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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]

The Illinois volleyball team celebrates a point during the game against Purdue Oct. 6. The team hopes to replicate their early season successes during their rematch against Northwestern on Wednesday.

Illinois volleyball aims to replicate early-season success in rematch with Northwestern

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • October 20, 2021
Illinois celebrates during the match against Purdue on Oct. 6. The Illini beat the Iowa Hawkeyes in straight sets on Wednesday to snap the teams three-match losing streak.

Illinois volleyball records first sweep of conference play in dominant win over Iowa

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • October 13, 2021
Illinois celebrates after scoring a point against Purdue on Oct. 6 at Huff Hall. The Illini welcome the Iowa Hawkeyes to town on Wednesday and look to snap a three-match skid.

Illinois volleyball welcomes Iowa to Huff Hall, looks to snap three-match losing streak

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • October 13, 2021
Illinois huddles during the match against Northwestern on Sept. 25 at Huff Hall. The Illini fell to the Wisconsin Badgers, 3-1, in Madison on Saturday night.

Illinois volleyball struggles after winning first set, falls to Wisconsin in Madison for third straight loss

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • October 9, 2021
Junior Jada Peebles speaks during Big Ten Basketball Media Days at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Thursday. Despite significant roster and coaching changes this season, the Illini are not concerned with any issues relating to identity or culture.

Illinois women’s basketball maintains culture, identity despite roster, assistant coaching changes

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • October 7, 2021
Graduate student Megan Cooney prepares to serve the ball during the match against Purdue on Wednesday at Huff Hall. The Illini lost the match 3-2.

Illinois volleyball shows fight, determination in five-set loss to No. 6 Purdue

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • October 6, 2021
Graduate Student Megan Cooney bumps the volleyball during a game against Colorado Sept. 4. The team beat Purdue Boilermakers on Friday and looks to beat them again for a third time.

Illinois volleyball looks to beat Purdue for third straight time after pulling off upset win on Friday

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • October 6, 2021
Illini football players Devon Witherspoon, Kerby Joseph, and Oluwole Betiku Jr. celebrate after their homecoming win against Wisconsin Oct. 19, 2019. The Illini hope to replicate that magical win for the second time against the Badgers Oct. 9.

Illinois football aims to replicate 2019 magic in Homecoming game against Wisconsin

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • October 6, 2021
Junior Kofi Cockburn tries to dunk a basket against Nebraska Feb. 25. Kofi Cockburn wants to make his mark on Illinois as he prepares for this upcoming season.

Leaving a legacy: Kofi Cockburn sets personal goals for junior season with jersey already set to hang in rafters

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • October 5, 2021

Illinois volleyball takes first conference loss of season in four-set defeat to No. 5 Wisconsin

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • October 3, 2021
Graduate student Megan Cooney (15) high-fives teammates ahead of the teams match against Colorado at Huff Hall on Sept. 4. The Illini took down the No. 4 Purdue Boilermakers, 3-2, on Friday night.

Illinois volleyball leaves West Lafayette with win, takes down No. 4 Purdue in five sets

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • October 1, 2021
Outside hitter Raina Terry spikes the ball during the game against Northwestern Sept. 25. The Illini face a challenging weekend against Purdue and Wisconsin.

Illinois volleyball faces challenging weekend with matches against No. 4 Purdue, No. 5 Wisconsin

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • October 1, 2021
Kerby Joseph celebrates after making a big play during the game against Purdue on Saturday. Despite the loss, the Illini defense has shown tremendous improvements over the last two weeks.

Defense shows promise, improvement after Illinois football’s early-season struggles

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • September 26, 2021
Running back Josh McCray looks for a hole on a handoff during the game against Purdue on Saturday.

Illinois football falls to Purdue in low-scoring affair, falls in fourth straight game

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • September 25, 2021
The volleyball team comes in for a hug as they finish their game against Colorado on Sept. 4. The team plays against Northwestern on Saturday in Huff Hall.

Illinois volleyball returns to Champaign for ‘Stuff Huff’ against Northwestern

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • September 25, 2021
Junior Diana Brown sets the volleyball up during a game against Colorado on Sept. 4. Illinois beat Iowa on Sept. 22 with three players setting career bests.

