Illini now
Steven Greenberg

Steven Greenberg

Joined: Sep 28, 2024

Steve Greenberg, a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, has written about college sports since the early 1990s.

Dec 6, 2024; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) scores against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Basketball

Can Illinois Basketball Handle No. 20 Wisconsin, New No. 1 Tennessee?

The Illini fell from the AP Top 25 after losing at Northwestern, but now comes a huge opportunity to move up against the Badgers and, especially, the Volunteers

Steven Greenberg
|
Nov 30, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Aidan Laughery (21) celebrates with quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) after scoring a touchdown against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football vs. South Carolina in Citrus Bowl Is Official

The 9-3 Illini will meet the 9-3 Gamecocks at 2 p.m. CST on New Year's Eve.

Steven Greenberg
|
Dec 6, 2024; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) dunks the ball on Northwestern Wildcats center Matthew Nicholson (34) during the first half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Basketball

Northwestern's Chris Collins Offers High Praise for Illinois Basketball

"We got a little fortunate," Collins said after NU's overtime win Friday. "How good are those kids going to be?"

Steven Greenberg
|
Tennessee guard Chaz Lanier (2) attempts a shot past Syracuse forward Chris Bell (4) during a college basketball game between Tennessee and Syracuse held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024.

Illinois Basketball's Next Shot to Upset an NCAA No. 1 – Tennessee – Is Coming Soon

The Vols should be atop the polls when they visit the State Farm Center next weekend

Steven Greenberg
|
Nov 22, 2024; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats forward Nick Martinelli (2) shoots over Pepperdine Waves forward Boubacar Coulibaly (12) during the second half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Basketball

Illinois Basketball vs. Northwestern: Odds, Trends and Prediction

The Illini are 3½-point favorites in their Big Ten opener at Welsh-Ryan Arena

Steven Greenberg
|
Nov 28, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) shoots the ball during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
Basketball

Illinois Basketball Climbing Fast in AP Top 25 After Dominant Win vs. Arkansas

The Illini moved up 12 spots in the voting from a week ago. Next: the Big Ten opener at Northwestern

Steven Greenberg
|
Nov 23, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Jaheim Clarke (25) celebrates a defensive stop with linebacker Ryan Meed (34) during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football vs. Northwestern: Odds, Trends and Prediction

The Illini are 7½-point favorites against the Wildcats in a rivalry matchup at Chicago's Wrigley Field

Steven Greenberg
|
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Arian Smith (11) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Zabien Brown (2) after a long reception to set up a touchdown at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated Georgia 41-34. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football on Collision Course with SEC Superpower

If the Illini beat Northwestern on Saturday, can they pack their bags for Disney World?

Steven Greenberg
|
Nov 23, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Josh McCray (6) celebrates his touchdown during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Football

Illinois Football Should Move Up in CFP Rankings – But How Far?

College football's new playoff rankings come out Tuesday

Steven Greenberg
|
Nov 23, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Will Riley (7) shoots the ball over Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks forward Jalen Ware (24) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Basketball

Illinois Basketball Tumbles – Too Far? – in Latest AP Top 25 Voting

Voters may have overcorrected on the Illini after their loss to outstanding Alabama

Steven Greenberg
|
Nov 23, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant (13) gains yards after catch as linebacker Dariel Djabome (28) pursues during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Football

Big Ten Football Week 14 Power Rankings: Illinois Cements Its Status

The Illini are smelling Citrus after an epic finish led by Luke Altmyer and Pat Bryant

Steven Greenberg
|
Mar 28, 2024; Boston, MA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) dunks the ball against the Iowa State Cyclones in the semifinals of the East Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Basketball

Illinois' Top 5 Non-Con Wins of Brad Underwood Era – With Alabama Looming

The No. 25 Illini face the No. 8 Crimson Tide as heavy underdogs on Wednesday night

Steven Greenberg
|