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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
Jackson Janes

Jackson Janes, Sports Editor

Hey, everyone! My name is Jackson Janes, and I am the sports editor here at the DI! I am a junior majoring in journalism, and when I’m not in class, you can probably find me at Memorial Stadium, State Farm Center or another University stadium! I am from Chicago, Illinois, and am a big Cubs and Bears fan (sorry, Cards fans). I’m always looking to talk Illinois or Chicago sports, so feel free to send me an email at [email protected] or find me on Twitter if you need someone to rant to, though let’s hope that doesn’t happen too often.

[email protected]

Defensive Back Tony Adams chases the opponent with the ball to make a tackle on Sept. 4 against UTSA.

Defensive back Tony Adams signed with New York Jets as undrafted free agent

By Jackson Janes, Staff Writer • April 30, 2022
Linebacker Jake Hansen makes a leap over the players who have fallen over on the field on Sept. 18 against Maryland.

Illinois football linebacker Jake Hansen signs with Houston Texans as undrafted free agent

By Jackson Janes, Staff Writer • April 30, 2022
Defensive back Kerby Joseph goes to make a tackle against Wisconsin at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 9. Joseph was selected in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Illinois football defensive back Kerby Joseph selected by Detroit Lions in third round of 2022 NFL Draft

By Jackson Janes, Staff Writer • April 29, 2022
Junior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. dribbles during practice for the Texas Tech University team. It has been announced that Shannon has been transferred to the Illinois men's basketball team on Thursday.

Illinois men’s basketball lands Texas Tech transfer guard Terrence Shannon Jr.

By Jackson Janes, Staff Writer • April 29, 2022
Guard Zachiah Clark heads to the hoop. Clark announced on social media his commitment to Illinois basket ball on Monday.

Illinois men’s basketball lands commitment of Class of 2024 guard ZZ Clark

By Jackson Janes, Staff Writer • April 18, 2022
Illinois men's basketball head coach Brad Underwood walks alongside the sidelines during the Big Ten Tournament game against Indiana on March 11. Underwood has shown excitement for the incoming freshman players such as guards Jayden Epps and Skyy Clark.

‘We’ve got a great opportunity’: Underwood expresses excitement for incoming freshman class as roster continues to take shape

By Jackson Janes, Staff Writer • April 13, 2022
Freshman guard Brandin Podziemski celebrates with senior guard Da'Monte Williams during the game against Ohio State on Feb. 24. Podziemski is the third player on the team to enter the transfer portal after sophomore guard Andre Curbelo and junior forward Omar Payne.

Freshman guard Brandin Podziemski enters transfer portal

By Jackson Janes, Staff Writer • April 12, 2022
5-star guard Skyy Clark has committed to Illinois for the upcoming season.

Illinois men’s basketball lands five-star Class of 2022 guard Skyy Clark

By Jackson Janes, Staff Writer • April 7, 2022
Junior froward Omar Payne talks with head coach Brad Underwood during the game against Michigan on Jan. 25. Payne has announced on social media that he has entered the transfer portal on Saturday.

Omar Payne enters the transfer portal after spending one season at Illinois

By Jackson Janes, Staff Writer • April 2, 2022
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood talks onto the court before the game against Indiana for the Big Ten Tournament on March 11. With guard Andre Curbelo entering the transfer portal and some players having no eligibility left, the men's basketball roster will look much different for the upcoming season.

Illinois men’s basketball expects to be active in transfer portal as key targets remain undecided

By Jackson Janes, Staff Writer • April 1, 2022
Freshman guard RJ Melendez makes a gesture toward the bench during Illinois' loss to Indiana at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 11. Melendez and fellow freshman guard Luke Goode stepped up on Sunday, scoring a combined 15 points, but the Illini fell to the No.5 Houston Cougars, 68-53.

Illinois men’s basketball freshmen step up, rise to occasion in second-round loss to Houston

By Jackson Janes, Staff Writer • March 20, 2022
Guard Andre Curbelo speaks with head coach Brad Underwood during the first round game of the NCAA Tournament against Chattanooga on Friday. Curbelo reflects on Friday''s game win and the opportunity in doing better this season than the previous one.

Illinois men’s basketball uses narrow first-round win to become more confident, comfortable in NCAA tournament

By Jackson Janes, Staff Writer • March 20, 2022
Graduate student guard Alfonso Plummer attempts a free throw during the second half of Illinois' 54-53 win over Chattanooga in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Friday. Plummer hit the game-winning free throws and scored 13 second-half points to send the Illini into the second round and avoid an upset.

