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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
Brendan Gallian

Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor

Hey, I’m Brendan. I’m a junior journalism major from Oak Lawn, Illinois. I like telling stories,and try my best to express that through writing. I’m minoring in history, and I enjoy studying local history both here in Champaign-Urbana and back home in Oak Lawn. I’m also a baseball nut, long-suffering White Sox fan and a proud Eagle Scout.

Senior quarterback Luke Altmyer runs with the ball during Illinois’ win over Maryland on Nov. 15.

What 3 Illinois seniors bring to table in regular season finale 

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Nov 28, 2025
Illinois’ head coach Bret Bielema walks off the field following the team’s 27-10 loss to Wisconsin on Nov. 22.

Illini drop ugly game to Badgers

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Nov 22, 2025
(L-R) Senior wide receiver Hank Beatty, sophomore wide receiver Collin Dixon and sophomore tight end Davin Stoffel celebrate with teammates during Illinois’ win over Rutgers on Nov. 1.

Illini looking to repeat last season’s finish over final three games

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Nov 14, 2025
Redshirt junior goalkeeper Izzy Lee holds the ball during Illinois’ match against Purdue on Oct. 12.

Lee, Foley, Jackson named all-Big Ten

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Nov 5, 2025
Senior quarterback Luke Altmyer rushes into the endzone against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Nov. 1.

Altmyer, Illinois run roughshod over Rutgers, into bowl eligibility 

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Nov 1, 2025
The Illini men’s tennis team cheer for their teammates from the sidelines during the Illiniois vs. Clemson meet on Feb. 15. Illinois won the match 4 to 3.

First-class: Illini thriving thanks to strong recruiting

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Oct 30, 2025
Hockey brothers duo senior forward Gregory Etingen and junior forward David Etingen skate over to the face-off in the first quarter of a match on Oct. 3. Illinois lost to Roosevelt University at the Illinois Ice Arena in three quarters with overtime.

Blood is thicker than ice: 3 sets of brothers make impact on Illini hockey

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Oct 30, 2025
Senior sports reporter Ben Somerville and sports editor Brendan Gallian film a video reviewing the food provided in the press box at Gies Memorial Stadium on Oct. 11.

Eats of the beat: Best and worst press box food from this season

By Brendan Gallian and Ben Somerville • Oct 30, 2025
The Illini take the field at Gies Memorial Stadium ahead of the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Oct. 11.

After bye week, Illini look to get back into winning routine 

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Oct 24, 2025
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema looks towards the scoreboard at Gies Memorial Stadium during the game against Ohio State on Oct. 11.

Illinois falls flat in loss to Ohio State

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Oct 11, 2025
Junior kicker David Olano earns an extra point for the Illini after senior quarterback Luke Altmyer’s first touchdown against the USC Trojans on Sept. 27.

Olano’s perfect game earns him second-straight Player of the Week honor

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Oct 6, 2025
Senior defensive lineman Gentle Hunt runs onto the field before the Illinois vs. USC at the Homecoming game on Sept. 27.

Cannon-wielding Illini prepared for return to Hoosier state

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Oct 3, 2025
Illinois players, arm-in-arm, following the team’s win over Western Michigan on Aug. 29.

Who’s up next for Illinois?

By Ben Somerville and Brendan Gallian • Sep 30, 2025
Illinois senior quarterback Luke Altmyer rushes for the game’s first touchdown against USC on Sept. 27.

Altmyer named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Sep 29, 2025
Junior kicker David Olano earns an extra point for the Illini after senior quarterback Luke Altmyer’s first touchdown against the USC Trojans on Sept. 27.

Olano punctuates Homecoming game with walk-off field goal

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Sep 27, 2025
Junior running back Aidan Laughery rushes for a touchdown during Illinois’ game against Western Illinois on Aug. 29.

3 players in line for breakouts against Indiana

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Sep 19, 2025
The Illinois offensive unit in huddle during the game against Western Michigan on Sept. 13.

Risers, fallers after Western Michigan matchup

By Ben Somerville and Brendan Gallian • Sep 17, 2025
Sophomore running back Ca’Lil Valentine rushes towards the endzone against Western Michigan on Sept. 13.

No. 9 Illinois rides strong second half to shutout win

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Sep 13, 2025
Junior running back Kaden Feagin points skyward during Illinois’ win over the Western Illinois Leathernecks on Aug. 29.

