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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
Josh Pietsch

Josh Pietsch, Assistant On-air Editor

Junior running back Chase Brown takes the ball down the field during the game against Chattanooga on Sept. 22.

Daily Illini Sports Podcast: Iowa-Illinois prediction with Hawkeye beat writer

By Carson Gourdie and Josh Pietsch • October 8, 2022
Running back Chase Brown catches the ball while heading towards the end zone during the game against Wyoming on Aug. 27. Mike Barber of the Richmond Times-Dispatch shares his predictions and inputs for the upcoming match this Saturday on the latest Daily Illini Sports Podcast.

Daily Illini Sports Podcast predicts Illinois football success alongside Virginia beat writer

By Carson Gourdie and Josh Pietsch • September 9, 2022
Junior running back Chase Brown receives the ball from senior quarterback Tommy DeVito during the first half of the Spring Orange and Blue Game on Thursday. Brown and sophomore running back Josh McCray ran for a combined 174 yards during the game.

Column | Illini offense looks promising in 2022 Spring Game

By Josh Pietsch, On-Air Editor • April 24, 2022
The Illini defensive linemen push Wisconsin away from the end zone during the Homecoming game on Oct. 9. Sports on-air editor, Josh Pietsch, provides insight on key players to look out for during the Spring Game on Thursday.

Column | Positions, players to look for during 2022 Orange and Blue Spring Game

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • April 18, 2022
Illinois men’s basketball head coach Brad Underwood yells at the players during Big Ten Tournament game against Indiana on March 11. Sports On-Air Editor Josh Pietsch believes that even with the tough loss against No. 4 Houston, Underwood will bring the team in the right direction for the next season.

Column | Illinois men’s basketball fails to hit ceiling for second straight year as season ends

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • March 23, 2022
Junior center Kofi Cockburn goes up for a dunk during Illinois' 54-53 win over Chattanooga on Friday in Pittsburgh. Cockburn recorded a double-double with a game-high 17 points and 13 rebounds.

Notes, player grades: Illinois men’s basketball avoids upset bid, beats Chattanooga to advance to round of 32 of NCAA tournament

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • March 18, 2022
Forward Coleman Hawkins passes the ball during the Big Ten Tournament against Indiana on Friday. Hawkins was the second leading scorer for the game with 18 points.

Notes, player grades: Top-seeded Illinois men’s basketball falls to Indiana in first game of Big Ten Tournament

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • March 12, 2022
Guard Alfonso Plummer attempts to block a shot during the Big Ten Championship against Iowa on Sunday. Sports On-Air Editor, Josh Pietsch, discusses improvements the men's basketball team could make for the Big Ten Tournament.

Column | Illinois men’s basketball needs to use Big Ten Tournament to fix regular-season struggles

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • March 10, 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
Sophomore forward Coleman Hawkins plays defense on Iowa forward Kris Murray in the second half of the Illini's 74-72 win on Sunday at State Farm Center. Hawkins played arguably his best game of the year, scoring nine points, grabbing 11 rebounds and playing good defense on Murray.

Notes, player grades: Illinois men’s basketball holds off Iowa to claim share of Big Ten Title

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • March 7, 2022
Graduate student guard Alfonso Plummer tries to drive through two Penn State defenders during the Illinois men's basketball game on Thursday night at State Farm Center. Plummer had an unusual off night, while fifth-year senior Da'Monte Williams led the team in points and field-goal attempts.

Notes, player grades: Illinois men’s basketball picks up win over Penn State despite sloppy play

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • March 3, 2022
Sophomore forward flushes a dunk during the second half of No. 15 Illinois' 86-83 loss to No. 22 Ohio State at State Farm Center on Thursday. Hawkins had one of his best games of the season, scoring 10 points and playing solid defense all night.

Notes, player grades: No. 15 Illinois men’s basketball’s late comeback falls short in home loss to No. 22 Ohio State

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • February 25, 2022
Graduate student forward Jacob Grandison follows through after attempting a shot during No. 12 Illinois' 79-74 win over No. 19 at Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan, on Saturday. Grandison recorded a season-high 24 points and 6 triples earning him an "A+" grade.

Notes, player grades: Illinois men’s basketball hangs on to complete season sweep over Michigan State

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • February 19, 2022
Freshman guard RJ Melendez drivers to the basket during Illinois' game against Rutgers at State Farm Center on Dec. 3. Melendez sparked a late run on Wednesday night against the Scarlet Knights in New Jersey, but it wasn't enough as the Illini lost, 70-59.