Illinois volleyball opens Big Ten play with win over Iowa

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • September 22, 2021
Head volleyball coach Chris Tamas speaks to his team in a huddle during their game against the University of Colorado Boulder on Sept. 4. Illinois will travel to Iowa for the Big Ten season opener and hopes to build on their nonconference success.

Illinois travels to Iowa for Big Ten season opener, looks to build on nonconference success

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • September 22, 2021
Redshirt Junior Diana Brown sets the ball during the game against the University of Colorado Boulder Sept. 4. Brown asserts dominance at the net which could elevate the team going into conference play.

Brown asserts dominance at net, sets Illini up for success heading into conference play

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • September 21, 2021
Bret Bielema shouts from the sideline during Illinois game against Maryland on Friday. Despite a slew of recent ugly losses, there is still reason for optimism this season in Champaign.

Column | Where does Illinois go from here?

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • September 18, 2021
Illinois linebacker Jake Hansen tries to tackle Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa during the game between the Illini and the Terrapins on Sept. 17 at Memorial Stadium.

Illinois falls to Maryland on last-second field goal, drops third straight game

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • September 17, 2021
The Illinois womens volleyball team huddles during the game against the University of Colorado Boulder Sept. 4. The Illini will head to Normal, IL for the Redbird Classic for their final non conference tournament.

Illinois travels to Normal for Redbird Classic for final nonconference tournament

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • September 17, 2021
Head coach brad Underwood writes on his whiteboard before the game against Purdue on Jan. 2. Underwood is expected to receive a contract extension through the 2026-2027 season.

Brad Underwood to sign contract extension through 2026-2027 season

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • September 16, 2021
Devon Witherspoon attempts to push a UTSA receiver out of bounds during the game against the University of Texas at San Antonio on Sept. 4. Witherspoon and the Illini secondary struggled against a high-powered Virginia offense on Saturday.

Column | Same old, same old: Defensive discipline, depth remain critical issues under Bielema

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • September 11, 2021
The Illinois mens basketball team huddles up during the game against Minnesota on Dec. 15. The Big Ten released the mens and womens basketball conference schedules on Wednesday.

Big Ten releases men’s, women’s basketball conference schedules

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • September 8, 2021
Illini volleyball alumni and olympic athletes Jordyn Poulter, Michelle Bartsch-Hackley and Erin Virtue pose for a photo at Huff Hall on Friday. The olympians reflect on their gold medal win.

Home at Huff: Illinois’ Olympians reflect on historic gold-medal glory

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • September 8, 2021
Luke Ford (82) runs a route during the game against Nebraska on Aug. 28 at Memorial Stadium. Jackson argues that tight ends need to continue being a priority for Bielema and the Illini after they were underutilized under Lovie Smith.

Column | Tight ends provide spark in first two games after being underutilized under Lovie Smith

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • September 5, 2021
Illinois huddles as a team during the match against Washington on Friday. The Illini fell in both matches, which were part of the Big Ten/Pac-12 Challenge.

Fans return to Huff Hall as Illinois drops matches to No. 11 Washington, Colorado

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • September 4, 2021
Sophomore Riana Terry dives for the ball during their game against Indiana March 27. Riana Terry is a forced to be messed with and has prepared for the upcoming season.

‘There’s no place like Huff’: Illinois welcomes fans for first time since 2019 for matches against Washington, Colorado

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • September 3, 2021
Calvin Hart Jr. (5) returns a fumble for a touchdown during the game against Nebraska on Aug. 28 at Memorial Stadium. Hart underwent season-ending knee surgery and will miss the remainder of the 2021 season.

Calvin Hart Jr. undergoes season-ending knee surgery

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • September 2, 2021
Isaiah Williams (1) high fives Blake Jeresaty (55) during the game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Williams and Deuce Spann both made position changes from quarterback to receiver this offseason and had immediate impacts against the Cornhuskers in the 30-22 Illini win.

‘It felt like home’: Williams, Spann make immediate impacts after switching from quarterback to receiver

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • August 29, 2021
Players of the Illinois womens basketball team come together during a pause in the game against Valparaiso Dec. 2. Illinois will host Florida State in the 2021 Big Ten/Atlantic Coast Conference Womens Basketball Challenge.

