Jackson Langendorf

Jackson Langendorf

Primarily covers Illinois football and basketball, and Kansas basketball, with an emphasis on analysis, features and recruiting. Langendorf, a third-generation University of Illinois alum, has been watching Illini basketball and football for as long as he can remember. An advertising student and journalism devotee, he has been writing for On SI since October 2024. He can be followed and reached on X @jglangendorf.

Feb 8, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) drives towards the basket as Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Dawson Garcia (3) defends during the second half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Basketball

How to Watch: Illinois Basketball vs. UCLA (Game 25)

The Illini may be ready to build toward consistent excellence, but it will have to start against the scorching-hot Bruins

Jackson Langendorf
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Feb 8, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Will Riley (7) and guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) celebrate during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Basketball

3 Key Numbers From Illinois Basketball's Win Over Minnesota

The dynamic freshman pair of Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley pushed the Illini to a blowout victory

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Feb 5, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) shoots the ball against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Basketball

3 Big Questions for Illinois Basketball at Minnesota

Can the Illini slow Dawson Garcia and spark Kasparas Jakucionis? We're waiting for the answers

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Feb 2, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ben Humrichous (3) shoots the ball as Ohio State Buckeyes forward Devin Royal (21) defends during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Basketball

Why Illinois Basketball Should Keep Shooting Threes Despite Its Critics

Poor shooting has cost the Illini games, but there's a strong argument that says they should keep firing

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Feb 5, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) is helped off the court by teammates during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Basketball

How to Watch: Illinois Basketball at Minnesota (Game 24)

Can the Illini come together and find their footing again in a road matchup with the Golden Gophers?

Jackson Langendorf
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Feb 5, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) and guard Dylan Harper (2) rebound against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) during the second half at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Basketball

3 Key Numbers From Illinois Basketball's Loss at Rutgers

Too many transition buckets and too much Dylan Harper proved to be too much to overcome for the Illini

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Mar 30, 2024; Boston, MA, USA;Illinois Fighting Illini forward Marcus Domask (3) dribbles the ball against Connecticut Huskies guard Cam Spencer (12) in the finals of the East Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Basketball

Former Illini Marcus Domask Signs a Deal With European Club

The king of Booty Ball is taking his talents to the Fraport Skyliners and Germany's Bundesliga

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Feb 2, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard Evan Mahaffey (12) reaches for the ball as Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) has possession during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Basketball

3 Big Questions for Illinois Basketball at Rutgers

Slowing Scarlet Knights freshman swingman Ace Bailey will be at the top of the Illini's to-do list Wednesday

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Feb 2, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) drives the ball past Ohio State Buckeyes guard John Mobley Jr. (0) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Basketball

How to Watch: Illinois Basketball at Rutgers (Game 23)

The Illini seek to put together back-to-back wins for the first time in nearly a month

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Jan 30, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood talks to the bench during the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Basketball

3 Key Numbers From Illinois Basketball's Win Over Ohio State

A team effort in the scoring column and on the glass helped the Illini prevail against the Buckeyes

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Jan 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA;  Illinois Fighting Illini guard Tre White (22) controls the ball during the first half against the USC Trojans at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Basketball

3 Big Questions for Illinois Basketball vs. Ohio State

The Illini have more to answer for than usual as they meet a Buckeyes' team on a three-game heater

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Jan 30, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) drives against Nebraska Cornhuskers forward Andrew Morgan (23) during overtime at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Basketball

How to Watch: Illinois Basketball vs. Ohio State (Game 22)

The Illini picked a tough time to try to get back on track, with a scorching-hot Buckeyes squad up next

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