Notes, player grades: Low-effort Illinois men’s basketball performance leads to ugly loss at Rutgers

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • February 16, 2022
Guard Trent Frazier goes to dunk the ball during the game against Northwestern on Sunday. Recently the Illini struggle during second halves for past games.

Column | Illinois men’s basketball’s recent late-game struggles show it doesn’t yet have its “go-to” guy

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • February 16, 2022
Guard RJ Melendez shoots for a three pointer during the game against Northwestern on Sunday. Sports On-Air Editor, Josh Pietsch, grades player performance during Sunday's match up.

Notes, player grades: Illinois men’s basketball survives late scare against Northwestern

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • February 14, 2022
Graduate student guard Alfonso Plummer shoot a 3-pointer during the first half of Illinois' 74-57 win over Indiana in Bloomington on Saturday. Plummer recorded 14 points, while senior guard Trent Frazier scored a game-high 23 points and received an 'A+' grade.

Notes, player grades: Illinois men’s basketball rallies late to pick up big road win at Indiana

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • February 5, 2022
Junior center Kofi Cockburn goes up for a dunk during Illinois men's basketball's 59-56 win over Northwestern on Saturday. Cockburn led all scorers with 22 points in his return from concussion protocol.

Notes, player grades: Illinois men’s basketball survives to avoid upset at Northwestern

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • January 30, 2022
Freshman guard Luke Goode dribbles the ball while looking to teammate senior guard Trent Frazier during Illinois men's basketball's 56-55 win over Michigan State at State Farm Center on Tuesday. Goode played his best game in an Illini uniform in the one-point win.

Notes, player grades: Shorthanded Illinois men’s basketball tops Michigan State in down-to-wire finish

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • January 25, 2022
Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk hits a layup during the second half of Illinois' 81-65 loss to Maryland on Friday night. Bosmans-Verdonk made his first career start, while Alfonso Plummer scored 18 points in the loss.

Notes, player grades: Illinois men’s basketball struggles at Maryland, falls without Kofi Cockburn

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • January 21, 2022
Guard Andre Curbelo performs a lay up during the Purdue game on Jan. 17. With Curbelo's return, may lead to possible set backs for the team lineup.

Column | Andre Curbelo return provides spark offensively, creates lineup dilemma

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • January 20, 2022
Alfonso Plummer shoots a 3-pointer during Illinois' game against Purdue at State Farm Center on Monday. Plummer had another solid game, recording 24 points, including six triples.

Notes, player grades: Illinois men’s basketball falls to Purdue in double-overtime thriller

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • January 17, 2022
Trent Frazier attempts a 3-pointer during No. 25 Illinois men's basketball's game against Michigan at State Farm Center on Friday night. Frazier's 16 second-half points were key in the Illini's 68-53 win over the Wolverines.

Notes, player grades: Illinois men’s basketball pulls away late to top Michigan at home

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • January 15, 2022
Kofi Cockburn waits on defense during Illinois' game against Maryland at State Farm Center on Thursday. Cockburn had another big game, notching his seventh straight double-double with 23 points and 18 rebounds.

Notes, player grades: Illini men’s basketball tops Terrapins on Ayo Dosunmu night

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • January 7, 2022
Da'Monte Williams dribbles the ball up the court during the first half of Illinois' 76-53 win over Minnesota on Tuesday. Williams notched a season-high nine points in the blowout win, while Kofi Cockburn recorded a 29-point, 10-rebound double-double.

Notes, player grades: Illinois returns from COVID-19 pause with blowout win at Minnesota

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • January 4, 2022
Alfonso Plummer hugs the Braggin' Rights trophy after Illinois beat Missouri, 88-63, on Wednesday in St. Louis. Kofi Cockburn was the star of the show once again, bu everyone stepped up and played well in the blowout victory.

Notes, player grades: Illini tame Tigers to earn Braggin’ Rights win for first time since 2017

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • December 24, 2021
Alfonso Plummer (11) high-fives teammate Trent Frazier (1) during Illinois' 106-48 win over Saint Francis on Saturday. The offense was efficient and selfless, shooting 65.5% from the field while registering 21 assists in the blowout win.

Notes, player grades: Illini blow out Red Flash in solid all-around performance

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • December 18, 2021
Andre Curbelo walks on the sideline in street clothes during Illinois' 83-79 loss to No. 11 Arizona on Dec. 11 at State Farm Center. The Illini has really missed his personality and spirit on the court, sports on-air editor Josh Pietsch writes.

