Donate to the DI!
Listen to WPGU 107.1 FM!
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor

Hello! I’m Adam and I’m a senior majoring in journalism. I’m one of the assistant sports editors, and this is my second year with The DI. I love to talk about sports, so if you have any questions or desire to talk about a random athlete from 10 years ago or why Messi > Ronaldo, contact me at my email below!

Vytas Valincious celebrates hitting a homerun with the Illini during a baseball game on April 9.

Tied for Big Ten lead, Illinois hosts Ohio State for major weekend series

By Adam Rosen, Staff Writer • May 3, 2024
Freshman Pitcher Sam Reed throws a pitch out during a baseball game on April 9.

Illinois dives past No. 24 Indiana State in midweek run-rule victory

By Adam Rosen, Staff Writer • April 30, 2024
Senior shortstop Brody Harding swings at the 2-1 pitch in the bottom of the fifth inning against Northwestern on April 20.

Maryland slugs past Big Ten-leading Illinois, takes weekend series 2-1

By Adam Rosen, Staff Writer • April 28, 2024
Redshirt Sophomore Ben Plumley throwing out a strong pitch to the Illinois State Redbirds during a game on April 9.

Shutdown pitching, midgame offensive surge powers Illinois to eighth straight victory

By Adam Rosen, Staff Writer • April 23, 2024
Senior hitter Connor Milton celebrates with his teammate after hitting a home run against Northwestern on Saturday.

Red-hot Illini host Western Illinois Leathernecks in final game of season-long homestand

By Adam Rosen, Staff Writer • April 23, 2024
Illini Senior pitcher Jack Crowder pitches against Northern Illinois on April 12.

High-octane Illini offense hosts SIUE for first time in 15 years

By Adam Rosen, Staff Writer • April 16, 2024
Junior catcher #17 Camden Janik walking back to home plate as the Illini had a quick team talk at the pitchers mound during a game on March 26.

Illinois baseball heads to Minnesota for 3-game Big Ten matchup

By Adam Rosen, Staff Writer • April 5, 2024
Senior guard Makira Cook walks out for starting lineups on Feb. 9 against Northwestern. Cook led the Illini with 27 points in the April 3 win over Villanova.

Backcourt dominance leads Illinois over Villanova in WBIT final

By Adam Rosen and Tess Eken • April 3, 2024
Illinois women’s basketball team come together after a quick call made by the red early in the first quarter on Mar. 24.

Illinois women’s basketball heads to Tulsa for WBIT quarterfinals

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • March 28, 2024
A cheese omelet with a side of toast and hash browns from The Courier Café on Feb. 29.

Best of CU | Best Place to Take Your Mom to Brunch: The Courier Café

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • March 28, 2024
Grad student Jacob Schroeder and junior Camden Janik celebrate Jacob’s home run at the end of the game against Eastern Illinois on Feb. 28.

Illinois baseball thrashes Missouri in annual Braggin’ Rights matchup

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • March 26, 2024
Junior guard Adalia McKenzie speeds down the court and scores for the Illini in the WBIT game against Missouri State on Mar. 21.

Illinois dominates Stony Brook 79-62, advances to WBIT quarterfinals

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • March 24, 2024
Illini baseball celebrating a huge home run by teammate Drake Westscott on Feb. 28.

Illinois baseball takes 2 of 3 from Indiana in first Big Ten series of 2024

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • March 24, 2024
Junior guard Adalia McKenzie and Senior guard #1 Genesis Bryant ready to make a quick stop against the Lady bears on Thursday.

Notes, player grades from Illinois women’s basketball victory over Missouri State

By Adam Rosen and Tess Eken • March 21, 2024
Senior Guard Makira Cook surges past Missouri's defense in the first half, drawing a foul with her offensive drive on Thursday.

Cook, McKenzie lead Illinois past Missouri State in inaugural WBIT game

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • March 21, 2024

Illinois tops Bradley in high scoring midweek affair

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • March 19, 2024
Junior Camden Janik swings big as Illinois look for a run in the bottom of the first inning against Eastern Illinois on Feb. 27.

Illinois heads to Knoxville for 3-game series against No. 8 Tennessee

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • March 8, 2024

Illinois hosts annual Pro Day for potential NFL draftees

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • March 8, 2024

Illinois looks to continue season in Big Ten tournament

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • March 7, 2024
Senior forward Kendall Bostic directs her teammates' attention to a Nebraska defender late in the fourth quarter on Sunday.

Notes, player grades from Illinois women’s basketball win over Nebraska

By Adam Rosen and Tess Eken • March 3, 2024
Senior Makira Cook brings the ball down the court during the second half of Sunday's game.