Illinois to host Florida State in Big Ten/Atlantic Coast Conference Women’s Basketball Challenge

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • August 3, 2021
Guard Ayo Dosunmu drives to the basket against Indiana at State Farm Center on Dec. 26. Dosunmu was selected in the 2021 NBA Draft, becoming the first Illini since 2012 to achieve the feat.

Ayo Dosunmu selected by Chicago Bulls in second round of 2021 NBA Draft

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • July 29, 2021
Vederian Lowe, Owen Carney, Doug Kramer and Bret Bielema pose for a photo at Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis. The idea of family has become a recruiting tactic for Bielema and his staff, with all three players choosing to return after hearing their pitch.

Building a family: How one word inspired, reinvigorated a struggling Illinois football program

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • July 23, 2021
Illinois defensive lineman Bobby Roundtree (97) celebrates after making a tackle during the game against Penn State at Memorial Stadium on Friday, Sept. 21, 2018. Athletic director Josh Whitman and head coach Bret Bielema reflected on Bobby Roundtrees legacy at Big Ten Media Days after the former Illinois defensive lineman passed away on Friday.

Bielema, Whitman reflect on Roundtree’s legacy at Big Ten Media Days

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • July 22, 2021
These five rings represent the five main regions that have been brought together by the Olympic Movement. The Olympics start July 23 and will run through to August 8.

Eight Illinois alumni to attend Tokyo Olympic Games

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • July 21, 2021
Kofi Cockburn (21) embraces Andre Curbelo (5) during the game against Nebraska at State Farm Center on Feb. 25. Cockburn announced Friday that he will be returning to Illinois for his junior season.

Cockburn announces return to Illinois for junior season

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • July 16, 2021
The new Demirjian Park stands at 606 St Marys Road in Champaign April 24. Illinois athletic facilities spark a winning culture on campus.

Athletics facilities allow Illinois to establish winning culture on campus

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • July 15, 2021
Students in the Orange Krush section of the State Farm Center lean over a railing to high five Ayo Dosunmu after Illinois won against Iowa March 8, 2020. Attending sporting events is the ideal way for passionate Illinois fans to experience campus.

Attending games FAQ: Season tickets are essential for passionate Illini sports fans

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • July 15, 2021
Head Illinois basketball coach Brad Underwood looks intently at his players during the game at Ohio State March 6. Underwood has filled all three assistant coaching spots after Tim Anderson was named an assistant on Friday.

Illinois hires Tim Anderson to fill third assistant coach spot

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • July 9, 2021
Freshman Center Kofi Cockburn dunks the ball during the match against Hawaii on Nov. 18, 2019. Cockburn has entered the transfer portal while keeping his name in the NBA Draft.

Cockburn enters transfer portal, keeps name in NBA Draft

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • July 1, 2021
Last years The Basketball Tournament team House of ‘Paign poses for a photo. Illinois recently finalized their team for the tournament and all ten players receive an in-depth analyzation.

House of ‘Paign formalizes roster ahead of 2021 The Basketball Tournament

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • June 22, 2021
The Block I student section hoists a banner with the Illinois shield logo during the game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 3, 2018. Illinois announced its Freshman of the Year nominees on Tuesday.

Illinois names Freshman of the Year nominees

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • June 16, 2021
The Block I student section holds up cards spelling “Home” during halftime of the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 13, 2018. Memorial Stadium, and all Illinois sports venues, will return to full capacity for the 2021-2022 sports season.

Illinois announces full capacity for 2021-2022 sports season

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • June 11, 2021
Fifth-year senior Michael Feagles hits the ball in the third round of play at the NCAA Championship in Scottsdale, Arizona. Illinois fell to Oklahoma in match play quarterfinals on Tuesday.

Illinois falls to Oklahoma in NCAA Championship match play quarterfinals

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • June 1, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn goes for the dunk during the game against Nebraska. Cockburn will reportedly remain in the NBA Draft, according to reports Thursday morning.

Reports: Kofi Cockburn to remain in NBA Draft

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • May 27, 2021
Josh Imatorbhebhe runs after making a catch against Northwestern Dec. 12 at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. Imatorbhebhe signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent.