Column | A look into how Illinois misses Andre Curbelo during his lengthy absence

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • December 18, 2021
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood expresses his frustration during the team's 83-79 loss to No. 11 Arizona on Saturday. Only four players got on the score sheet in the Illini's defeat, though Trent Frazier had a night to remember with a season-high 27 points.

Notes, player grades: Only four Illini able to score in close home loss to Wildcats

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • December 11, 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
Illinois guard Alfonso Plummer guards Caleb McConnell during the game against Rutgers on Saturday at State Farm Center. Plummer led the Illini with a game-high 24 points in the 86-51 win.

Notes, player grades: Illinois men’s basketball handles Rutgers, earns 35-point victory at home

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • December 3, 2021
Illinois junior Kofi Cockburn shoots a floater during the team's 82-72 win over Notre Dame at State Farm Center on Monday.

Player grades: Shorthanded Illinois shows promise in 10-point victory over Notre Dame

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • November 29, 2021
Calvin Avery celebrates with teammates during Illinois' 47-14 win over Northwestern on Saturday evening at Memorial Stadium. The defense played a big role in the blowout victory, while the offense and special team units also played some of their best football of the year.

Northwestern notes, grades: Illini dominate Wildcats to earn back Land of Lincoln Trophy

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • November 27, 2021
Brad Underwood and the Illinois coaching staff sits on the bench during Illinois' game against Jackson State on Nov. 9. The Illini coaching staff failed to make adjustments during the team's loss on Monday.

Hall of Fame Classic notes, grades: Illinois men’s basketball disappoints against Cincinnati, bounces back with win over Kansas State

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • November 23, 2021
Lovie Smith, previous head coach of the Fighting Illini football team, walks along the sidelines at Ryan Field during the game against Northwestern on Dec. 12 the day before he was fired. The Illini have gone through a series of coach cycles since 2006 giving Northwestern an advantage against the team for the past 15 years.

Fitzgerald, Northwestern dominate coach-cycled Illinois since 2006

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • November 23, 2021
Illinois quarterback Brandon Peters prepares for a snap during the team's game at Iowa on Saturday. The Illini offense stalled after a fast start while the team allowed the most points since game three in a 33-23 loss to the Hawkeyes.

Iowa notes, grades: Illini football falls short against Hawkeyes, clinches 10th straight losing season

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • November 20, 2021
Kofi Cockburn high fives a fan after watching the Illinois game against Jacksonville State University on Nov. 9. Illini basketball still faces setbacks despite the end of his suspension.

Column | Even as Kofi Cockburn returns, multiple issues still stare Illini right in the face 

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • November 17, 2021
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood yells at his bench during the team's game against Jackson State on Nov. 9. The Illini were out of sorts on offense all night, ultimately falling on the road to Marquette, 67-66.

Marquette notes, grades: Illini offense disappoints in last-minute loss to Golden Eagles

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • November 15, 2021
Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk plays defense during the first half of the game against Jackson State on Tuesday night. Bosmans-Verdonk stepped up with many key contributors out due to injury or suspension in the Illini's 71-47 win.

Jackson State notes, grades: Shorthanded Illini top Tigers at home to open regular season

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • November 9, 2021
Illinois defensive back Jartavius Martin makes a tackle during the game against Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Though Brandon Peters bounced back in his return and the defense had a solid game overall, the Illini's inability to get the run game going cost them, falling 20-14 to the Scarlet Knights.

Rutgers notes, grades: Brandon Peters has best game of season in Illini football’s loss to Scarlet Knights

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • October 30, 2021
Illinois' Owen Carney Jr. (99) and Jartavius Martin celebrate during the game against Penn State on Saturday. The Illini defense and running backs were pivotal in the Illini's record-breaking upset over the No. 7 Nittany Lions in Happy Valley.

Penn State notes, grades: Illini football wins nine-overtime shocker, upsets No. 7 Nittany Lions on the road

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • October 23, 2021
Running back Chase Brown gets tackled during the game against Wisconsin Oct. 9. Illini football receives an assessment on how they've been performing at the past seven games.

Midterm grades: An assessment of how Illinois football has performed after seven games

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • October 19, 2021
The Illinois offensive line gets ready to snap the ball during the Homecoming game against Wisconsin on Saturday. The Illini offense and defense struggled immensely throughout the team's 24-0 loss to the Wisconsin Badgers.