Illinois hosts Nebraska on Senior Day for regular season finale

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • March 3, 2024
Redshirt junior INF Drake Westcott bats the ball during the game against Eastern Illinois on Wednesday.

Illinois baseball travels to South Carolina for second consecutive weekend

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • March 1, 2024

Notes, player grades from Illinois women’s basketball’s loss at Michigan State

By Adam Rosen and Tess Eken • February 29, 2024

Illinois faces Michigan State in 2024 regular season road finale

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • February 29, 2024
Junior INF Drake Westcott hits the ball during the game against Michigan on Apr. 1.

Illinois baseball lights up Eastern Illinois in home opening win

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • February 27, 2024
Junior guard Adalia McKenzie makes her way closer to the hoop as the Illinois takes on Maryland on Feb. 12.

Illinois travels to Iowa City for date with Caitlin Clark’s No. 4 Iowa

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • February 25, 2024
Sophomore Jake Swartz prepares his pitch against Minnesota at Illinois Field on Apr. 22.

Illinois heads to South Carolina for 3-game weekend

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • February 23, 2024
The Illini watch from the dugout on Apr. 14.

Illinois baseball season gets underway, seeks growth from 2023

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • February 15, 2024
Quarterback John Paddock runs to the center of the field on Nov. 11.

Column | The transfer portal is good, regardless of its chaotic nature

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • January 21, 2024
Audience cheers up during football game against Penn State on Sep. 16.

Column | Sporting events are quintessential to the college experience — attend more games!

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • January 20, 2024

Column | NIL has done wonders for college sports, athletes

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • January 19, 2024
Defensive linebacker Jer'Zhan Newton faces off against Michigan State on Nov. 5, 2022 during Dads Day.

Jer’Zhan Newton named 2023 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • November 28, 2023
Senior wide receiver Casey Washington celebrates an 80-yard touchdown pass in the closing minutes of the game against Northwestern. Despite Washington's remarkable play, Illinois lost 43-45

Wildcats axe Illini bowl game hopes in 45-43 nailbiter

By Adam Rosen and Lisa Chasanov • November 25, 2023

Illinois blows late lead to Iowa, falls 15-13

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • November 18, 2023
Quarterback John Paddock looks to pass in the first quarter of the Illini football game against the Hoosiers. The game ended up going into overtime after a 42-42 tie game at the end of regulation.

Illinois gets back to .500 with win over Indiana

By Adam Rosen and Lisa Chasanov • November 11, 2023

Illinois heads north for critical matchup against Minnesota

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • November 4, 2023
Illinois DT Jer’Zhan Newton named to AP midseason All-America first-team

Illinois DT Jer’Zhan Newton named to AP midseason All-America first-team

By Adam Rosen and Lisa Chasanov • October 18, 2023
Kicker and punter Caleb Griffin takes a rest before getting on the field on Sept. 23. Illinois will be making a return to Memorial Stadium to face off against Wisconsin.

Illini bounce back in College Park showdown against Terrapins

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • October 14, 2023
Junior wide receiver Pat Bryant celebrates in the south endzone after scoring the Illini's only touchdown of the game in the second quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Friday, Oct. 6 at Memorial Stadium. Bryant had four receptions for 76 yards.

Illinois stunned by Nebraska in cold, windy battle

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • October 6, 2023
Dick Butkus during a football game in 1965. On Thursday, the Bears confirmed the death of Butkus, who played for Illinois from 1962 to 1964 as a linebacker.

Former Illinois linebacker, Chicago Bears icon Dick Butkus dies at 80

By Lisa Chasanov and Adam Rosen • October 5, 2023

Illinois heads to West Lafayette for rivalry game with familiar foe

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • September 29, 2023
Wide receiver Isaiah Williams runs within the end zone moments before a touchdown is made for the Illini against Florida on Saturday.

Illinois narrowly escapes FAU in final nonconference game of 2023

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • September 23, 2023

Illinois menʼs golf coach Mike Small earns major 6-year extension

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • September 22, 2023
Head Coach Bret Bielma takes action on the field during the fourth quarter of today’s game against Penn State.

Illini offense sputters in Penn State drubbing

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • September 16, 2023
The Illini collides with Toledo during the second quarter of the first game of the seaon on Sept. 2.

Illinois falls to Kansas 34-23 in first matchup since 1968

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • September 8, 2023
Illinois football travels to Kansas for first time in over 50 years

Illinois football travels to Kansas for first time in over 50 years

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • September 7, 2023
Illinois football hosts Toledo for 2023 season, home opener

Illinois football hosts Toledo for 2023 season, home opener

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • September 1, 2023

Season prediction: Will the Illini pick up where they left off?

