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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 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 January 3, 2025
Freshman guard Kasparas Jakucionis waits for a screen against Oakland on Nov. 13.

Big Ten schedule resumes as Illinois heads west

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor January 2, 2025
Junior guard Kylan Boswell goes through his pregame ritual handshakes before taking on SIUE on Nov. 8.

No. 24 Illinois rolls into New Year with momentum

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor December 29, 2024
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 December 28, 2024
Once inside Target Field, fans will be able to use the MLB Ballpark app to vote on how much money nonprofits receive from the Twins and Fortune 500 financial services organization Thrivent.

How 3D technology changes how fans follow MLB

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor December 16, 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 December 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 December 10, 2024
Katie Hultin named Illinois soccer head coach

Katie Hultin named Illinois soccer head coach

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor December 10, 2024
Sophomore guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn puts up a reverse layup during pregame warmups before a game against Oakland on Nov. 13.

No. 19 Illini head to Evanston for Big Ten opener

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor December 6, 2024
Head coach Brad Underwood paces the sidelines during the 2023 Big Ten tournament.

Holiday Illini take on Thanksgiving

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor November 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 November 17, 2024
Junior guard Kylan Boswell sets up on defense against Oakland on Nov. 13 at the State Farm Center in Champaign.

Illini win final tune-up before tough slate begins

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor November 13, 2024
Freshman forward Will Riley drives to the basket against Eastern Illinois on Nov. 4 at the State Farm Center.

Illini roll over Panthers in exciting debut

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor November 4, 2024
Rugby on the rise

Rugby on the rise

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor October 11, 2024

Fall ball begins for reigning conference champs

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor September 26, 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 September 18, 2024
Red Grange runs with ball in-hand as Illinois takes on Michigan during the 1924 season.

Illinois football Homecoming through the years

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor September 11, 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 August 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 August 16, 2024
New Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze and quarterback Caleb Williams pose for photographs at Halas Hall on April 26.

Column: Bears 2024 draft grades

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor May 1, 2024
A line for KAMS grows during Unofficial weekend on March 2. KAMS is a popular bar among Univeristy students and is busy most nights of the week.

Best of CU | Best On-Campus Bar: KAMS

By Ben Fader, On-Air Editor March 28, 2024
ILLordle: Play now