Josh Imatorbhebhe signs with Jacksonville Jaguars as undrafted free agent

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • May 1, 2021
Milo Eifler celebrates an incompletion during the game against Iowa Nov. 23, 2019, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

Former Illini Milo Eifler signs with New York Jets as undrafted free agent

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • May 1, 2021
Freshman Adam Miller scans the court for teammates against Maryland Jan. 10 at State Farm Center. Miller announced Saturday afternoon that he is transferring to Louisiana State.

Adam Miller announces transfer to Louisiana State

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • May 1, 2021
Nate Hobbs goes into the end zone after making a pick-six against Rutgers Nov. 2, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.

Former Illini Nate Hobbs selected in fifth round of 2021 NFL Draft

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • May 1, 2021
Kendrick Green (53) stands with teammates prior to the game against Iowa at Memorial Stadium Dec. 5.

Former Illini Kendrick Green selected in third round of 2021 NFL Draft

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • April 30, 2021
Former Illinois offensive lineman Nick Allegretti gets ready to make a block during the game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 3, 2018. Allegretti is the most recent draft pick out of Illinois, though a few former players are expecting to hear their names called at the 2021 NFL Draft this weekend.

Look back on former Illini selected in NFL Draft as event approaches

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • April 29, 2021
Senior DaMonte Williams plays defense during the game against Purdue Jan. 2 at State Farm Center. Williams announced Wednesday that he is returning for a fifth season.

Senior Da’Monte Williams returns for fifth season

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • April 28, 2021
The Orange Krush student section shouts at a game between the Illini men’s basketball team and Minnesota at State Farm Center Jan. 30, 2020.

Illinois sports lows make highs worth waiting for

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • April 25, 2021
Sophomore Jeanae Terry shoots the ball during the game against Valparaiso Dec. 2. Terry recently announced she is transferring to Purdue.

Former Illinois guard Jeanae Terry transfers to Purdue

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • April 23, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn dunks the ball during the game against Purdue Jan. 8. Cockburn declared for the NBA Draft Sunday afternoon.

Kofi Cockburn declares for NBA Draft

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • April 18, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier drives towards the basket during the game against Ohio State on Saturday. Frazier announced his return to Champaign Saturday afternoon.

Day in review: Frazier announces return for fifth season, Alfonso Plummer commits to Illini

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • April 17, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier passes to his left during the game against Ohio State on Jan. 16. Frazier declared for the NBA Draft Friday, though he is still eligible to return for a fifth season.

Trent Frazier declares for NBA Draft, retains NCAA eligibility

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • April 9, 2021
Junior Giorgi Bezhanishvili celebrates during the game against Iowa March 8, 2020. Bezhanishvili announced Thursday afternoon that he is departing the Illinois basketball program.

Giorgi Bezhanishvili announces departure from Illinois

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • April 8, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu drives to the lane during Illinois game against Maryland Jan. 10. Dosunmu declared for the 2021 NBA Draft Tuesday afternoon.

Junior guard Ayo Dosunmu declares for 2021 NBA Draft

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • April 6, 2021
The Illinois mens tennis team cheers on their teammates from the bleachers in their singles matches against Minnesota on Sunday at Atkins Tennis Center. Illinois athletics teams have been working hard to beat their competition this season.

Spring sports update: Men’s tennis on 10-match winning streak, soccer enters playoffs with momentum

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • April 6, 2021
Junior Ayo Dosunmu attempts to pivot around two defenders during the game against Wisconsin on Feb. 6. Dosunmu won the Bob Cousy Award Saturday afternoon.

Ayo Dosunmu wins Bob Cousy Award

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • April 3, 2021

Illinois lands Florida transfer Omar Payne

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • April 3, 2021
Kennedi Myles calls for the ball from J-Naya Ephraim Dec. 2 when Illinois faced Valparaiso. Both players have chosen to play elsewhere next season, with Myles already announcing her decision to transfer to Marquette.

Myles transfers to Marquette, three other Illini enter transfer portal

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • April 1, 2021
Kofi Cockburn, Adam Miller, Jacob Grandison and Trent Frazier (left to right) stand together neat mid-court during the game against Drexel on March 19. A dominant display from Frazier saw the Illini advance to the Round of 32 of the NCAA tournament.

Player grades: Frazier’s complete performance helps Illinois take down 16-seed Drexel

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • March 19, 2021
Kofi Cockburn and Ayo Dosunmu embrace during the game against Iowa on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. Dosunmu and Cockburn were named to the Associated Press All-America teams on Tuesday.