Wisconsin notes, grades: Badgers embarrass Illini football on Homecoming weekend in Champaign

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • October 9, 2021
The Illini offense huddles before Saturday's game against Charlotte. Chase Brown's career-high 257 rushing yards offset a dismal aerial attack in Illinois' 24-14 win.

Charlotte notes, grades: Chase Brown runs all over 49ers as Illinois football picks up second win of season

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • October 2, 2021
Coach Bret Bielema and quarterback Brandon Peters high five before the game against Maryland on Sept. 18. Illini football needs to make some changes to improve during the rest of their season.

Column | It’s time for Illinois football to make some changes

By Josh Pietsch, Assistant On-Air Editor • September 28, 2021
Josh McCray stiff-arms an approaching Purdue defender during the game in West Lafayette on Saturday. A dismal performance from the offense canceled out a career day for Josh McCray and an impressive defensive display, which included two interceptions.

Purdue notes, grades: Illini football falls in West Lafayette for fourth straight loss

By Josh Pietsch, Assistant On-Air Editor • September 25, 2021
Owen Carney gets set before a play during the game against Virginia at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville on Saturday. The Illini struggled offensively and defensively against the Cavaliers, and they have lots of things to sort out before returning to Big Ten action on Friday night.

Notes, players grades: Illini struggle on both ends of the ball in loss at Virginia

By Josh Pietsch, Assistant On-Air Editor • September 11, 2021
Illinois' defensive line prepares for a snap during the game against University of Texas at San Antonio at Memorial Stadium. The Illini struggled to contain a potent running back in Sincere McCormick and gave up too many long passing plays to Zakhari Franklin.

Notes, player grades: Illini struggle to stop pass in first loss of Bielema era

By Josh Pietsch, Assistant On-Air Editor • September 5, 2021
Illinois quarterback Artur Sitkowski celebrates after the game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Sitkowski was not expected to play, though he got significant game time during the final three quarters following an upper-body injury to Brandon Peters.

Notes, player grades: Sun shines bright in Champaign as Illini win first game under Bielema

By Josh Pietsch, Assistant On-Air Editor • August 28, 2021
The offensive line waits to snap the ball during the Orange and Blue game on April 19. Head coach Bret Bielema and offensive linemen Vederian Lowe and Doug Kramer talked about their hopes for the offense during Big Ten Media Days.

Illini offense returns familiar faces, looks to improve in 2021

By Josh Pietsch, Assistant On-Air Editor • July 23, 2021
Bret Bielema walks off the field after the spring game April 19. As spring football ends, fans got a taste into what fall may look like.

Bielema concludes successful first spring ball as head coach

By Josh Pietsch, Assistant On-Air Editor • May 16, 2021
Reggie Love III (23) and Daniel Barker (87) celebrate after Love III scored a touchdown April 19 during the spring game at Memorial Stadium. Love III and Barker are both players to watch for Bret Bielema's squad in the fall.

Illinois players to watch after successful spring game outings

By Josh Pietsch, Assistant On-Air Editor • April 27, 2021
Redshirt freshman Isaiah Williams (white) throws a pass during the Orange and Blue Spring Game Monday night at Memorial Stadium. Williams and senior Brandon Peters continue to compete for the starting quarterback spot.

Peters, Williams compete for starting spot at spring game

By Josh Pietsch, Assistant On-Air Editor • April 22, 2021
Redshirt freshman Isaiah Williams sprints down the field in a game against Rutgers Nov. 14. The Illinois football team will play its first spring game Monday with an almost completely new coaching staff and altered player positions.

Spring game preview: Position changes, battles highlight first scrimmage under new staff

By Josh Pietsch, Assistant On-Air Editor • April 19, 2021
Redshirt freshman Isaiah Williams throws the football during practice on March 23.

Peters, Williams battle for starting quarterback spot

By Josh Pietsch, Assistant On-Air Editor • April 15, 2021
Illinois running backs coach Cory Patterson runs through a drill with a few players. Patterson is coming up on his fourth season with the Illini and is the only coach Bret Bielema kept from Lovie Smith’s staff.

Cory Patterson works with new coaching staff, position group in year four with Illini

By Josh Pietsch, Assistant On-Air Editor • April 8, 2021
The Illinois football team’s offensive line performs drills during practice Sunday. Several offensive line veterans are returning for another year at Illinois.

Illini offensive line returns veterans, comes back tougher under new coach Bart Miller

By Josh Pietsch, Assistant On-Air Editor • April 1, 2021
Junior Chase Brown completes a drill during the University of Illinois’s first football practice on Tuesday. New head coach Bret Bielema has been making changes to the Illini’s offense and defense after taking over for former head coach Lovie Smith in December.

