Illinois Fighting Illini On SI - Sports Illustrated

SI.COM
ON SI
SI SWIMSUIT
SI TICKETS
SI RESORTS
SI SHOPS
MY ACCOUNT
SUBSCRIBE NOW

FOOTBALL
BASKETBALL
RECRUITING
OLYMPIC SPORTS
SI.COM

Illinois guard Destiny Jackson (2) looks for a path past Vanderbilt forward Aiyana Mitchell (14) during the second half of a second round NCAA college basketball tournament game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, March 23, 2026.

3 Observations From Illinois' Loss to Vanderbilt in the NCAA Women's Tournament

The Illini's season came to an end on Monday, as a very talented Commodores squad was too much to overcome in the NCAA Tournament

Pranav Hegde

|

9 Hours Ago

Latest News

How Illinois Can Turn a 2022 Loss to Houston Into a 2026 March Madness Win

ESPN Predictor Names Favorite in Illinois vs Houston Sweet 16 Showdown

3 Things to Watch When Illinois Faces Vanderbilt in the Women's NCAA Tournament

How to Watch Illinois vs Vanderbilt in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament

First Look at Illinois Basketball's Sweet 16 Opponent: Houston Cougars

Illinois Basketball Grades: Evaluating the Illini Against VCU

Zvonimir Ivisic's Poster Dunk in Illinois-VCU Sends Social Media Into a Frenzy

Illinois Lands Another Wide Receiver Through the Transfer Portal

5 Key Stats That Defined Illinois' NCAA Tournament Win Over VCU

Illini Featured Stories

Mar 21, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; VCU Rams guard Brandon Jennings (0) defends against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) during the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Andrej Stojakovic Leads Illinois to Sweet 16: 'We Came Here For a Reason'

Mar 21, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates after a play during the second half against the VCU Rams during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Social Media Reacts to Illinois Basketball's Round of 32 Win Over VCU

Illinois coach Shauna Green yells to her team during the first half against Colorado in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 21, 2026.

3 Observations From Illinois' Win Over Colorado in the NCAA Women's Tournament

Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) defends the shot of VCU Rams guard Tyrell Ward (15) Saturday, March 21, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

3 Instant Observations From Illinois' NCAA Tournament Win Over VCU

Football

See More

Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (QB03) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Which NFL Teams Make the Most Sense for Illinois' Top Outgoing Players?

Sep 20, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema walks onto the field prior to the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Illinois Football Lands Four-Star Defensive Back: What It Means

Oct 4, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema watches warm ups before the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Illinois Football Adds Robby Hauck, Mike Linehan to Coaching Staff: What It Means

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) throws the ball during the 2025 Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., on Dec. 30, 2025.

How to Watch Luke Altmyer and Other Illinois Alums at NFL Draft Combine

Oct 4, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema watches warm ups before the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Four Potential Illinois Football Signees Schedule Official Visits: What It Means

Nov 22, 2025; Missoula, MT, USA; Montana Grizzlies head coach Bobby Hauck looks on during the first half against the Montana State Bobcats at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Thomas Shroyer-Imagn Images

What Can Illinois Football Expect From Bobby Hauck's Defense?

Illinois coach Bret Bielema during the Music City Bowl against Tennessee in an NCAA college football game on Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Illinois Offers Three-Star Recruit, Illinois State Champion: What It Means

Nov 1, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Kaden Feagin (3) is pursued by Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Jett Elad (9) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Football's Kaden Feagin to Move to Tight End in 2026: A Win-Win?

Basketball

See More

Feb 11, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) dribbles the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Former Illini in NBA: Ayo Dosunmu Steps Into Bigger Role, Will Riley Stays Red-Hot

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) dribbles the ball against the Penn Quakers in the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Staff Picks: Who Wins Illinois vs VCU in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32?