Dosunmu, Cockburn earn Associated Press All-American honors

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • March 16, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn shoots a free throw during the game against Purdue on Jan. 2. Cockburn shot 54.1% from the free-throw line during regular-season Big Ten play.

Inside the numbers: 16 Big Ten wins, Kofi’s field-goal percentage highlight unusual season

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • March 15, 2021
Freshman Andre Curbelo celebrates after scoring during the Big Ten semifinal match against Iowa. Curbelo is one of several freshmen who have shown promise this season.

Curbelo’s creativity, Miller’s magic help Illini find success throughout season

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • March 15, 2021
The Illini pose with the Big Ten Tournament trophy after beating Ohio State 91-88 in the title game on March 14 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Andre Curbelo, Giorgi Bezhanishvili and DaMonte Williams stepped up for the Illini, helping them snap a 16-year title drought.

Player grades: Bench players step up, earn Illini first Big Ten Tournament title since 2005

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • March 14, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn shoots through a crowd of defenders during the game against Iowa on March 13 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Cockburn finished with 26 points and was a big reason why the Illini advanced to the Big Ten Tournament title game.

Player grades: Cockburn, Curbelo guide Illini into Big Ten Tournament title game

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • March 13, 2021

CASSIDY USE THIS! Ranking the best feuds in the Big Ten this season

By Jackson Janes • March 7, 2021
Andre Curbelo drives toward the basket in the first half against Michigan on March 2. The Illini beat the Wolverines, 76-53.

Player grades: Dominant displays from Curbelo, Frazier lift Illini over No. 2 Wolverines

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • March 3, 2021
Senior Sasha Belaya returns the ball during the meet against Wisconsin on Friday. The Illini fell to Wisconsin, but beat Minnesota in a meet on Sunday.

Illinois falls to Wisconsin, beats Minnesota for first win of season

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • February 28, 2021
Senior Katie Wingerter throws the ball during the Orange and Blue World Series on Oct. 25. The Illinois softball team split its double-header against Maryland today.

Illinois splits doubleheader with Maryland

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • February 27, 2021
Sophomore Mia Townes performs her floor exercise routine during the meet against Michigan on Sunday. The Illinois womens gymnastics team placed second in the Big Five Meet on Friday.

Illinois finishes second in Big Five Meet for second consecutive season

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • February 26, 2021
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood speaks to freshman Andre Curbelo during the game against Wisconsin on Feb. 6. Questions surrounding the team’s consistency remain after a loss to unranked Michigan State on Sunday Tuesday night.

Three big questions loom after No. 5 Illini upset by pesky Spartans

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • February 25, 2021
An Illinois womens tennis player bounces the ball before serving during competition. The team fell to Northwestern 6-1 on Sunday.

lllinois falls to No. 7 Northwestern despite winning doubles point for first time

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • February 21, 2021
Redshirt freshman Alex Bancila returns the ball against Penn State on Feb. 19 at Atkins Tennis Center. The Illini won the match, 5-2.

No. 6 Illinois defeats Penn State, falls to No. 9 Ohio State to open Big Ten campaign

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • February 21, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu goes for a dunk against Minnesota on Feb. 20. Dosunmu notched his second triple-double of the season in a 94-63 win over the Golden Gophers.

Player grades: Dosunmu’s triple-double, Frazier’s half-court heave highlight dominant win at Minnesota

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • February 20, 2021
Senior Zeke Clark competes in the match against Virginia on Sunday. Clark is the Illini of the Week.

Illini of the Week: Zeke Clark clinches two upset wins, earns first-career Player of the Week award

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • February 18, 2021
Redshirt sophomore Siphosothando Montsi celebrates after scoring a point during the match against Virginia on Sunday.

Illinois upsets Southern California, Virginia en route to third-place tournament finish

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • February 14, 2021
Senior Emilee Duong competes during the meet against Oklahoma on March 3, 2020. The Illini fell to Nebraska on Sunday by a score of 5-2.

Illinois opens Big Ten campaign with road losses to Iowa, Nebraska

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • February 14, 2021
Sophomore Ayo Dosunmu looks to pass during the game against Wisconsin on Feb. 6. Dosunmu recorded 31 points during the game.