‘I was ready’: Plummer explodes in second half, hits game-winning free throws to send Illinois men’s basketball to second round of NCAA tournament

By Jackson Janes, Staff Writer • March 18, 2022
The Illini huddle during their Big Ten tournament loss to Indiana in Indianapolis on March 11.

Illinois men’s basketball survives upset bid from Chattanooga, wins on late free throws in NCAA tournament first round

By Jackson Janes, Staff Writer • March 18, 2022
Center Kofi Cockburn goes for a lay up during the Big Ten Tournament against Indiana on March 11. Cockburn talks about the strong correlation in the team having fun and giving their best performance.

‘Let your hair down’: Illinois men’s basketball brings fun, relaxed mindset into NCAA tournament opener

By Jackson Janes, Staff Writer • March 17, 2022
Guard Trent Frazier defends against an Indiana opponent during the Big Ten Tournament on Friday. Coaches from across Big Ten acknowledge and admire the skills of seniors Frazier and Da'Monte Williams.

Big Ten head coaches praise Illinois men’s basketball fifth-year seniors Frazier, Williams

By Jackson Janes, Staff Writer • March 17, 2022
Center Kofi Cockburn goes for the shot during the game against Arizona on Dec. 11. After the Illini fell to Indiana on Friday, the Illini are now at the No. 4 seed in the South Region and will be going up against No. 13 Chattanooga for the NCAA Tournament.

NCAA Tournament breakdown: A look into all 17 teams in South Region as Illinois men’s basketball prepares for business trip to Pittsburgh

By Jackson Janes, Staff Writer • March 15, 2022
The Illinois men's basketball team huddles before its game against Wisconsin at State Farm Center on Feb. 2.

Time to dance: Illinois men’s basketball earns No. 4 seed in South Region of NCAA tournament

By Jackson Janes, Staff Writer • March 13, 2022
Head coach Brad Underwood grabs and yells at graduate student guard Alfonso Plummer during Illinois' 65-63 loss to Indiana in the Big Ten tournament on Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The offense struggled throughout the contest, and the team shot 35.7% from the field.

Offense falters, fails to find rhythm in Illinois men’s basketball’s 65-63 loss to Indiana in Big Ten tournament

By Jackson Janes, Outgoing Sports Editor • March 11, 2022
Andre Curbelo, Kofi Cockburn, Trent Frazier, RJ Melendez, and Da'Monte Williams huddle together during the Big Ten Championship against Iowa on Sunday. The Illini will be up against Indiana for the Big Ten Tournament on Friday.

Reigning Big Ten Tournament champions, No. 1-seed Illinois men’s basketball opens postseason play against No. 9 Indiana

By Jackson Janes, Outgoing Sports Editor • March 11, 2022
Illinois fans storm the court at State Farm Center after the team pulled off a 74-72 win against Iowa on Sunday.

The DI Illinois men’s basketball writers predict Big Ten Tournament outcomes

By Jackson Janes and Josh Pietsch • March 9, 2022
Graduate student guard Alfonso Plummer attempts a shot during Illinois' 74-72 win over Iowa on Sunday at State Farm Center. Plummer earned Third-Team All-Big Ten honors, the conference announced on Tuesday.

Alfonso Plummer earns Third-Team All-Big Ten honors in lone season with Illinois

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • March 8, 2022
Fifth-year senior Trent Frazier dribbles with the ball during Illinois' 74-72 win over Iowa on Sunday at State Farm Center. Frazier was named Seecond-Team All-Big Ten and to the conference's All-Defensive Team.

Trent Frazier receives Second-Team All-Big Ten, All-Defensive Team accolades

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • March 8, 2022
Junior center Kofi Cockburn smiles during Illinois men's basketball's 74-72 win over Iowa that clinched a share of the conference title on Sunday at State Farm Center.

Illinois men’s basketball center Kofi Cockburn earns unanimous First-Team All-Big Ten honors

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • March 8, 2022
Illini fans celebrate on the court after No. 20 Illinois beat No. 24 Iowa to earn a share of the Big Ten regular-season title. The championship is the program's first since 2005.