Mar 3, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) drives against Oregon Ducks forward Sean Stewart (13) during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

VCU Braces for '40-Minute UFC Fight' Against Illinois' David Mirkovic

Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood speaks during a press conference ahead of the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

3 Things to Watch When Illinois Plays VCU in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32

Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) shoots against the Penn Quakers during the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

David Mirkovic Makes Illinois Basketball History In NCAA Tournament Win Over Penn

Feb 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Shauna Green during the third quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

3 Things to Watch When Illinois Faces Colorado in the Women's NCAA Tournament

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts to a play against the Penn Quakers in the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Why VCU Could Upset Illinois in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood instructs his team against the Penn Quakers in the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

ESPN Matchup Predictor Favors Illinois Over VCU in NCAA Tournament Round of 32

Recruiting

See More

Nov 14, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood greets the crowd before the tip of the game with the Colgate Raiders at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois 2026 Target Boyuan Zhang Skyrockets Up Recruiting Rankings

Feb 15, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Lamar Wilkerson (3) keeps the ball from Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

A Special Scout Team Player Helped Illinois Prepare for Indiana's Lamar Wilkerson

Sep 27, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema gives players a hand after a 34-32 win against the Southern California Trojans at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Football Flips Jacob Harvey, Signs Another Receiver – What It Means

Jan 29, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the second half against the Washington Huskies at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball Extends Offer to Explosive Five-Star Guard: What It Means

Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema walks across the field as the team arrives prior to the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.

Illinois Lands Son of Former NFL Vet, Offers Gifted Edge Rusher – What It Means

Oct 4, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema watches warm ups before the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Illinois Football Offers Four-Star Linebacker, Three Others – What It Means

Jul 22, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Illinois head coach Bret Bielema speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Illinois Football Offers Fast-Rising Edge Rusher From Florida

Dec 30, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema hoist the trophy with Doug from Liberty Mutual against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Illinois Football Offers Florida Quarterback and Texas Linebacker – What It Means

Olympic Sports

See More

Jeremy Hunter was named Illinois wrestling's permanent head coach on Thursday after serving 25 years as an assistant for the program and assuming the role of acting head coach in December.

Illinois Wrestling Names Jeremy Hunter Permanent Head Coach

Jun 1, 2024; Hamilton, Ontario, CAN; Adrien Dumont de Chassart hits his tee shot at the seventh hole during the third round of the RBC Canadian Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Former Illini Adrien Dumont de Chassart Wins Event With Record-Breaking Round

Mar 22, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Lucas Byrd of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates win against Drake Ayala of the Iowa Hawkeyes (not pictured) during the Division I Men's Wrestling Championship held at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Defending National Champ Lucas Byrd Will Return to Illinois for Senior Season

Jul 25, 2024; Blaine, Minnesota, USA; Nick Hardy hits his tee shot on the tenth hole during the first round of the 3M Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Former Illinois Golfer Nick Hardy Shoots Another Low Round to Close 3M Open

May 23, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Nick Hardy plays his shot from the ninth tee during the second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images

Illinois Golf Alum Nick Hardy Fires Another Steady Round at 3M Open

Feb 25, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Shauna Green watches her team play the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

Illinois Women's Basketball Offers Dynamic Freshman Daughter of Former Illini

May 23, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Nick Hardy watches his shot from the ninth tee during the second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images

Illinois Golf's Max Herendeen and Alum Nick Hardy Deliver in 3M Open First Round

North Fort Myers resident John Berg has collected putters, drivers and irons in Illinois, the Miami area, Lake Okeechobee and now North Fort Myers.

Fnp 012321 Rr Nf Golf Collector003

Illinois Golf Rising Star Max Herendeen Set to Make PGA Tour Debut

Takedown Policy

Terms and Conditions

SI Accessibility Statement

© 2026 ABG-SI LLC - SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Betting and gambling content is intended for individuals 21+ and is based on individual commentators' opinions and not that of Sports Illustrated or its affiliates, licensees and related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only and not a guarantee of success or profit. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.