Jason Langendorf

Jason Langendorf

Jason Langendorf has covered Illinois basketball, football and more for Illinois on SI since October 2024, and has covered Illini sports – among other subjects – for 30 years. A veteran of ESPN and Sporting News, he has published work in The Guardian, Vice, Chicago Sun-Times and many other outlets. He is currently also the U.S. editor at BoxingScene and a judge for the annual BWAA writing awards. He can be followed and reached on X and Bluesky @JasonLangendorf.

Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois wideout Pat Bryant (WO08) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Football

Where The Athletic Projects Illinois' Pat Bryant to Be Picked in the NFL Draft

The Athletic's 2025 NFL Draft guide – known as "The Beast" – breaks down where the 6-foot-2, 204-pound Bryant fits

Jason Langendorf
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Jan 13, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Lee Corso smiles while on the ESPN set prior to the College Football Playoff national championship game with Clemson Tigers playing against the LSU Tigers at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images
Football

Remembering the Moment ESPN's Lee Corso Delighted Illini Nation

With the iconic "College GameDay" analyst set to retire next season, many Illini fans share a favorite "Coach" moment

Jason Langendorf
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Feb 15, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; California Golden Bears guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) shoots against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first half at McCamish Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Basketball

Should Illinois and Brad Underwood Pursue Son of Former NBA Star in Portal?

Would California forward Andrej Stojakovic, son of former NBA star Peja Stojakovic, be a fit in Champaign?

Jason Langendorf
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Nov 2, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA;  Illinois Fighting Illini running back Josh McCray (6) runs for a touchdown during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Football

Breaking Away: Illinois Running Back Josh McCray Enters Transfer Portal

In a move that caught most by surprise, McCray – the Illini's lead runner – will reportedly enter the portal

Jason Langendorf
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Nov 20, 2024; Birmingham, AL, USA; Alabama forward Derrion Reid (35), Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) and Illinois forward Will Riley (7) struggle to control a loose ball in the CM Newton Classic at Legacy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
Basketball

Social Media Reaction to NBA Decisions of Illini Kasparas Jakucionis, Will Riley

Illinois' top freshman declared for the NBA Draft on Monday, and the social media chatter was predictably brisk

Jason Langendorf
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Illinois forward Will Riley (7) is shown during practice before their first round NCAA men’ s basketball tournament game Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Basketball

Illinois Freshman Forward Will Riley Announces He Will Enter NBA Draft

Riley will wave goodbye to the Illini after a freshman campaign in which he earned Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year honors

Jason Langendorf
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Jan 22, 2025; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Maddie Webber (34) drives the ball against UConn Huskies guard Ashlynn Shade (12) in the first half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Basketball

Illinois Women's Basketball Lands Impact Villanova Transfer Maddie Webber

Webber, a 5-foot-11 combo guard, brings scoring, shooting and experience to the Illini's depleted backcourt

Jason Langendorf
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Apr 10, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Brian Campbell tees off on no. 5 during the first round of the Masters Tournament. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Olympic Sports

Former Illinois Golfer Brian Campbell Finishes Strong at The Masters

Campbell fired a 4-under 68 on Sunday to make up 20 spots and finish T-32 in his first Masters appearance

Jason Langendorf
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Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA;  An Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleader performs prior to the game against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Basketball

Scouting Illinois Signee David Mirkovic, Recruit Dame Sarr at Nike Hoops Summit

Is Mirkovic better than advertised? Will Sarr's rise heat up competition for Illinois to secure his commitment?

Jason Langendorf
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Jan 26, 2023; Pullman, Washington, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Kerr Kriisa (25) shoots the ball against Washington State Cougars guard Dylan Darling (22) in the first half at Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
Basketball

Illinois in the Mix to Land Big Sky Player of the Year Through Transfer Portal

The Illini are reportedly "involved" with transfer Dylan Darling, a 6-foot-2 Idaho State guard who earn conference POY honors last season

Jason Langendorf
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Iowa Hawkeyes guard Aaliyah Guyton (11) drives to the basket against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at the end of regulation Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
Recruiting

Illinois Lands Iowa Transfer and Daughter of Former Indiana All-American

Aaliyah Guyton, a 5-foot-7 guard who averaged 4.7 points and 1.2 rebounds for Iowa as a freshman, has transferred to Illinois

Jason Langendorf
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Illinois guard Kylan Boswell (4) and Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) celebrate their victory over Xavier at the end of their first round NCAA men’ s basketball tournament game on Friday March 21, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis.
Basketball

Where Illinois Ranks Among the Most Valuable College Hoops Programs

The Illini secured a spot in a recent expert analysis that may surprise even some die-hard fans

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