‘It’s what this thing is about’: Illinois men’s basketball celebrates hardware with fans on State Farm Center hardwood

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • March 7, 2022
Alfonso Plummer celebrates after Illinois' 74-72 win over Iowa on Sunday. The victory gave the Illini a share of the Big Ten regular-season championship for the first time since 2005.

Illinois men’s basketball beats Iowa, earns share of Big Ten regular-season title for first time since 2005

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • March 6, 2022
Graduate student guard Alfonso Plummer, graduate student forward Jacob Grandison and senior Trent Frazier set on the bench during pregame introductions during Illinois' 86-83 loss to Ohio State on Feb. 24 at State Farm Center. The trio, along with senior guard Da'Monte Williams and junior center Kofi Cockburn, will be honored during Senior Night festivities prior to the game against Iowa on Sunday.

‘They’ve meant the world to me’: Underwood reflects on Senior Night honorees ahead of No. 20 Illinois men’s basketball’s showdown with No. 24 Iowa

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • March 6, 2022
Fifth-year senior guard Da'Monte Williams dribbles while looking for teammates in Illinois' 60-55 win over Penn State at State Farm Center on Thursday. Williams scored a team-high 14 points, which were much needed as other starters struggled on offense.

Williams steps up, scores season-high 14 points in Illinois men’s basketball’s win over Penn State

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • March 4, 2022
Utility, Jaelyn Vickery, cheers on her teammates during a match against Purdue on April 16. Vickery talks about growing into the leadership position within her team, and going on to obtain Second-Team All Big-Ten honors.

‘You definitely don’t want to face her’: Vickery demonstrates leadership, ’God-given talents’ for Illinois softball

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • March 1, 2022
Junior center Kofi Cockburn celebrates in the second half of Illinois’ 93-85 win at Michigan on Sunday at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The consensus All-American will forego his senior year and declare for the NBA draft.

‘I missed that’: Cockburn, Curbelo rise to the occasion, dominate in second half at Michigan

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • February 27, 2022
Graduate student guard Alfonso Plummer grabs a defensive rebound during the first half of No. 15 Illinois men's basketball's game against No. 22 Ohio State at State Farm Center on Thursday night.

No. 15 Illinois men’s basketball falls at home to No. 22 Ohio State despite late double-digit comeback

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • February 24, 2022
Guard Jacob Grandison gets introduced for the game against Wisconsin on Feb. 2. The Illini will be at the State Farm Center against Ohio State on Thursday.

No. 15 Illinois men’s basketball controls its own destiny in Big Ten, hosts No. 22 Ohio State

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • February 24, 2022
Jacob Grandison's efficiency, late Trent Frazier triple seal Illinois men's basketball's road win at Michigan State

Jacob Grandison’s efficiency, late Trent Frazier triple seal Illinois men’s basketball’s road win at Michigan State

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • February 19, 2022
Guard Alfonso Plummer passes the ball during the game against Northwestern on Sunday. The Illini lose against Rutgers 70-59 on Wednesday.

Offensive struggles continue in Illinois men’s basketball’s double-digit road loss to Rutgers

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • February 17, 2022
Guard Alfonso Plummer dribbles towards the hoop during the game against Rutgers on Dec. 3. The Illini will be heading to New Jersey on Wednesday for their game against the Scarlet Knights.

‘Every team’s gonna be coming for us’: No. 12 Illinois men’s basketball travels to New Jersey, takes on red-hot Rutgers

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • February 16, 2022
Guard Alfonso Plummer passes the ball during the game against Northwestern on Sunday. The Illini struggle during the second half of the game, but still win against the Wildcats.

Column | Second-half struggles could spell trouble for Illinois men’s basketball in postseason

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • February 15, 2022
Freshman guard RJ Melendez dunks the ball during the first half of Illinois men's basketball's game against Northwestern at State Farm Center on Feb. 2.

Illinois men’s basketball nearly blows double-digit lead, grinds out win over Northwestern

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • February 13, 2022
Graduate student guard Alfonso Plummer attempts a 3-pointer during the first half of Illinois men's basketball's game against Purdue at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana, on Tuesday night.

Illinois men’s basketball struggles in second half, falls to Purdue away from home

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • February 8, 2022
Junior center Kofi Cockburn celebrates during Illinois men's basketball's game against Indiana at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington on Saturday Cockburn's defense was crucial in the Illini's second-half improvements.

