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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

Ben Fader

Ben Fader, Sports Editor

Hello, I’m Ben! I’m a junior at Illinois and assistant sports editor at The Daily Illini. I’m majoring in journalism and minoring in communications and recreation, sport and tourism. This is my third year with The Daily Illini, and I can’t wait to produce some amazing work. Feel free to contact me at my email below with questions or concerns, or if you just want to talk sports!

Junior guard Tre White gets ready on defense during an 88-80 victory over then-No. 18 Purdue on March 7.

Welcome to the Big Dance

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor Mar 20, 2025
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood acknowledges the Orange Krush before tip-off against Ohio State on Feb. 2.

Illinois earns No. 6 seed in March Madness

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor Mar 16, 2025
Junior guard Kylan Boswell has turned his game up a notch over the last few contests. His elite spell began in an 81-61 victory over Iowa on Feb. 25.

Column | Don’t let Illinois get hot

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor Mar 2, 2025
Illinois takes on Iowa at the State Farm Center on Feb. 25. Illinois won in dominant fashion, 81-61.

Illinois needed it, Illinois earned it

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor Feb 25, 2025
SeatStock expands across schools

SeatStock expands across schools

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor Feb 25, 2025
Illinois resets with 18.3 seconds left in a close victory over UCLA at State Farm Center on Feb. 11.

No. 11 Badgers dominate in Madison

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor Feb 18, 2025
Freshman guard Kasparas Jakučionis drives to the basket on Feb. 11, defended by former Illini and current UCLA Bruins junior guard Skyy Clark.

Illinois survives scare over UCLA

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor Feb 11, 2025
Junior guard Ty Rodgers infiltrates the Maryland zone defense and gets into the paint during a loss at State Farm Center on Jan. 14, 2024.

No. 17 Illini return home to host Terps

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor Jan 23, 2025
Junior running back Josh McCray bulldozes his way for the game-winning touchdown against No. 15 South Carolina on Dec. 31.

What’s next for Illinois football?

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor Jan 3, 2025
Illinois takes the field before a Senior Day victory over Michigan State on Nov. 16.

Illinois adds to trenches in portal

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor Dec 28, 2024
NASA’s Starling six-month mission will use a team of four CubeSats in low-Earth orbit to test technologies that let spacecraft operate in a synchronized manner without resources from the ground.  (   NASA/Conceptual Image Lab/Ross Walter)

CU Aero aims for June 2025 satellite launch

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor Dec 16, 2024
Junior guard Tre White dribbles the ball up the court against Wisconsin on Dec. 10.

Illinois victorious in Big Ten home opener

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor Dec 10, 2024
Head coach Brad Underwood paces the sidelines during the 2023 Big Ten tournament.

Holiday Illini take on Thanksgiving

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor Nov 28, 2024
The Illinois starters huddle on the court during a game against Oakland on Nov. 13.

Overreactions to Illinois’ 3-0 start

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor Nov 17, 2024
Rugby on the rise

Rugby on the rise

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor Oct 11, 2024
Members of the Marching Illini hold flags of all the teams in the Big 10 before the Illinois football game on Sept. 7.

Conference realignment update: Week 4

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor Sep 18, 2024
Ethan Boder scores 13.85 on the rings during the men's gymnastics Big Ten championship at the State Farm Center on April 5.

Additions you missed over the summer

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor Aug 16, 2024
Terrence Shannon Jr high daps a coach before a game at the State Farm Center on Feb. 4.

Professional Illini over the summer

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor Aug 16, 2024