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

Mar 18, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) shoots the ball during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Staff Picks: Who Wins No. 3 Seed Illinois vs No. 14 Seed Penn?

The Illini (23-7, 14-5 Big Ten) and Terrapins (11-19, 4-15) are headed in different directions, but anything can happen in March

Jason Langendorf

|

8 Hours Ago

Latest News

How Injury to Penn's Ethan Roberts Affects Illinois in the NCAA Tournament

3 Things to Watch When Illinois Faces Penn in the NCAA Tournament

5 Key Stats That Could Define Illinois Basketball's 2026 NCAA Tournament Run

How to Watch Illinois vs. Penn in the NCAA Tournament

College Basketball Experts Reveal Illinois' 2026 NCAA Tournament Predictions

Former Illinois Target Plans to Enter Transfer Portal Again – Time to Reconnect?

Illinois Basketball's NCAA Tournament Chances Depend on These Three Players

Why Illinois Has the Pieces to Make a March Madness Run

Can Illinois and Brad Underwood Change Their NCAA Tournament Narrative?

Illini Featured Stories

Mar 8, 2026; College Park, Maryland, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) reacts after shooting a three point basket during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

One Area of Improvement for Every Illinois Player for the NCAA Tournament

Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood during the Big Ten Tournament at the United Center.

Brad Underwood Faces 'Great Friend' Fran McCaffery in NCAA Tournament

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

ESPN's Jay Bilas Predicts a Deep Illinois Run – But a Familiar Foe Looms

Nov 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

ESPN Analytics Predict Illinois vs. Penn NCAA Tournament Matchup

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

How Far Can Illinois Go? Breaking Down Its NCAA Women's Tournament Path

Feb 4, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Brad Underwood on What Illinois Needs for a Deep NCAA Tournament Run

Mar 13, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) celebrates after scoring against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

How Far Can Illinois Go? Projecting the NCAA Tournament South Region

Feb 8, 2022; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers head coach Matt Painter and Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood talk after the game at Mackey Arena. Boilermakers won 84-68. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Did Illinois Get Snubbed? The Case for a No. 2 Seed Over Purdue

The Illinois women's basketball team celebrates its upset of Michigan State in the Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament last week at the United Center in Chicago.

3 First Impressions of Illinois Women's Basketball's NCAA Tournament Draw

Dec 20, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Penn Quakers head coach Fran McCaffery reacts during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

First Look at Illinois' NCAA Tournament First-Round Opponent: Penn Quakers

Feb 1, 2026; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood walks onto the court before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

3 Immediate Takeaways From Illinois' NCAA Tournament Draw

Illinois head coach Brad Underwood is shown during overtime of their quarterfinal game in the Big Ten tournament Friday, March 13, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Wisconsin beat Illinois 91-88.

Social Media Reacts to Illinois Landing a No. 3 Seed in the NCAA Tournament

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.