Second-half offensive, defensive improvements propel Illini to victory over Hoosiers

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • February 5, 2022
Senior guard Trent Frazier shoots during the second half of Illinois' 80-67 win over Wisconsin on Wednesday at State Farm Center.

Illinois men’s basketball uses big second half to beat Indiana in Bloomington

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • February 5, 2022
Senior guard, Da’Monte Williams, attempts to block a pass by Wisconsin forward, Johnny Davis, during the game on Wednesday. Illinois heads to Bloomington, Indiana to play against the Hoosiers on Saturday.

Illinois men’s basketball hits the road for Saturday afternoon contest with Indiana

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • February 5, 2022
Junior center Kofi Cockburn dunks the basketball during the first half of No. 18 Illinois' game against No. 11 Wisconsin at State Farm Center on Wednesday night. Cockburn finished with 37 points and 12 rebonds in the Illini's 80-67 win over the Badgers.

Kofi Cockburn dominates, Illinois men’s basketball secures 13-point home win over Wisconsin

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • February 2, 2022
Illinois guard Andre Curbelo dribbles while being guarded by Wisconsin forward Tyler Wahl during the game on Feb. 6 in Champaign. Curbelo is expected to return after a two-game absence as the No. 18 Illini welcome the No. 11 Badgers to State Farm Center on Wednesday night.

Illinois men’s basketball looks to notch sole possession of first place in Big Ten, takes on Wisconsin on Wednesday

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • February 2, 2022
RJ Melendez dunks the basketball during the first half of the game between No. 24 Illinois and Northwestern at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston on Saturday afternoon. Melendez scored six points in the Illini's 59-56 win.

Melendez, Podziemski step up as veterans struggle in Illinois men’s basketball’s narrow win over Northwestern

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • January 29, 2022
Junior center Kofi Cockburn dunks the ball during the first half of the game between No. 24 Illinois and Northwestern at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston on Saturday afternoon.

Illinois men’s basketball escapes Evanston with 59-56 win behind Cockburn’s dominance in return

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • January 29, 2022
Illinois women's tennis Kate Duong celebrates during her doubles match with Megan Heuser against Chicago State on Jan. 23. Duong and Heuser's strong partnership aids in the team's success for doubles.

‘It’s exciting for sure’: Underclassmen Duong, Heuser take command of No. 1 doubles for Illini women’s tennis

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • January 26, 2022
Trent Frazier dribbles with the ball during the first half of the Illinois men's basketball game against Michigan State at State Farm Center on Tuesday night.

Illinois men’s basketball fends off late Michigan State rally, grinds out hard-fought 56-55 win

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • January 25, 2022
Center Kofi Cockburn attempts to shoot the ball during the Michigan game on Jan. 14. The Illini will be up against Michigan again this Tuesday with Cockburn's return unknown.

No. 24 Illinois men’s basketball plays host to No. 10 Michigan State with statuses of Curbelo, Cockburn uncertain

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • January 25, 2022
Andre Curbelo shoots a floater during No. 17 Illinois' game against No. 4 Purdue at State Farm Center on Monday. Curbelo looks back at his journey from his injury to his return to the line up after missing 11 games.

‘I could’ve cried’: Andre Curbelo reflects on injury, recovery, return

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • January 20, 2022
Illinois alum, Nick Allegretti, celebrates touchdown during the Wild Card game against the Steelers on Jan. 16. Allegretti and six other alumni will be playing in the NFL playoffs.

Seven Illini football alumni participate in NFL playoffs

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • January 19, 2022
Trent Frazier shoots a jumper during the first half of the game between Illinois and Purdue at State Farm Center on Monday afternoon.

No. 17 Illinois men’s basketball falters in second overtime, falls to No. 4 Purdue in instant classic

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • January 17, 2022
Alfonso Plummer dribbles and looks for teammates during the Illinois men's basketball game against Michigan at State Farm Center on Friday night.

Illinois men’s basketball uses second-half turnaround to take down Michigan in Champaign

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • January 14, 2022
Kofi Cockburn battles for position against Michigan center Hunter Dickinson during the game on March 2, 2021. The Illini will take on the Wolverines in Champaign on Friday night.

Illini men’s basketball welcomes Wolverines to Champaign for late-night Big Ten battle

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • January 14, 2022
Junior center Kofi Cockburn guards the paint during the first half of Illinois men's basketball's game against Minnesota in Minneapolis on Tuesday night.