Illini make changes on offense, defense as spring practices begin under new staff

By Josh Pietsch, Assistant On-Air Editor • March 25, 2021
Senior linebacker Jake Hansen stands ready on the line of scrimmage during the game against Rutgers on Nov. 15.

Linebacker Jake Hansen announces return to Illini

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • March 1, 2021
Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema speaks at a press conference on Dec. 21. Bielema welcome the final signees of the 2021 recruiting class on Wednesday

Bielema welcomes in 2021 recruiting class, transfer additions

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • February 4, 2021
Recently appointed Associate Head Coach and Outside Linebackers Coach Kevin Kane speaks at a press conference on Tuesday.

Kevin Kane comes to Illinois ready to grow, learn from Bielema

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • January 28, 2021
Bielema builds all-star staff, keeps talented seniors

Bielema builds all-star staff, keeps talented seniors

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • January 25, 2021
Andy Buh coaches at a Rutgers practice. Buh will work as the linebackers coach in the upcoming season for the Illinois football team.

Bielema’s staff continues to take shape with three new hires

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • January 12, 2021
Senior Blake Hayes kicks a punt during a game against Nebraska. Hayes, along with snapper Ethan Tabel and kicker James McCourt will return to the Illinois football team next season.

Dominant, consistent specials teams trio announce returns to Illini for fifth season

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • January 6, 2021
Senior Jake Hansen prepares to hike the ball during competition.

Offensive line looks to dominate in 2021 after three senior starters announce returns

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • December 30, 2020
Bret Bielema made his first hire with offensive coordinator Tony Petersen on Monday.

Bret Bielema makes first Illini hires on offense

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • December 29, 2020
Maryland head coach Matt Canada questions a call during a game against Penn State on Nov. 24, 2018. Canada now coaches for the Pittsburgh Steelers and is a potential choice for offensive coordinator at Illinois.

Building a staff: Coaches Bret Bielema should consider

By Carson Gourdie and Josh Pietsch • December 28, 2020
Newly hired Illinois football coach Bret Bielema poses with his wife.

Bielema looks to improve on recent in-state recruiting struggles

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • December 23, 2020
Chase Brown runs the ball in Illinois' game against Penn State on Saturday. The Illini fell 56-21.

Illinois drops last game of season, first game without Lovie Smith at Penn State 56-21

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • December 19, 2020
Quarterback Brandon Peters scans the field looking for receivers during the game against Northwestern on Saturday. Illinois will play Penn State this Saturday.

Illinois to face Penn State in final game of season

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • December 18, 2020
Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian during open practice at Fan Day in Bryant-Denny Stadium Aug. 3, 2019.

Top seven coaching replacements for Lovie Smith

By Carson Gourdie and Josh Pietsch • December 14, 2020
Lovie Smith stands near the Illini during warmups in the Redbox Bowl on Dec. 30. Smith has been fired as Illinois' head coach, leaving uncertainty for the future.

Column: Illinois’ skid casts doubt on future

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • December 13, 2020
Junior Luke Ford reaches for a pass during the game against Iowa on Saturday.

Illinois travels to Northwestern, looks to regain Land of Lincoln trophy

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • December 11, 2020
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith poses with quarterback Brandon Peters during Senior Night before the game against Iowa on Saturday.

Lovie Smith looks to send seniors, first recruitment class out with a bang

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • December 8, 2020
Defensive back Tony Adams runs the ball during the game against Nebraska on Nov. 21.

Illinois closes out 2020 regular season home schedule against No. 19 Iowa

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • December 4, 2020
Sophomore Tarique Barnes looks forward as he stands on the line of scrimmage during the game against Wisconsin on Oct. 23. The Illini lost 45-7.

Illini adapt to injuries, COVID-19 setbacks

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • December 1, 2020
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith looks up at the scoreboard during the game against Iowa at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018.

Illinois to host Ohio State seeking third straight win

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • November 26, 2020
Senior kicker James Mccourt kicks a field goal during the game against Nebraska on Saturday.

Illini able to recover from early complications to achieve recent success

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • November 23, 2020
Illinois quarterback Brandon Peters hands it off to running back Chase Brown in the game at Nebraska Saturday. The Illini won 41-23.

Illini dominate Cornhuskers 41-23 in second-straight victory

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • November 21, 2020
Quarterback Brandon Peters scans the field during the game against Nebraska on Sept. 21, 2019.

