Wallace’s sophomore season was already a major leap. She doubled her scoring average, became one of the Big Ten’s top scorers and earned unanimous First Team All-Big Ten honors from the conference’s coaches. By the end of the year, Wallace was no longer just a promising young piece for Illinois. She […]
Illinois’ lack of urgency can’t spill over into 2027
This week on Oskee Talk I’m joined by Pleas Honeywood to recap the Illini’s dismal performance against Purdue (3:20), the dangers of Illinois’ revamped scheme (10:38), and the team’s overall lack of urgency (15:15). The guys also discuss former DC Bobby Hauck’s personality clash (27:21), the long-term recruiting impacts of this season (29:39), why Bret […]
Illinois loses out on 2027 five-star Darius Wabbington
The Illinois Fighting Illini have missed out on a big-time recruit in the class of 2027, as five-star center Darius Wabbington announced his commitment to Indiana earlier today. Wabbington is a 6’11”, 245-pound big man and is the No. 13 player in the country from his class according to 247Sports. Illinois was one of the […]
Illinois volleyball cracks AVCA rankings for first time in 2026
Illinois enters the rankings after three straight ranked wins, notably a road sweep against No. 22 Washington, before the well-fought battle to Oregon. The No. 24 Illini improved to 11-4 overall, and 3-1 in Big Ten play. The Orange and Blue have a chance to redeem themselves with another ranked win against No.7 Wisconsin this […]
TCR Reacts: How many Big Ten wins in 2026?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Illinois fans and fans across the country. After a disappointing showing Saturday on Homecoming against Purdue, it’s fair to question just how many Big Ten games Illinois will win in 2026. So, we’re […]
Illinois expects ‘big steps’ from Jackson and Parchment in year two
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois women’s basketball head coach Shauna Green expects Destiny Jackson and Cearah Parchment to take the next step this season. With a full year of college basketball behind them, Green believes the biggest difference in their play should come from experience. “I think just the year of the grind of the Big […]
Illinois’ defense has a new voice. But the same old problem remains
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – After the departure of former defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck, now interim defensive coordinator, Roger Cooper, was thrown straight into the fire. When he got the news, he knew he had to get straight to work improving this defense. “Coach talked to me and … everything slowed down for like three seconds and […]
Mirkovic, Stojakovic earn Preseason All-Big Ten honors
Two of Illinois’ biggest returners are garnering more attention. David Mirkovic and Andrej Stojakovic were both selected for the preseason All-Big Ten team. Mirkovic and Stojakovic are coming off big seasons, with both averaging over 13 points per game. Mirkovic was a triple threat last year, finishing top three on the team in points, rebounds […]
Illinois freshman Lana Brenjo suffers torn ACL, will miss 2026-27 season
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois will be without one of its newest additions for the 2026-27 season. Freshman forward Lana Brenjo tore her ACL during preseason workouts and will miss her first season with the Fighting Illini. Brenjo is expected to undergo surgery later this month. The 6-foot-4 freshman took to Instagram to address the injury […]
Keaton Wagler delivers clutch moment in NBA preseason debut
Keaton Wagler’s NBA preseason debut did not go exactly according to plan, but the former Illini guard made sure it ended on a high note. Wagler made his preseason debut Sunday with the Los Angeles Clippers, helping his new team defeat the Golden State Warriors 104-101 in Hawaii. The No. 5 overall pick in the […]
Reaction: Purdue embarrasses Illinois | TCR Podcast
Illini Isaac reacts to Illinois Football losing to Purdue as big favorites and what this game means for Bret Bielema. Check out State Farm Agent Brian Hanson for a home, auto, business, and life insurance needs quote today: https://gtlk.link/5zlx5Emx Treat Your Pup to Something Better with Chief’s Naturals! Give your dog delicious, wholesome dog treats made […]
TCR Daily Brief: Monday, Oct. 5
Good morning, Illini fans! Here’s what you need to know today: 🏈 The Big Story Illinois has work to do Illinois dropped its second straight game Saturday, falling 24-17 to Purdue at Gies Memorial Stadium. The Illini are now 2-3 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten play after back-to-back conference losses. Illinois will have a […]
Missed opportunities lead to Illinois’ deflating Homecoming loss to Purdue
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – In a sold-out Gies Memorial Stadium during Homecoming week, fans were not treated to the usual Illinois-Purdue shootout that we’ve seen in recent years. Instead they got a low-scoring game with no real excitement until near halftime. Illinois had laid claim to the Cannon Trophy two seasons in a row, but after […]
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