Jackson Langendorf

Joined: Oct 21, 2024

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.

Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Jake Davis (15) 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: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Basketball

After the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline, here is where top pundits – including those of us at Illinois on SI – rank the Illini nationally

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

Basketball

The Illini recently joined the race for Henry, who is the latest top recruit being targeted by Brad Underwood and his staff

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

Basketball

The Illini recently extended an offer to 2027 prospect Cayden Daughtry, who breaks the mold of the prototype Brad Underwood guard

Mar 21, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; VCU Rams guard Brandon Jennings (0) defends against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) during the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Basketball

Stojakovic has loads of talent, but can he sharpen the one tool that has eluded him until now to make the final leap next season?

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) warms up before a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the UConn Huskies at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Basketball

Stojakovic, who committed to a return to Illinois next season, is all but guaranteed to start – but who will join him in the lineup?

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

Football

The Illini are bringing in a mix of transfers, JUCO players and high school recruits to replenish their ranks

Feb 7, 2026; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) drives past Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) during overtime at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images

Basketball

Illinois' Andrej Stojakovic and Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr. may hold the keys that unlock the next conference championship

Jan 7, 2026; Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Providence Friars guard Stefan Vaaks (7) reacts to game action during the first half against the UConn Huskies at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Basketball

The league is bringing in a handful of stars, but which are the best – and does Vaaks pace the crew?

Jan 29, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) watches the dribble of Washington Huskies guard Zoom Diallo (5) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

Stojakovic seemingly is still weighing his options, but NBA executives agree on what his choice should be

Jan 21, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) brings the ball up against Maryland Terrapins guard David Coit (8) in the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Fred Zwicky-Imagn Images

Basketball

Wagler has proven himself as a ball-dominant force, but his NBA success may hinge on what he's capable of off the ball

Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts in the first 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: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini are capable of finishing atop the Big Ten standings in 2026-27, but they must do these three things to have a shot

Basketball

The Illini typically have specific molds their targets fit into, but Lewis Uvwo fits into none of them

Jackson Langendorf

Joined: Oct 21, 2024

Does Jake Davis Have a Chance to Start For Illinois in 2026-27?

Still-Too-Early Big Ten Basketball 2026-27 Power Rankings: Is Illinois No. 1?

Illinois Climbs to Rightful Spot in Updated Bart Torvik 2026-27 Preseason Rankings

Does Illinois Basketball Have Another One-and-Done Prospect in Quentin Coleman?

Basketball

Where College Basketball Experts Rank Illinois Heading Into 2026-27

Basketball

Illinois Basketball Offers 2027 Consensus Five-Star Wing DeMarcus Henry

Basketball

Illinois Basketball Targets Dynamic Five-Star Guard Cayden Daughtry

Basketball

Can Illinois' Andrej Stojakovic Become an All-American in 2026-27?

Basketball

Illinois Basketball's Projected 2026-27 Starting Lineup With Andrej Stojakovic

Football

3 Illinois Football Newcomers to Know Before the 2026 Season

Basketball

How Andrej Stojakovic, Jeremy Fears Jr. NBA Decisions Could Impact Big Ten Race

Basketball

Ranking the Big Ten's Top Incoming Transfers: Is Illinois' Stefan Vaaks No. 1?

NBA Executives Reportedly Aligned on Andrej Stojakovic's Draft Future

The One Question That May Determine Keaton Wagler's NBA Success

3 Musts for Illinois Basketball to Win the Big Ten in 2026-27

Illinois Pursuing a Different Type of Target in 2027 Four-Star Lewis Uvwo