No. 11 Illinois looks to keep rolling against Duke

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Sep 5, 2025
Sophomore running back Ca'lil Valentine rushes the ball against the Western Illinois Leathernecks on Aug. 29.

No. 12 Illinois takes care of business against Western Illinois

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Aug 29, 2025
The Illini rush out of the tunnel ahead of their game against the Purdue Boilermakers on Oct. 12, 2024.

Game-by-game predictions for the 2025 football season

By Brendan Gallian and Ben Somerville • Aug 28, 2025
Members of the Illinois baseball team gather during a mound visit during the game against Maryland on April 12, 2025.

Tyler Schmitt, Julius Sanchez selected in final rounds of 2025 MLB Draft

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Jul 18, 2025
A Canada goose finds shade to rest in under the branches of a tree next to the Ceramics Building on April 24.

Squirrels, geese and all the wildlife that call UI home

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • May 8, 2025
Redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Ben Plumley fires a pitch against Indiana on April 12.

Illini set for penultimate road trip of season

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • May 2, 2025
Four players, including junior infielder and pitcher Grant Ross and redshirt sophomore infielder Kyle Schupmann, talk on the infield during a game against Indiana on April 12.

Illinois take 2 from Purdue, left with sour taste after Game 3 drubbing

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Apr 29, 2025
TeRah Edwards signs with LA Chargers as undrafted free agent

TeRah Edwards signs with LA Chargers as undrafted free agent

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Apr 26, 2025
Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant weaves his way through the Purdue defense on Oct. 12, 2024.

Pat Bryant picked by Denver Broncos in NFL Draft

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Apr 25, 2025
Redshirt sophomore pitcher Ben Plumley fires a pitch against Indiana on April 12.

Illinois travels to Pacific Northwest to face Washington

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Apr 18, 2025
Sophomore outfielder Cameron Chee-Aloy stands in the box against Indiana on April 12.

Illini showcase strong pitching in series win over Hoosiers

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Apr 15, 2025
Senior outfielder Vytas Valincius camps under a fly ball against Maryland on April 6.

Illinois set for season-defining series against Indiana

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Apr 11, 2025
Elizabeth McLane, a junior in LAS, holds her goalie helmet while wearing her army ROTC uniform on April 2. McLane plays goalie for Illinois's American Collegiate Hockey Association team and is a forward for the Women’s Central Hockey League team.

Elizabeth McLane works overtime on, off the ice

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Apr 10, 2025
Illinois gathers for a mound visit during their game against Illinois State on April 9, 2024.

After recent success, Illinois pitching faces tough test

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Apr 4, 2025
Senior center Alexander Matveev skates the ice during a stoppage against Michigan State on Sept. 20, 2024.

Alexander Matveev to return next season

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Mar 5, 2025
Illinois hockey teammates high-five during a game against Michigan State on Sept. 20, 2024.

Illini to leave Midwest College Hockey division

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Feb 27, 2025
Redshirt senior infielder Drake Westcott celebrates with his team after scoring a run during a game on April 14, 2024.

Illinois downs Aurora in rare February home game

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Feb 27, 2025
Illinois hockey gathers in a huddle on the ice during a game against Michigan State on Sept. 20, 2024.

Illini reflect on season after unceremonious playoff exit

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Feb 25, 2025
Sophomore forward Anthony Varrassi and freshman forward David Ras standing on the ice during a game against Michigan State on Sept. 20, 2024.

Illinois prepares for No. 5 Jamestown in playoffs

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Feb 21, 2025
Senior forward Alexander Matveev skates toward a puck during a match against Michigan State on Sept. 20, 2024.

Illinois splits weekend series with Illinois State

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Feb 18, 2025
The Illinois club hockey team raises their sticks in celebration after a match against Michigan State on Sept. 20, 2024.

Seniors share memories ahead of monumental final regular season series

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Feb 14, 2025
Illinois baseball jogs off Illinois Field after a 15-5 win over Northern Illinois on April 12, 2024.

Illinois to begin season in Lone Star State 

By Brendan Gallian, Eric Brewer and Stephen Bradshaw • Feb 14, 2025
Senior forward Bailey McCarthy celebrates a goal during a match against Purdue Northwest on Dec. 1, 2023.

8th time’s the charm: Illini secure first ranked win in final attempt

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Feb 11, 2025
Illinois rolling into meeting with No. 18 Purdue Northwest

Illinois rolling into meeting with No. 18 Purdue Northwest

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Feb 7, 2025
Illinois pitching coach Mark Allen poses for a professional headshot on Oct. 8, 2019. Allen passed away on Feb. 6 after a battle with cancer.