Roadkill: Illinois men’s basketball uses big second half to dominate Minnesota away from home

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • January 4, 2022
Guards Alfonso Plumer and Trent Frazier high-five during the game against St. Francis on Dec. 18. The Illini will be up against Minnesota on Tuesday.

Illinois men’s basketball travels to Minnesota after recovering from COVID-19 outbreak within program

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • January 4, 2022
Trent Frazier celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer in the first half of Illinois' 88-63 win over Missouri in St. Louis on Wednesday. Frazier closed out his Braggin' Rights career with a bang, notching 15 points to snap the Illini's three-game losing streak in the rivalry series.

“It felt special”: Trent Frazier finishes Braggin’ Rights career in dominant fashion in fifth season at Illinois

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 23, 2021
Kofi Cockburn tries to drive to the basket during Illinois' 81-78 loss to Missouri in Columbia on Dec. 12, 2020. The Braggin' Rights game will head back to St. Louis as the Illini look to snap their three-game losing streak against the Missouri Tigers.

Illinois men’s basketball heads to St. Louis for annual Braggin’ Rights game

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 22, 2021
Rashinda Reed coaches from the sideline during Illinois volleyball's match against Purdue on Oct. 6. Reed was named the new head coach at Alabama on Monday.

Former Illinois volleyball assistant coach Rashinda Reed departs program, will become new Alabama head coach

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 20, 2021
Alfonso Plummer shoots a 3-pointer in the first half of Illinois' 106-48 win over Saint Francis (Pa.) at State Farm Center on Saturday. The Illini set a new program record with 18 triples during Saturday's blowout win.

Illinois men’s basketball breaks program record with 18 treys in win over Saint Francis (Pa.)

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 18, 2021
The Illini volleyball team huddles together before a set during the match against Indiana on Nov. 12. Sports editor Jackson Janes reviews the '21 volleyball season as it officially came to an end on Thursday.

Volleyball season in review: Illinois makes NCAA tournament return, pulls off three road upsets in bounce-back year

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 14, 2021
Trent Frazier dribbles down the sideline in the second half of Illinois' game against No. 11 Arizona at State Farm Center on Saturday. The Illini struggled late in an 83-79 loss.

Illinois men’s basketball falls to No. 11 Arizona despite big games from Plummer, Frazier

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 11, 2021
The Illinois volleyball team huddles together during its match against Indiana at Huff Hall on Nov. 12. The Illini fell in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament to the No. 10 Nebraska Cornhuskers on Thursday, ending their season.

Illinois volleyball falls in straight sets in Sweet 16, sees tournament run end in Austin

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 10, 2021
The Illinois volleyball team celebrates after their win against Kentucky on Dec. 4. The team attributes their success to their on road games during the conference play.

Away from home: Illinois volleyball credits road environments during conference play for postseason success

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 9, 2021
Setter Diana Brown reaches for the ball during the game against Indiana on Nov. 12. The team is traveling to Austin, Texas to compete against Nebraska in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.

Illinois volleyball heads south to take on familiar foe Nebraska in Sweet 16 of NCAA tournament

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 9, 2021
Illinois' Kofi Cockburn battles for position in the paint against Iowa's Keegan Murray during the game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City on Monday.

Illini men’s basketball takes down Hawkeyes, wins first game in Iowa City since 2017

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 6, 2021
Kofi Cockburn attempts to block Trevian Wiliams during the game against Purdue on Jan. 2. The Daily Illini sports staff makes predictions on men's basketball standings.

Preseason poll: DI beat writers make Big Ten men’s basketball standings predictions

By Jackson Janes, Christian Jones and Josh Pietsch • December 6, 2021
Guard Alfonso Plummer dribbles the ball during the game against Rutgers on Dec. 3. The Illini will be up against Iowa on Monday.

Illinois men’s basketball travels to Iowa City for first conference road game of season

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 6, 2021
Illinois outside hitter Megan Cooney goes up for a spike during the match against Kentucky in Lexington on Saturday. The Illini beat the No. 7 Wildcats in four sets to advance to their first Sweet 16 since 2018.

An upset in Lexington: Illini volleyball takes down hosts, reigning national champions in four sets

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 4, 2021
Illinois volleyball prepares for a serve during the match against Indiana at Huff Hall on Nov. 12. The Illini took down the West Virginia Mountaineers to advance in the NCAA tournament on Friday.

