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

Nov 27, 2025; San Diego, CA, USA; Providence Friars guard Stefan Vaaks (7) handles the ball against Wisconsin Badgers during the first half at Jenny Craig Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images

What Illinois Learned From Stefan Vaaks' Strong FIBA Performance With Estonia

Vaaks showcased his well-known skills with Estonia – but also flashed some abilities Illini fans may not have expected

Jackson Langendorf

|

6 Hours Ago

Latest News

Former Illini Update: Mihailo Petrovic Finds New Home, Ben Humrichous Showing Out

Illinois' Next Lockdown Defender: Brad Underwood's Take and Our Top Three

Brad Underwood Raves About Freshman Lincoln Williams' 'Special' Athleticism

Brad Underwood Offers Take on David Mirkovic Passing on National Team

Illinois Coach Brad Underwood's Early Takeaways on Transfer Stefan Vaaks

Illinois Returnees Are 'Hungry' as Team Builds a New Identity for 2026-27

Illinois' Loaded Frontcourt Isn't a Finished Product: 'We Got to Get Better'

Why Illinois' 2026-27 Offense 'May Look Different' but Be Just as Effective

Is Freshman Guard Ethan Brown Illinois Basketball's Next Big Surprise?

Illini Featured Stories

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

Brad Underwood Provides Injury and Availability Updates for Multiple Illini

Mar 13, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Illinois Hosts 2028 Five-Star Guard Brady Pettigrew For Unofficial Visit

Apr 2, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois head coach Brad Underwood during a press conference ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball Offers Emerging 2027 Wing Jayon Connor

Mar 8, 2026; College Park, Maryland, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) drives to the basket on Maryland Terrapins center Collin Metcalf (45) during the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Why David Mirkovic Will Be Illinois' Most Valuable Player in 2026-27

Football

See More

Sep 20, 2025; Greenville, North Carolina, USA; East Carolina Pirates quarterback Katin Houser (4) throws the ball against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

EA Sports' 'College Football 27' Ratings Released: Who Is Illinois' Top-Rated Player?

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 Gets Commitment From Three-Star Safety Tyrone Howard Jr.: What It Means

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

Illinois Football Receive Commitment From 2027 Kicker Ulysses Morales

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

Illinois Football Gets Commitment From Four-Star Bennett Konkey: 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 Football Gets Commitment From Linebacker Anthony James: What It Means

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

Illinois Football Receives Commitment From Edge Ryan Paulsen: What It Means

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema is shown after their game Saturday, October 1, 2022 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Illinois beat Wisconsin 34-10.

MARK HOFFMAN/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL

Illinois Football Gets Commitment From Quarterback Sladen Shack: 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 Flips Three-Star Offensive Lineman Gavin Ericson-Staton: What It Means

Basketball

See More

Apr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood speaks during a press conference ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball's Top 2027 Recruiting Targets by Position

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

Big Ten Basketball Head Coach Rankings: Is Brad Underwood Top Three?

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the fifth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Illinois guard Keaton Wagler after he was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Social Media Reacts to Three Former Illinois Players Earning NBA Opportunities

Dec 9, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts to a call during the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

ESPN's 2027 NBA Mock Draft Projects Multiple Illini – But Here's What It Missed

Nov 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) brings the ball up court against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

What the Charlotte Hornets Are Getting in Illinois' Kylan Boswell

Dec 6, 2025; Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Providence Friars guard Stefan Vaaks (7) shoots the ball over Rhode Island Rams forward Tyler Cochran (23) for three points during the first half at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Illinois' Top 2027 NBA Draft Prospects: Quentin Coleman or Stefan Vaaks at No. 1?

Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ben Humrichous (3) shoots against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

What the Brooklyn Nets Are Getting in Illinois' Ben Humrichous

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the fifth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Illinois guard Keaton Wagler after he was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

What the Los Angeles Clippers Are Getting in Illinois' Keaton Wagler

Recruiting

See More

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

Illinois Basketball Offers Five-Star 2028 Center Dylan Betts

Dec 13, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood before the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball Offers Explosive 2027 Four-Star Forward Isaiah Santos

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

Illinois Basketball Class of 2026 Superlatives: Is Lincoln Williams the Best Athlete?

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 Lands Three-Star Tight End Cade Newman: What It Means

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 Basketball Lands Top 2026 In-State Recruit Lincoln Williams: What to Know

Illinois coach Bret Bielema disputes a call in the first quarter of the Music City Bowl against Tennessee in an NCAA football game on Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Illinois Football Signs Another JUCO Prospect in Deon Williams: What It Means

Jan 2, 2026; Mesa, AZ, USA; Arizona Compass Prep forward DeMarcus Henry (15) against Spire Institute (OH) during the HoopHall West Tournament at Skyline High School. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball Offers 2027 Consensus Five-Star Wing DeMarcus Henry

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

Illinois Basketball Targets Dynamic Five-Star Guard Cayden Daughtry

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

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

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.