Illinois pitching coach Mark Allen dies at 49

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Feb 6, 2025
Junior defenseman Matthew McDonald warms up before a match against Michigan State on Sept. 20, 2024.

McDonald nets first of season in front of family, raucous crowd as Illini sweep Huskies

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Feb 4, 2025
Illinois baseball celebrates after a home run against Northwestern on April 21, 2024.

Illinois heads into 2025 with high expectations

By Brendan Gallian, Eric Brewer and Stephen Bradshaw • Feb 1, 2025
Illinois hockey skates the ice in pregame warmups before facing Michigan State on Sept. 20, 2024.

Finding hope in Illinois hockey’s final 6 games 

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Jan 31, 2025
Illinois sweeps Iowa State, hits its stride

Illinois sweeps Iowa State, hits its stride

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Jan 28, 2025
Illinois hockey regroups after a goal during a game against Michigan State on Sept. 20, 2024.

Illinois looks to establish divisional identity in rematch against Iowa State

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Jan 24, 2025
Illinois hockey forwards warm up before a matchup against Michigan State on Sept. 20.

Naughty, nice list for Illinois hockey

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Dec 24, 2024
INGLEWOOD, CA - AUGUST 1, 2024 - A plane passes over the Intuit Dome Plaza in Inglewood on August 1, 2024. The sports stadium is still under construction. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)

Column | AI in sports: Miss or swish?

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Dec 17, 2024
Illinois skates the ice during pregame warmups on Sept. 20.

Illini split final series of year, enter long break

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Dec 10, 2024
Senior forward Alexander Matveev and junior forward Gregory Etingen on the ice against a McKendree opponent on Nov. 10, 2023.

Illini face familiar foe in final matchup of 2024

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Dec 6, 2024
Senior goaltender Nolan Woodring watches the puck slide into the corner in a game against Michigan State on Sept. 20.

Illini offense stymied, swept by Huskies

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Nov 19, 2024
The Illini skate through warmups as they prepare to take on Michigan State on Sept. 20.

Sweep or swept: Illinois’ series nearly predictable after 2 months

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Nov 15, 2024
Senior goaltender Joseph Schmid skates the ice before a game against Michigan State on Sept. 20.

Schmid sparkles in season debut as Illini sweep Cyclones

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Nov 12, 2024

Illinois hockey debuts on rankings ahead of matchup against McKendree

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Nov 1, 2024

Illini sweep Rockets despite pair of early deficits

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Oct 29, 2024

Illinois hockey looks to get right in series against Toledo

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Oct 25, 2024
Nolan Woodring defends against Roosevelt University during a hockey game on Oct. 27, 2023, in Champaign.

Illini struggle against No. 5 Jamestown in weekend to forget

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Oct 22, 2024

Illini prepare for tough series against No. 5 Jamestown

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Oct 18, 2024

Despite winless weekend, Illinois penalty kill thrives

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Oct 14, 2024

Illinois hockey prepares for Roosevelt with pies to the face

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Oct 4, 2024
Sophomore Forward Aiden Taylor shoots during a game against Illinois State University on Feb. 23. The Illini lost in a shootout.

Illinois hockey loses late comeback, swept by Minot State

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Sep 29, 2024
Tigers players stand during the national anthem. Detroit Tigers take on the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park in Detroit on September 27, 2024.

Chicago White Sox lose historic 121st game

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Sep 28, 2024
Sophomore forward Aidan Taylor brings the puck across the blue line during a game against ISU on Feb. 23.

First-place Illinois welcomes Minot State for weekend tilt

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Sep 28, 2024
Goalie Nolan Woodring defends against Roosevelt University in a game against them on Oct. 30, 2023.

Illinois hockey sweeps Michigan State behind Nolan Woodring

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Sep 22, 2024
The Illini face the ISU Redbirds on Feb. 23, 2024.

Illinois hockey returns home for series against Michigan State

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Sep 20, 2024
Sophomore Foreward Aiden Taylor lines up for a faceoff against ISU in a game on Feb. 23.

Illinois hockey opens season in new conference against McKendree

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Sep 13, 2024
Fifth-year midfielder Sydney Stephens attempting to stop the ball in a match against Michigan on Sept. 24, 2023.

Illinois soccer dogged by defeat, Georgia Bulldogs win by 2

By Brie Dirl and Brendan Gallian • Sep 6, 2024
Camden Janik during a baseball game during the 2024 season. Janik was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 12th round of this year's MLB Draft.

