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Sep 27, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Ca'Lil Valentine (5) runs the ball as Southern California Trojans safety Kendarius Reddick (41) defends during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Ca'Lil Valentine Answered Illinois' RB1 Question Loud and Clear in Week 1

After Week 1, it's clear who is going to be leading the ground attack for the Illini, but just how much will Illinois lean on Valentine?

Jackson Langendorf

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21 Hours Ago

Latest News

Illinois QB Katin Houser Delivered a Welcome Surprise in Week 1

The Five-Play Stretch vs. UAB That Revealed Illinois' Biggest Problem

Bret Bielema Reveals Why Illinois' Defense Struggled vs. UAB – and Takes the Blame

The Most Encouraging Stat From Illinois Football's Week 1 Win Over UAB

Hottest Takes From Illinois Football's Win Over UAB

Illinois Football 2026 Projected Depth Chart: Live Lineup and Injury Tracker

ESPN Names Illinois QB Katin Houser a Breakout Candidate for 2026

How to Watch: Illinois Football vs. UAB in Week 1

Illinois Football's 2026 Depth Is Stronger Than Expected at This Position

Illini Featured Stories

Dec 31, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Jaheim Clarke (25) celebrates his fumble recovery against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the third quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Defensive Back Juice Clarke

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 2026 Scouting Report: Linebacker Grant Beerman

Oct 19, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Matthew Bailey (7) reacts after a turnover against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Defensive Back Matthew Bailey

Sep 14, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois fighting Illini long snapper Aiden Hall helps long snapper Pat Farrell with his jersey before a game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Defensive Lineman Pat Farrell

Football

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Jacksonville State's Darrell Prater tackles Coastal Carolina's Ethan Vasko during college football action at Burgess-Snow Field AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama August 29, 2024. (Dave Hyatt / Special to the Gadsden Times)

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Defensive Lineman Darrell Prater

Illinois offensive tackle Nathan Knapik (71) lines up for a play during the Illini's 30-28 win over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl in Nashville, Tennessee, on Dec. 30, 2025.

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Offensive Tackle Nathan Knapik

Dec 31, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Jaheim Clarke (25) celebrates his fumble recovery against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the third quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

5 Illinois Football Players Facing Massive Expectations in 2026

Sep 6, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema during the third quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Guard Maika Matelau

Dec 31, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; The Illinois Fighting Illini huddle up before the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

How EA Sports' 'College Football 27' Predicts Illinois’ 2026 Season

Sep 20, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini offensive lineman Brandon Henderson (94) scores a touchdown against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Guard Brandon Henderson

Wisconsin offensive lineman Jake Renfro (57) provides pass protection during the second quarter of their game against Miami (Ohio) Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Center Jake Renfro

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

3 Things We Will Learn About Illinois Football In Season Opener vs. UAB

Basketball

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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

5-Star Bentley Lusakueno to Visit Illinois: Ranking Illini's Top September Visitors

Jan 24, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks at a referee during the first half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Brad Underwood Reveals Illinois Basketball's New Hurdle

Mar 8, 2026; College Park, Maryland, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood walks down the court during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Brad Underwood Provides Insight Into Key Illinois Returners' 2026-27 Outlook

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

Brad Underwood Shares His Take on the Chaotic Landscape of College Basketball

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

Final Four Is a 'Great Drug' – And Why Brad Underwood Thinks Illinois Can Have It Again

Jan 2, 2026; Mesa, AZ, USA; Spire Institute (OH) guard King Gibson (2) against Arizona Compass Prep during the HoopHall West Tournament at Skyline High School. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball Makes Top 10 for 5-Star 2027 Guard King Gibson

Illinois men's basketball coach Brad Underwood speaks to the media after the Illini's 92-65 exhibition win over Illinois State on Oct. 19 at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.

Illinois Basketball Adds Transfer to Fill Final Roster Spot: Who Is Quentin McCoy?

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

Brad Underwood Names Illinois Freshman Summer Standouts – Including a 'Big Surprise'

Recruiting

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East Peoria’s Quinton Kitt (23) shoots over Peoria High’s Jacob Duffin Jr. in the first half of their high school basketball game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 at Peoria High School. The Lions defeated the Raiders 65-61.

Illinois Four-Star Commit Quinton Kitt to Make Official Visit to Champaign

Feb 27, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood greets the crowd before the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Adds to Growing List of 5-Star Visits With Versatile Wing Moussa Kamissoko

Oct 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema during warmups prior to a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Bennett Konkey Could Give Illinois a Unique Weapon in 2027 – And Just Showed Why

Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood watches the action Friday, March 14, 2025, in a quarterfinals game at the 2025 TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament between the Maryland Terrapins and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Illinois Basketball Offers Nation's No. 1 2028 Power Forward Bentley Lusakueno

Sunnsylope forward Darius Wabbington (21) drives on St Mary’s forward Cam Williams (1) during the Open Boys Championship game at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix on March 7, 2026.

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

Jan 21, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood greets fans as he enters the floor during pre-game introductions at State Farm Center in a matchup against the Maryland Terrapins.. Mandatory Credit: Fred Zwicky-Imagn Images

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

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.

Olympic Sports

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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

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