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 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) passes against the High Point Panthers during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

Basketball

Boswell is taking the next step in his hoops journey, and he is off to a quick start with a spectacular performance at the Portsmouth Invitational

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

The Illini have continued their successful retention efforts, securing the talents of Jake Davis for another year

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

Alex Constanza, a versatile 2026 wing, is back on the market. Should Illinois pursue him again?

Feb 10, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) drives the ball past Illinois Fighting Illini forward Jake Davis (15) during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

Three top contenders have seemingly emerged for the sought-after Wisconsin transfer Blackwell. Which team has the edge?

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 Illini added Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks via the portal on Sunday. What position does he slot into – and why is it so important?

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

Basketball

The Illini were already expected to be one of the best teams in the country, but Vaaks' pledge only elevates their status

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

Basketball

The Illini have officially lost six players from last year's squad. Here is what's next.

Wisconsin guard John Blackwell moves the ball up the court as the Oregon Ducks host the Wisconsin Badgers on Feb. 25, 2026, at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon.

Basketball

Will the Illini still be involved in John Blackwell's recruitment after landing Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks?

Feb 11, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Providence Friars guard Stefan Vaaks (7) at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini have once again reaped the benefits of the portal, adding uber-talented wing Stefan Vaaks on Sunday

Mar 21, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) shoots a free throw in 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

The Illini lead guard is off to the next level. Here's everything to know about his future.

Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Braeden Carrington (0) and guard John Blackwell (25) react during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Basketball

The highly coveted transfer Blackwell is reportedly down to six schools. Which program makes the most sense?

Feb 23, 2025; Wichita, Kansas, USA; Tulane Green Wave guard Rowan Brumbaugh (7) drives to the basket around Wichita State Shockers guard Xavier Bell (1) during the first half at Charles Koch Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini have reportedly shown interest in Tulane transfer Rowan Brumbaugh. Here's what to know about him.

Jackson Langendorf

Joined: Oct 21, 2024

How Andrej Stojakovic's Return Impacts Illinois' Pursuit of John Blackwell

3 Best Transfer Destinations for Illinois Basketball's Ty Rodgers

Did Keaton Wagler Nearly Return to Illinois for the 2026-27 Season?

Why Hasn't Illinois' Andrej Stojakovic Announced 2026-27 Plans – And Will He Return?

Basketball

Illinois' Kylan Boswell Shines in Senior Showcase – Did He Boost His NBA Draft Stock?

Basketball

Jake Davis Is Back at Illinois – Why His Return Is So Important

Basketball

Illinois Target Alex Constanza Reopens Recruitment – Will the Illini Make a Move?

Basketball

John Blackwell Transfer Prediction: Will He Choose Illinois, UCLA or Louisville?

Basketball

What Is Stefan Vaaks' True Position? Why His Role Is Crucial for Illinois

Basketball

Where Illinois Ranks in Jon Rothstein's Top 45 After Stefan Vaaks Commitment

Basketball

Illinois Basketball 2026 Offseason Tracker: Departures, Additions, What's Next

Basketball

What Stefan Vaaks’ Commitment Means for Illinois’ Pursuit of John Blackwell

Illinois Lands Top-15 Transfer Stefan Vaaks – Full Scouting Report and Team Fit

Illinois' Keaton Wagler Declares for NBA Draft: What to Know

Breaking Down John Blackwell’s Top Transfer Fits – And Why Illinois Makes the Most Sense

Who is Rowan Brumbaugh? Why Illinois is Interested in the Sweet-Shooting Transfer