Cam Janik selected by Pittsburgh Pirates in 12th round of 2024 MLB Draft

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Jul 17, 2024
Jack Crowder during a baseball game during the 2024 season. Crowder was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 9th round of this year's MLB Draft.

Jack Crowder selected by Baltimore Orioles in ninth round of 2024 MLB Draft

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Jul 17, 2024
Senior Aiden Ouimet long jumps during the Illini Challenge on Jan. 26.

Illinois track and field set to wrap up regular season at home

By Brendan Gallian, Brie Dirl • May 4, 2024
Illinois Distance Runner Jack Roberts competes in a relay during the Illini Challenge at the Illinois Armory on Jan. 26.

Illini ready to take on four-day Mt. SAC Relays

By Brendan Gallian and Brie Dirl • Apr 17, 2024
Ken Holtzman poses for his player photo for the Illinois men's baseball team, 1965.

Illinois Hall of Fame pitcher Ken Holtzman passes at 78

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Apr 15, 2024
Tyler Sudduth winds up for the hammer throw during an Illinois track meet, April 2024.

Lively crowd propels Illinois to 8 event wins, 7 personal bests at Gary Wieneke Memorial

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Apr 14, 2024
Illinois Track and Field Assistant Head Coach Ken Mullings competing unattached and senior Aiden Ouimet take first and second respectively during the 60-meter dash on Jan. 26.

Garrett, Johnston among top performers at Florida Relays

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Apr 1, 2024
The 12E Teal bus makes a stop at the Illini Union to drop off and pick up students on Feb. 29.

Best of CU | Best On-Campus Bus Stop: Illini Union

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Mar 28, 2024

Sudduth, Ouimet, Garrett set to compete at NCAA championships

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Mar 7, 2024

12 Illini to compete in national championships, Kyprianou named Coach of the Year

By Brendan Gallian and Mazen Morrar • Mar 1, 2024
Illini women's track team together as they celebrate their BIG Ten victory over the weekend.

Illinois women’s track & field captures first Big Ten title since 2013

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Feb 25, 2024
Junior jumper Kam Garret prepares for a jump at the Illini Challenge on Jan. 26.

No. 23 Illini ready to make noise at Big Ten indoor championships 

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Feb 23, 2024
Senior Aiden Ouimet sprints towards the finish line on Dec. 1. Ouimet takes first and second respectively during the 60 meter dash.

Illinois men’s track & field holds against tough competition ahead of Big Ten championships

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Feb 12, 2024
Junior jumper Kam Garrett leaps during the Illini Challenge on Jan. 26.

Illinois track & field wraps up regular season at Tiger Paw Invitational

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Feb 9, 2024
Senior distance runner Jack Roberts competes during the Illini Challenge on Jan. 26.

Jack Roberts, Illini track & field shine at Meyo Invitational

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Feb 5, 2024
Senior Aiden Ouimet lands in the sand after his long jump on Jan. 26.

Illinois men’s track & field travels to Indiana for penultimate regular season test

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Feb 1, 2024
Senior Aiden Ouimet motions in mid-air during his long jump on Jan. 26.

Illinois track & field stays hot in Illini Challenge

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Jan 29, 2024

Jack Roberts proud to represent Illinois cross country on NCAA championships stage

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Nov 20, 2023

Jack Roberts ready to represent Illinois at national championships

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Nov 18, 2023

Roberts’ 10th place finish earns him spot at NCAA championships

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Nov 12, 2023

Illinois cross country prepares for NCAA Midwest Regional 

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Nov 10, 2023
Shawn Juliette and Will O'Brien run during the Illini Open at the Illinois Arboretum on Sept. 1. The men’s team took fifth place at the Big Ten Championships on Friday.

Illinois men’s cross country takes fifth place at Big Ten Championships

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • Oct 30, 2023

Illinois cross country aims for silverware at Big Ten Championships

By Brendan Gallian, Contributing Writer • Oct 27, 2023
Senior Jack Roberts runs at the Illini Open at the Illinois Arboretum on Sept. 1. Roberts will be running at the Big Ten Championships in Madison, Wisconsin.

Illinois cross country takes second at Bradley Pink Classic behind Roberts’ Victory

By Brendan Gallian, Contributing Writer • Oct 15, 2023

Illinois cross country prepares to race in Peoria for Bradley Pink Classic

By Brendan Gallian, Contributing Writer • Oct 11, 2023