By Ben Fader and Adam Rosen • August 25, 2023
Redshirt freshman punter Hugh Robertson pumps up the crowd on the sidelines on October 17, 2022. Robertson spoke about his love of food and football during on-campus media day.

Hugh Robertson’s food loving journey to Illinois

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • August 12, 2023
DI staff predicts Women's World Cup quarterfinals

DI staff predicts Women’s World Cup quarterfinals

By Maaike Niekerk and Adam Rosen • August 9, 2023
Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry speaks to media on August 4. Henry spoke for about 20 minutes regarding his hopes for players this year, but took time to exude joy over his newborn daughters.

Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry joyful over being a new father

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • August 4, 2023
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema speaks to media during availability on August 3. The third-year Illini coach talked about scheduling and some of the plans for Fall camp heading into the first game of the season.

Takeaways from Illinois head coach Bret Bielema’s August 3 media availability

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • August 3, 2023
DI Staff predicts Women’s World Cup Round of 16

DI Staff predicts Women’s World Cup Round of 16

By Adam Rosen and Maaike Niekerk • August 3, 2023
Head coach Chris Tamas speaks to media on Aug. 2. Tamas is entering his seventh year as the volleyball coach, emphasizing his desire to get back to postseason play.

Illinois volleyball coach Chris Tamas addresses media in Chicago

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • August 2, 2023
Illinois volleyball coach Chris Tamas, setter Brooke Mosher and outside hitter Raina Terry address media on Aug. 2. Mosher spoke about moving back to the setter role after the departure of former Illini Diana Brown.

Illinois volleyball star Brooke Mosher addresses versatility and positioning at media day

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • August 2, 2023
Senior outside hitter Raina Terry looks towards a media member as she receives a question on Aug. 2. Terry spoke to media about her growth and excitement for the upcoming season.

Illinois volleyball star Raina Terry speaks on career and 2023 season at media day

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • August 2, 2023
Former Illini runner Olivia Howell transfers to Texas

Former Illini runner Olivia Howell transfers to Texas

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • August 1, 2023
Junior defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. speaks to media at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 26. Randolph Jr. emphasized his love of the school and the growth he's seen during his time at Illinois.

Illinois DL Keith Randolph Jr. reflects on growth in program

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • July 27, 2023
Junior wide receiver Isaiah Williams smiles as he speaks to media at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 26. Williams spent much of his availability with a smile on his face, talking about leadership and his teammates.

Illinois’ Isaiah Williams embraces new leadership role

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • July 27, 2023
Junior DL Jer'Zhan Newton speaks to media at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 26. Newton was one of three Illini players in attendance for Big Ten media day.

Illinois’ Jer’Zhan Newton shows love to fans and teammates

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • July 27, 2023
Junior defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton speaks to media at Big Ten media day on July 26. Newton spoke a lot about his teammates and being a father to his daughter.

Illinois DL Jer’Zhan Newton on his love of fatherhood

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • July 26, 2023
The stage was set for Big Ten media day's press conferences. Illinois coach Bret Bielema followed the commissioner, fielding questions from the media.

Bret Bielema fields questions at Big Ten Media Day

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • July 26, 2023
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema speaks at Big Ten Media Day. The third-year coach spoke for about six minutes before answering media questions

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema takes the stage at Media Day

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • July 26, 2023
Illinois football revealed its newest uniforms for the upcoming 2023 season. The reveal came after months of fans deliberating over what the new threads would look like.

Illinois football announces new uniforms for 2023 season

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • July 24, 2023
Women’s World Cup predictions: DI sports predicts the 2023 group stage

Women’s World Cup predictions: DI sports predicts the 2023 group stage

By Adam Rosen and Maaike Niekerk • July 20, 2023
Illinois adds three-star TE from Nebraska to 2024 class

Illinois adds three-star TE from Nebraska to 2024 class

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • July 6, 2023
Severe weather tears Willard Airport roof, causes damage across Champaign County

Severe weather tears Willard Airport roof, causes damage across Champaign County

By Adam Rosen and Kiran Bond • June 29, 2023
Illinois adds Caleb Pyfrom to 2024 recruiting class

Illinois adds Caleb Pyfrom to 2024 recruiting class

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • June 29, 2023
Illinois football adds Florida DB Chase Green to 2024 recruiting class

Illinois football adds Florida DB Chase Green to 2024 recruiting class

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • June 28, 2023
Head Coach Bret Bielema reacts to the Fighting Illini’s 19-10 loss at the ReliaQuest bowl game in Tampa, Fla. on January 2. Bielema added another recruit to the class of 2024 with Florida defensive back Amar Reynolds.

