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

Sep 4, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Montana Grizzlies head coach Bobby Hauck stands on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Washington Huskies at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

New Illinois DC Bobby Hauck Isn't Big on Stats – But These Two Numbers Matter

Hauck is laser-focused on a couple specific defensive stats, both of which were major strengths at his last stop

Jackson Langendorf

|

3 Hours Ago

Latest News

Comparing Every Illinois Basketball 2026-27 Freshman to a Former Illini

Illinois Basketball Making Late Push for 2027 5-Star Darius Wabbington

Is Illinois Basketball Freshman Lucas Morillo Overlooked Heading Into 2026-27?

Why Bret Bielema Was 'Pissed Off' by a Preseason Award Watch List Snub

5-Star Brady Pettigrew to Visit Illinois: Breaking Down His Recruitment and Game

Breaking Down Stefan Vaaks' and Ethan Brown's Illinois Basketball Summer Highlights

Should Illinois Basketball Add a Fifth-Year Player for 2026-27?

Who Will Earn Illinois Basketball's Final Rotation Spot in 2026-27?

Can Lincoln Williams Make an Immediate Impact for Illinois Basketball in Year 1?

Illini Featured Stories

Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) reacts in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

What Illinois Basketball Would Need From Zvonimir Ivisic as a Starter

Jul 28, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Football head coach Bret Bielema speaks during Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

3 Reasons Illinois Moved Elite Safety Recruit Jacob Eberhart to Wide Receiver

Sep 14, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Xavier Scott (14) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Football's Xavier Scott Is Back – And He's Ready for Any Role in 2026

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts after a play against the UConn Huskies during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Two Illinois Players Who Must Step Up If David Mirkovic Misses Time

Football

See More

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

Bret Bielema Reveals Illinois Football's Under-the-Radar Position Battle

Oct 16, 2025; Greenville, North Carolina, USA; East Carolina Pirates quarterback Katin Houser (4) rolls out of the pocket against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane during the first half at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Illinois' Barry Lunney Jr. Reveals What He Has Seen From Katin Houser

Aug 29, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema before a game with the Western Illinois Leathernecks at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Bret Bielema Explains Why Two Illinois Football Players Switched Positions

Jul 28, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Football head coach Bret Bielema speaks during Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Illinois' Bret Bielema Provides Comprehensive Injury Update Ahead of 2026 Season

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

Where Illinois Football and Its 2026 Opponents Rank in Preseason Coaches Poll

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

Ranking the Big Ten's 10 Best Head Coaches: Where Does Bret Bielema Land?

Jul 28, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Football head coach Bret Bielema speaks during Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

What Bret Bielema Expects Out of His New Illinois Defense

Nov 1, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema before an NCAA game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois' Bret Bielema Takes Another Shot at SEC: 'They Want to Live in 2005 Forever'

Basketball

See More

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts after a play against the UConn Huskies during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

ESPN Projects Illinois Basketball's 2026-27 Ceiling and Floor: Are They Too Low?

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) is defended by Connecticut Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Breaking Down David Mirkovic's Best-Case Recovery Timeline

Nov 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) reacts during the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

David Mirkovic Undergoes Surgery: What Is Illinois' Next Step?

Dec 6, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) reacts after a made three point basket against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Big Ten Center Power Rankings 2026-27: Does Tomislav Ivisic Claim the Top Spot?

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

Reacting to Quentin Coleman's Incredible Illinois Summer Highlights

Dec 29, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the second half against the Southern University Jaguars at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball's Three Most Dangerous Big Ten Trap Games in 2026-27

Nov 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) looks to pass the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Big Ten Power Forward 2026-27 Power Rankings: Does David Mirkovic Stand Alone?

Michigan State's Divine Ugochukwu, right, meets with Illinois' head coach Brad Underwood before the game on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

3 Big Ten Matchups That Could Decide Illinois Basketball's 2026-27 Title Chase

Recruiting

See More

Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball to Host Five-Star 2028 Recruit Dylan Betts for Unofficial Visit

Nov 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood walks to the court before the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Sets Visit With Five-Star 2027 Guard NaVorro Bowman Jr.

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts against the Connecticut Huskies in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball Offers Class of 2028 No. 1 Prospect AJ Williams

Jan 17, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood before the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Recruiting: 2027 Target to Schedule Visit, 2028 Prospect Makes EYBL History

Feb 8, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks on during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Illinois Enters Race for Versatile 2028 Five-Star Benjamin Berrouet: How He'd Fit

Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema during the second quarter of a Big Ten football game against Penn State, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa.

Illinois Gets Commitment From Three-Star Cornerback Trezavant Boyd: What It Means

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 Basketball Extends Offer to Under-the-Radar 2027 Forward Ed Stasys

Illinois coach Bret Bielema celebrates after the Illini's 30-28 win over No. 23 Tennessee in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30, 2025, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Illinois Gets Commitment From Defensive Back Darryl Flemister: What It Means

Olympic Sports

See More

Brandon Dang competes in the pommel horse on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024 during the Winter Cup Men s Day 2 Competition at the Kentucky International Convention Center.

Illinois Men's Gymnast Brandon Dang Wins National Title

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

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

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

Illinois Wrestling Coach Mike Poeta Receives Contract Extension

Jul 6, 2025; Silvis, Illinois, USA; Brian Campbell lines up a putt on the 9th hole during the final round of the John Deere Classic golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Illinois Golf Alum Brian Campbell Wins the John Deere Classic

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.