Illinois volleyball takes down West Virginia in four sets, advances in NCAA tournament

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 3, 2021
The Illini volleyball team huddles up during the game against Indiana on Nov. 12. The team is traveling to Lexington for the first-round showdown with West Virginia.

Tournament time: Illinois volleyball travels to Lexington for first-round showdown with West Virginia

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 3, 2021
Graduate student Megan Cooney (left) celebrates with fellow athletes on Nov. 21 for senior night before the game against Maryland. Illinois volleyball enters NCAA tournament ready to make noise away from home.

Illinois volleyball enters NCAA tournament ready to make noise away from home

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 1, 2021
Illinois senior Da'Monte Williams looks for a teammate to pass during the team's game against Notre Dame at State Farm Center on Nov. 29.

Efficient shooting from three, big nights from Cockburn, Plummer see Illinois men’s basketball take down Notre Dame

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 29, 2021
Megan Cooney celebrates with her teammates during Illinois' match against Purdue on Oct. 6 at Huff Hall. The Illini will face West Virginia in the first round of the NCAA tournament this weekend.

Illinois volleyball earns berth in NCAA tournament, will take on West Virginia in first round

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 28, 2021
Owen Carney Jr. hoists the Land of Lincoln Trophy following Illinois' 47-14 win over Northwestern at Memorial Stadium in 2021.

Illinois football reclaims Land of Lincoln Trophy, dominates Northwestern in 47-14 win

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 27, 2021
The Illinois volleyball team huddles together during the match against Indiana on Nov. 12 at Huff Hall. The Illini will take on the Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans this week to close out the regular season.

Illinois volleyball closes regular season with matches at Michigan, Michigan State

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 24, 2021
Bret Bielema, Brad Underwood, Nancy Fahey top list of highest-paid coaches at Illinois

Bret Bielema, Brad Underwood, Nancy Fahey top list of highest-paid coaches at Illinois

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 24, 2021
Offensive linebacker Doug Kramer embraces his Illinois teammates during the game against Rutgers on Oct. 30. Kramer hopes to break the team's losing streak in his final college season.

‘I would love to go out with a win’: Kramer aims to snap losing streak in final college season

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 23, 2021
Kofi Cockburn shoots the ball during Illinois men's basketball's game against Arkansas State on Oct. 29. The Illini beat the Kansas State Wildcats in the third-place game of the Hall of Fame Classic on Tuesday night.

Season-highs from Alfonso Plummer, Kofi Cockburn see Illinois men’s basketball take down Kansas State

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 23, 2021
Illini Volleyball team huddle together before their match against Indiana on Nov. 12. The team will be hosting their final home game of the regular season on Sunday against Maryland .

No. 24 Illinois volleyball enters final two weeks of regular season, concludes home schedule

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 18, 2021
Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema walks out of the tunnel during the team's game against Wisconsin on Oct. 9. Bielema has tested positive for COVID-19, he announced Tuesday morning.

Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema tests positive for COVID-19, will miss Saturday’s game at Iowa

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 16, 2021
Jacob Grandison attempts a pass during the game against Arkansas State on Friday at State Farm Center. The team is now making their way north to compete against Marquette for the annual Gavitt Tipoff Games.

No. 11 Illinois basketball makes road trip north for showdown with Marquette for Gavitt Tipoff Games

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 15, 2021
Megan Cooney prepares for an incoming serve during No. 25 Illinois' 3-0 win over Indiana on Friday at Huff Hall. The Illini fell to the No. 10 Ohio State Buckeyes in three sets on Sunday afternoon.

No. 25 Illinois volleyball struggles to find consistency on offense, falls to No. 10 Ohio State in three sets

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 14, 2021
Illini Volleyball team huddles and celebrates during the match against Indiana on Nov. 12. The Illini won against Indiana, 3-0, and will be up against Ohio State on Sunday.

No. 25 Illinois volleyball closes home stand with ranked matchup against No. 10 Ohio State

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 14, 2021
Junior outside hitter Jessica Nunge goes up for a kill against Minnesota on Nov. 6. The No. 25 Illini took down the Indiana Hoosiers, 3-0, on Friday night at Huff Hall.

No. 25 Illinois volleyball gets back on track with three-set sweep of Indiana

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 12, 2021
Setter Diana Brown prepares to serve the ball during a set against Purdue on Oct. 6. The Illini hope for a victorious comeback against Indiana on Friday.