Illini look for second straight win Saturday at Nebraska

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • November 19, 2020
Running back Chase Brown barrels through defenders during the game against Minnesota on Nov. 7. The Illini lost the game 41-14.

Chase Brown looks to build on career-best performance

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • November 16, 2020
Illinois quarterback Isaiah Williams runs the ball against Rutgers on Saturday. The Illini won 23-20..

Illinois earns its first win with last-minute 23-20 victory at Rutgers

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • November 14, 2020
Illinois running back Chase Brown finds an opening during the game against Purdue on Oct. 31.

Illini to travel to Rutgers Saturday seeking first win

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • November 13, 2020
Illinois running back Reggie Corbin (2) and lineman Doug Kramer (65) celebrate after scoring a touchdown against Akron on Aug. 31, 2019. Kramer is set to return to play for the Illini this Saturday.

Doug Kramer, James McCourt among Illini players set to return this weekend

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • November 10, 2020
Junior Mike Epstein runs the ball down the field in Illinois' game against Minnesota on Saturday evening. The Illini lost to the Gophers 41-14.

Illinois falls to 0-3 after 41-14 loss to Minnesota

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • November 7, 2020
Illinois running back Mike Epstein searches for an opening during the game against Purdue on Saturday. The Illini fell to the Boilermakers 31-24.

Illini to host Minnesota Saturday afternoon, still seek first win

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • November 6, 2020
Illinois defensive lineman Owen Carney Jr. celebrates a sack during the game against Purdue on Oct. 31. The Illini fell to the Boilermakers 31-24.

Carney, defensive line exceed expectations for Illini defense

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • November 3, 2020
Illinois quarterback Coran Taylor hands the ball off to running back Mike Epstein during the game against Purdue on Oct. 31. The Illini fell to the Boilermakers 31-24.

Coran Taylor, Illini fall short against Boilermakers 31-24

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • October 31, 2020
Quarterback Brandon Peters snaps the ball during practice on Oct. 13.

Illinois to host Purdue in first home game of 2020

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • October 29, 2020
Illinois Offensive Coordinator Rod Smith poses for a promotional photo. Smith hopes to involve running backs Mike Epstein and Chase Brown more in coming games.

Illini to make offensive adjustments after loss

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • October 27, 2020
Redshirt senior Brandon Peters throws the ball during practice on Oct. 15.

Illinois travels to Wisconsin to open 2020 season

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • October 22, 2020
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith instructs during practice on Oct. 12. The season kicks off on Friday against Wisconsin in Madison.

Illinois slate ranked easiest to hardest

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • October 19, 2020
Illinois senior kicker James McCourt kicks the game winning field goal during the game against Wisconsin on Oct. 19 at Memorial Stadium. Since then, McCourt has been practicing to ensure he has the consistency he wants as a Big Ten kicker.

McCourt uses Wisconsin game as motivation for improvement

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • October 15, 2020
Redshirt senior Brandon Peters runs the ball during football practice on Wednesday.

Peters takes full advantage of offseason to make improvements

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • October 9, 2020
Sophomore wide receiver Khmari Thompson stands ready with the ball at football practice on Thursday. Thompson adds speed and strength to the team after transferring from Missouri, measuring in at 6-foot-1-inch and 220 pounds.

Wide receiver transfers bring depth to Illinois’ offense

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • October 5, 2020
Senior linebacker Milo Eifler stands ready before the play during football practice on Sept. 17. Eifler is one of several Illini that will consider the NFL Draft after the fall.

Illini draft prospects have season to prove themselves

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • October 1, 2020
Current senior Mike Epstein runs the ball during the game against Akron on Aug. 31, 2019 at Memorial Stadium.

Mike Epstein looks to come back stronger after knee injury

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • September 25, 2020
Members of the Illinois football team practice on Sep. 17. Their season opener is scheduled for Oct. 24 at Wisconsin.

Illini react to Big Ten season return, start of practice

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • September 21, 2020
Illini football head coach Lovie Smith waves at the team's first practice since the BIg Ten's decision to reinstate the fall football seaosn. The Illini have roughly four weeks to practice before the season begins.

Medical advancements lead to reversal of Big Ten football postponement

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • September 17, 2020
Senior offensive lineman Alex Palczewski defends the quarterback during the game against Nebraska on Nov. 10, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Illini lost 54-35.

Illini hopeful for rise in NFL Draft prospects

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • September 14, 2020
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