Pranav Hegde

Joined: Apr 10, 2025

Primarily covers Illinois football, basketball and golf, with an emphasis on news, analysis and features. Hegde, an electrical engineering student at Illinois with an affinity for sports writing, has been writing for On SI since April 2025. He can be followed and reached on Instagram @pranavhegde__.

Nov 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Zvonimir Ivisic (44) and teammate Jake Davis (15) react during the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini officially lost their first player to the portal on Saturday when Mihailo Petrovic announced he would be leaving Champaign.

Apr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Toni Bilic (9) shoots the ball during a practice session ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini lost their second player to the portal on Saturday, with Bilic set to depart from Champaign.

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ben Humrichous (3) shoots over Connecticut Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Basketball

Humrichous transformed from a defensive liability into one of college basketball’s best role players – and perhaps a pro-level talent

UConn Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) defends and is called for a foul against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) on Saturday, April 4, 2026, during a Final Four game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Basketball

Should Keaton Wagler return to Champaign or enter the NBA Draft? Breaking down the strongest case for both sides.

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini players react from the bench against the Connecticut Huskies in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Basketball

The shots just didn't fall for the Illini as their season was ended Saturday by the Huskies – and social media sounded off about it

Nov 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) is guarded by UConn Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11) in the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Mirkovic and Karaban are two of the most undervalued players left in the tournament. Who has the advantage in Saturday's Final Four showdown?

Mar 21, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood and VCU Rams head coach Phil Martelli Jr. shake hands after the game during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini defense has been stout so far in the NCAA Tournament, but it will need to step up again for Illinois to take down the Huskies

Dec 30, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Miles Scott (10), quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) and offensive lineman Josh Kreutz (64) hoist the trophy after defeating the Tennessee Volunteers at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Football

Illinois faces a tougher road in 2026. Here is how Illini fans should feel about every likely potential record this season.

Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood and players celebrate with the trophy on the podium after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in 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

The Illini spent years falling short before finally getting over the hump with this season’s run to Indianapolis

Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) and guard AJ Redd (5) and guard Brandon Lee (1) celebrate after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

After finishing the season 4-5, the Illini have flipped the script, reeling off four consecutive wins to get to Indianapolis

Nov 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) looks to drive past UConn Huskies guard Solo Ball (1) in the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Huskies are one of March’s most dangerous teams, but the Illini have a unique advantage heading into the Final Four matchup

Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley hoists the east regional trophy after defeating the Duke Blue Devils in an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Basketball

For the first time since 2005, the Illini are back in the Final Four – where this year the UConn Huskies await them

Pranav Hegde

Joined: Apr 10, 2025

What Stood Out From Illinois Commit Lucas Morillo at the Nike Hoop Summit

Basketball

Illinois Guard Mihailo Petrovic Enters Transfer Portal: What It Means for the Illini

Basketball

Illinois Forward Toni Bilic Enters Transfer Portal: What It Means for the Illini

Basketball

Has Illinois' Ben Humrichous Become a Legitimate NBA Prospect?

Basketball

Keaton Wagler’s Big Decision: Return to Illinois or Enter the 2026 NBA Draft?

Basketball

David Mirkovic vs Alex Karaban: Who Has the Edge in Illinois-UConn?

Basketball

The Defensive Gamble That Could Swing Illinois vs. UConn in the Final Four

Football

What Would Count as Success for Illinois Football in 2026?

How Years of March Disappointments Built This Illinois Final Four Team

From Late-Season Slide to Final Four: How Illinois Turned It Around

UConn Has Ruled March – But Illinois Has an Edge the Huskies Can't Counter

First Look at Illinois Basketball's Final Four Opponent: UConn Huskies