Illinois volleyball aims to get back on track against Indiana on Friday night

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 12, 2021
Alfonso Plummer records a steal during the first half of Illinois' game against Jackson State at State Farm Center on Tuesday. The Illini opened their regular season with an emphatic 71-47 win over the visiting Tigers.

No. 11 Illinois men’s basketball beats Jackson State despite missing several key contributors

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 9, 2021
Graduate student Kylie Bruder prepares to serve a ball during Illinois' match against Nebraska on Thursday. The No. 25 Illini fell to the No. 11 Minnesota Golden Gophers, 3-0, at Huff Hall on Saturday night.

Illinois volleyball struggles against No. 11 Minnesota, falls in three sets

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 6, 2021
Illinois celebrates after tight end Tip Reiman scores his first career touchdown on Saturday against Minnesota. The Illini beat the No. 20 Golden Gophers, 14-6, behind a dominant defensive display.

Illinois football upsets No. 20 Minnesota on the road behind dominant defensive display

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 6, 2021
Hitter Jessica Nunge jumps and attempts to tip the ball over to Nebraska's side on Nov. 4. The Illini will host their next match against Minnesota at Huff Hall this weekend.

Illinois volleyball welcomes No. 11 Minnesota to Huff Hall on Saturday

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 6, 2021
Outside hitter Raina Terry (12) and Diana Brown hype each other up during a set against Purdue on Oct 6. The Illini hope to keep up their momentum from their victory against Penn State for their match against Nebraska.

No. 25 Illinois volleyball opens four-match home stand with rematch against No. 9 Nebraska

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 4, 2021
Kofi Cockburn shoots a free throw during Illinois' 94-79 exhibition win over Indiana University of Pennsylvania on Friday. Cockburn has received a three-game suspension for selling team-issued gear prior to the passing of NIL legislation.

Kofi Cockburn to miss first three games of regular season due to suspension

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 1, 2021
The Illinois offensive line huddles during the game against Rutgers at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Penalties proved critical in the Illini's 20-14 loss.

Three second-half penalties prove costly in Illinois football’s one-possession loss to Rutgers

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • October 30, 2021
Alfonso Plummer prepares on defense in Illinois men's basketball's game against Indiana University at Pennsylvania on Friday night at State Farm Center. Alfonso Plummer and Coleman Hawkins both stepped up in the 94-79 Illini win after three key players missed the game due to injury.

Plummer, Hawkins emerge as offensive threats in Illinois men’s basketball’s win over Indiana University of Pennsylvania

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • October 29, 2021
Defensive specialist Taylor Kuper prepares to bump the ball during the match against Purdue Oct. 6. Illinois will travel to the east coast to take on both Rutgers and No. 13 Penn State this weekend.

Illinois volleyball heads east for packed weekend against Rutgers, No. 13 Penn State

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • October 29, 2021
Art Sitkowski (9) celebrates after Illinois' 30-22 win over Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on Aug. 28. Sitkowski broke his arm on Saturday against Penn State and will miss the remainder of the season.

Illinois quarterback Artur Sitkowski to miss remainder of season with broken arm

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • October 25, 2021
Austin Hutcherson drives to the rim during the second half of the game against St. Francis (Ill.) at State Farm Center on Saturday night. Hutcherson stood out in his Illinois debut, recording 14 points and seven rebounds in the 101-34 win.

Austin Hutcherson shines as freshmen, transfers make Illinois men’s basketball debuts in blowout preseason win

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • October 23, 2021
Middle blocker Kennedy Collins prepares to serve the ball against Michigan Oct. 23. The Illini won the match 3-1.

Illinois volleyball notches hard-fought four-set victory over Michigan

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • October 23, 2021
Middle blocker Kylie Swanson readies herself during the game against Wisconsin Oct. 3. The team will take on Michigan at Huff Hall this Saturday for the first time in two years.

Illinois volleyball welcomes Michigan to Huff Hall for first time in nearly two years

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • October 23, 2021
Illinois volleyball fans hold up copies of the Daily Illini during the game against Penn State on Nov. 15, 2019. After a long absence due to COVID-19, many fans have returned to watch Illinois home volleyball games.

Return of fans restores electric atmosphere inside Huff Hall for Illinois volleyball

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • October 20, 2021
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