Player grades: Dosunmu puts team on his back late in overtime win over last-place Nebraska

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • February 13, 2021
Iowa senior center Luke Garza attempts to defend as junior guard Ayo Dosunmu drives through the lane during the game between Illinois and Iowa on Jan. 29 at State Farm Center. Dosunmu and Garza are the front runners for the Big Ten Player of the Year award.

Hoops update: Two Illini in Big Ten, Naismith Player of the Year race

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • February 11, 2021

Illinois returns to Atkins Tennis Center for first time since March to take on Indiana, Purdue

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • February 7, 2021
Junior Ayo Dosunmu looks to pass during the game against Wisconsin on Saturday. Dosunmu recorded his first triple double at Illinois during the game, earning 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists. It is only the third triple double in Illinois history.

Player grades: Dosunmu makes history, Cockburn dominates in paint in home win over No. 19 Wisconsin

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • February 6, 2021
Trent Frazier shoots a three-pointer in Illinois win against Indiana on Tuesday. Frazier had another big game, scoring 19 points.

Player grades: Frazier has another standout performance, Cockburn steps up in nail-biting win

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • February 3, 2021
Members of the Illinois womens tennis team high five after scoring a point during the Purdue invite this weekend.

Illini women’s tennis makes great strides in first competitive matches since March

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • January 31, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier yells out to a teammate during the game against Iowa on Friday. The Illini won the game 80-75.

Player grades: Big performances from Dosunmu, Frazier secure win over No. 7 Iowa

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • January 30, 2021
Senior Dylan Duncan attempts to break the hold of his opponent during the meet against Purdue on Friday. The men’s wrestling team is undefeated this season (4-0).

Illini sports update: Wrestling, gymnastics, volleyball teams off to undefeated starts

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • January 25, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier drives forward during the game against Nebraska on Feb. 24, 2020.

Big Ten hoops update: Conference deals with several postponements, paused programs

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • January 15, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn takes a shot during the game against Maryland Jan. 11. Cockburn has entered the transfer portal while keeping his name in the NBA Draft.

Player grades: Cockburn dominates in paint, Williams has off night in upset loss to Maryland

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • January 11, 2021
Jamal Woods celebrates with Tarique Barnes during the Wisconsin Oct. 23, 2020. Woods has elected to return to Illinois for a fifth year.

Defensive lineman Jamal Woods announces return to Illini

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • January 5, 2021
Michigan guard Zeb Jackson advances against Northwestern defenders during the second half of their game on Sunday.

Big Ten hoops update: Seven ranked teams, several Player of the Year candidates after three weeks of action

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • January 5, 2021
Illinois senior kicker James McCourt kicks the game winning field goal during the game against Wisconsin on Oct. 19 at Memorial Stadium. McCourt will return to the Illini in 2021.

Kicker James McCourt announces return to Illini for sixth season

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • January 2, 2021
Senior Nate Hobbs returns an interception during the game against Rutgers on Nov. 2 at Memorial Stadium. The Illini won 38-10.

Nate Hobbs declares for NFL Draft

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • January 2, 2021
Senior Jake Hansen wraps up an opposing player during competion.

Jake Hansen leaves lasting legacy on program after declaring for NFL Draft

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • December 30, 2020
Junior Milo Eifler stands with his teammates before playing in the Redbox Bowl against California on Dec. 30, 2019. Eifler will enter his name into the 2021 NFL Draft.

Milo Eifler declares for NFL Draft

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • December 29, 2020
Senior Quarterback Brandon Peters scans the field as the offensive line protects him during the match against Akron on Sep. 14, 2019.Peters will be returning to Illinois for one more season.

Quarterback Brandon Peters returns to Illini

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • December 29, 2020
Junior Ayo Dosunmu shoots the ball during the game against Minnesota on Dec. 15. The Illini earned a road win against Penn State on Wednesday with a 98-81 score line.

Player grades: Dosunmu, Cockburn, Curbelo thrive despite defensive struggles

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • December 24, 2020
Illinois head football coach Lovie Smith celebrates after securing a 24-23 victory over Wisconsin on Oct. 19, 2019.

Wins over No. 6 Wisconsin, Michigan State highlight Lovie Smith era

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • December 18, 2020
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