Illinois football adds Florida DB Amar Reynolds to Class of 2024

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • June 28, 2023
Illinois adds to 2023 receiver room with JUCO commit

Illinois adds to 2023 receiver room with JUCO commit

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • June 26, 2023
Italian beef and sausage sandwich from Windy City Express

Italian beef and sausage sandwich

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • June 23, 2023
Athletics Director Josh Whitman sits on the bleachers during Illini Classic Track meet on April 9. Whitman hosted his annual media roundtable on June 21 to recap the 2022-23 season for Illini sports.

Illinois AD Josh Whitman looks back on 2022-23 during annual media roundtable

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • June 22, 2023
Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman at a Feb. 18, 2016, news conference in Chicago. Whitman gave remarks about the future of collegiate sports at his annual media roundtable on June 21.

Media roundtable features plans for future of Illinois Football

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • June 22, 2023
Illinois football lands 2024 defensive back recruit

Illinois football lands 2024 defensive back recruit

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • June 22, 2023
Illinois football welcomes in-state 2024 tight end

Illinois football welcomes in-state 2024 tight end

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • June 21, 2023
Gabe Jacas, Brooke Mosher named 2022-23 Freshmen of the Year

Gabe Jacas, Brooke Mosher named 2022-23 Freshmen of the Year

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • June 20, 2023

White chocolate popcorn

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • June 16, 2023
Choco-mel popcorn

Choco-mel popcorn

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • June 16, 2023
The Illinois volleyball team huddle after their victory against Rutgers on Oct. 12, 2022. The Illini announced their Big Ten schedule for the 2023 season this morning.

Illinois volleyball releases Big Ten schedule for 2023 season

By Adam Rosen and Kiran Bond • June 14, 2023
Best courses for Illinois students seeking careers in sports

Best courses for Illinois students seeking careers in sports

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports editor • June 13, 2023
Junior outside hitter Raina Terry celebrates with her teammates after the team scored a point against Northwestern on Sept. 24. Terry returns to Illinois for her senior year as a unanimous All-Big Ten First Team selection.

Illinois volleyball announces 2023 nonconference schedule

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • June 13, 2023
Illinois football adds OL Zafir Stewart to 2024 recruiting class

Illinois football adds OL Zafir Stewart to 2024 recruiting class

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • June 12, 2023
Illinois football adds in-state 2024 recruit Eddie Tuerk

Illinois football adds in-state 2024 recruit Eddie Tuerk

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • June 12, 2023
Illinois football lands Morgan Park's Tysean Griffin for 2024

Illinois football lands Morgan Park’s Tysean Griffin for 2024

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • June 12, 2023
Illinois football lands 2024 3-star recruit, WR Carlos Orr

Illinois football lands 2024 3-star recruit, WR Carlos Orr

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • June 12, 2023
Illinois alumni help Team USA to Arnold Palmer Cup win

Illinois alumni help Team USA to Arnold Palmer Cup win

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • June 12, 2023
Hydroelectric plant collapses in southern Ukraine

Hydroelectric plant collapses in southern Ukraine

By Lisa Chasanov and Adam Rosen • June 6, 2023
Alex Roux scores success in journey from DI Sports to Big Ten Network

Alex Roux scores success in journey from DI Sports to Big Ten Network

By Adam Rosen and Lisa Chasanov • June 5, 2023
Illinois football lands California defensive back Prince Ford

Illinois football lands California defensive back Prince Ford

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • May 31, 2023
Forward Coleman Hawkins exits the court during the last home game of the season on Mar. 2. Hawkins officially made his decision to return to Illinois on Wednesday, after withdrawing from the NBA Draft.

Coleman Hawkins returns to Illinois, withdraws from 2023 NBA draft

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • May 31, 2023
Head baseball coach Dan Hartleb leaves the dugout to walk to the bullpen in the middle of the fourth inning during the game against Michigan on Saturday, Apr. 1. Hartleb broke the program record for wins (519) the following day.

Reviewing a memorable yet inconsistent 2022-23 season for Illinois baseball

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • May 30, 2023
Illinois baseball falls to Michigan in final game of season

Illinois baseball falls to Michigan in final game of season

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • May 24, 2023
Ron DeSantis announces 2024 presidential bid, technical errors delay Twitter livestream

Ron DeSantis announces 2024 presidential bid, technical errors delay Twitter livestream

By Adam Rosen and Lisa Chasanov • May 24, 2023
Illinois baseball plays Michigan in elimination game

Illinois baseball plays Michigan in elimination game

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • May 23, 2023
Illinois baseball loses Big Ten Tournament opener to Indiana

Illinois baseball loses Big Ten Tournament opener to Indiana

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • May 23, 2023
Illinois baseball faces Indiana in Big Ten tournament

Illinois baseball faces Indiana in Big Ten tournament

By Adam Rosen, Summer Editor • May 23, 2023
Next Page »