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 guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) controls the ball against Iowa Hawkeyes guard Tate Sage (24) in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Basketball

Three Illini were projected in ESPN's post-lottery NBA mock draft, headlined by Keaton Wagler in the top five

Dec 6, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) goes up to dunk the ball but goes off the back of the rim against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini wing displayed his NBA-level athleticism in front of scouts in Chicago on Monday

Dec 9, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) handles the ball as Ohio State Buckeyes guard John Mobley Jr. (0) defends during the first halfat Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini freshman had unexpected NBA Draft Combine measurements – which may harm his draft stock

Dec 6, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) drives to the basket past Tennessee Volunteers guard Bishop Boswell (3) during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Basketball

If the Illini wing decides to stay in the draft, what is his ceiling and floor? And how might each be heavily influenced by this week's draft combine?

Nov 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini are set to enter the 2026-27 campaign as a national title contender. Is a No. 1 seed the expectation?

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 again have one of the premier high school recruiting classes in the country – but in a year they weren't necessarily expected to

Dec 6, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood yells to his team against the Tennessee Volunteersduring the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini sit outside the top 10 in Bart Torvik's early projections. Are they a touch too low or is the metric way off?

Mar 8, 2026; College Park, Maryland, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) celebrates with center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini are seeking another Final Four appearance next year. For that to happen, each returner must make an improvement or two.

July 19, 2025; North Augusta, South Carolina, USA; Brad Beal Elite Quentin Coleman (1) gestures to a teammate as Team Durant Evans Barning Jr. (7) defends during the Brad Beal Elite and Team Durant game at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam at Riverview Park Activity Center. Brad Beal Elite won 91-59. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale - Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY NETWORK

Basketball

The Illini pledge scored 31 points and snagged 12 rebounds on Saturday night. Will he be Illinois' lead guard?

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's outgoing transfers remain without new destinations as of early May. What level will each departure choose?

Apr 25, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) reacts after scoring a three-point shot against the Denver Nuggets in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Basketball

Terrence Shannon Jr. and Ayo Dosunmu each stepped up in a massive way to spark the Timberwolves in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs

Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks on before an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini welcome a handful of new faces to Champaign for the 2026-27 season. We grade each addition below.

Jackson Langendorf

Joined: Oct 21, 2024

Projecting Illinois' Preseason Ranking With – and Without – Andrej Stojakovic

Keaton Wagler’s 2026 NBA Draft Combine Results – And What They Mean for His Stock

Kylan Boswell Shows Athleticism – But a Shaky Shot – at 2026 NBA Draft Combine

How Andrej Stojakovic’s Shooting at NBA Draft Combine Impacts His Decision

Basketball

Where Illinois' Keaton Wagler is Projected in ESPN's Latest NBA Mock Draft

Basketball

Andrej Stojakovic Turns Heads at NBA Draft Combine With Strong Physical Testing

Basketball

Keaton Wagler's Official Measurements Released – Why His NBA Draft Stock Could Slip

Basketball

How High Is Andrej Stojakovic's 2026 NBA Draft Ceiling – And How Low Is His Floor?

Basketball

Andy Katz Projects Illinois as Top Seed in 2027 NCAAs – Is That the Expectation?

Basketball

Why Illinois' 2026 Recruiting Class Cracking ESPN's Top 25 Is So Impressive

Basketball

Illinois Ranked Surprisingly Low in Key Early 2026-27 Preseason Projection

Basketball

One Key Improvement for Every Illinois Basketball Returner in 2026-27

Illinois Commit Quentin Coleman Wins Iverson Classic MVP – Is He a 2026-27 Starter?

Illinois Basketball Transfers Still Searching for New Teams in 2026

Former Illinois Stars Fuel Minnesota Timberwolves' Push to NBA Playoffs Second Round

Grading Every Illinois Basketball Addition for the 2026-2027 Season