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

All content by Josh Pietsch
Running back Chase Brown gets tackled during the game against Wisconsin Oct. 9. Illini football receives an assessment on how theyve been performing at the past seven games.

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

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 teams 24-0 loss to the Wisconsin Badgers.

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

October 9, 2021
The Illini offense huddles before Saturdays game against Charlotte. Chase Browns 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Bielemas squad in the fall.

Illinois players to watch after successful spring game outings

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

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

April 19, 2021
Redshirt freshman Isaiah Williams throws the football during practice on March 23.

Peters, Williams battle for starting quarterback spot

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 28, 2021
Bielema builds all-star staff, keeps talented seniors

Bielema builds all-star staff, keeps talented seniors

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

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

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

December 30, 2020
Bret Bielema made his first hire with offensive coordinator Tony Petersen on Monday.

Bret Bielema makes first Illini hires on offense

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

December 28, 2020
Newly hired Illinois football coach Bret Bielema poses with his wife.

Bielema looks to improve on recent in-state recruiting struggles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 31, 2020
Quarterback Brandon Peters snaps the ball during practice on Oct. 13.

Illinois to host Purdue in first home game of 2020

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

October 27, 2020
Redshirt senior Brandon Peters throws the ball during practice on Oct. 15.

Illinois travels to Wisconsin to open 2020 season

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

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

October 15, 2020
Redshirt senior Brandon Peters runs the ball during football practice on Wednesday.

Peters takes full advantage of offseason to make improvements

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

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

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

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

September 21, 2020
Illini football head coach Lovie Smith waves at the teams first practice since the BIg Tens 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

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

September 14, 2020
Junior Mike Epstein advances the ball down the field during the game against Penn State on Sept. 21, 2018. Epstein and sophomore Chase Brown will be given a majority of the carries for the Illini this season.

Illini running backs look to strengthen offense in new roles

September 7, 2020
Senior Nate Hobbs returns an interception during the game against Rutgers on Nov. 2 at Memorial Stadium. The Illini won 38-10.

Big Ten explores earlier football start dates

September 3, 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.

Five Illini named to Reese’s Senior Bowl Top 250

August 28, 2020
Senior offensive lineman Alex Palczewski protects senior quarterback Brandon Peters during the game against Akron on Sept. 14. The 2020 football season has been postponed to the spring due to COVID-19.

Offensive line brings experience, leadership to Illini

August 27, 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.

Veteran offensive line to lead Illini football

August 26, 2020
Head coach Lovie Smith stands on the sidelines during Illinois game against Iowa on Nov. 23. Saturday, Illinois fell to Northwestern 29-10 on Senior Day, closing out the teams regular season. Captured at Kinnick Stadium on 23 Nov. 2019 by Jonathan Bonaguro.

Illini football, Lovie Smith remain focused on playing 2020 season despite cancellation rumors

August 11, 2020
Illinois football helmets line up at the end zone at Memorial Stadium during football spring training on April 13, 2019.

Reports: Big Ten cancels 2020 college football season

August 10, 2020
Illini begin training camp with promising offense despite season uncertainties

Illini begin training camp with promising offense despite season uncertainties

August 9, 2020
The Illinois 2018-2019 Womens Golf team poses for a team photo.

Team of the century: 2018-2019 Illini start, finish season strong

May 17, 2020
Senior Michelle Bartsch serves the ball during the NCAA Championship against UCLA on Dec. 17, 2011

All-time starting six highlights Illini volleyball greats

May 8, 2020
Illionois head coach Chris Tamas talks to his team during the match against Iowa at Huff Hall on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. The Illini won 3-0.

Tamas uses downtime, social media to connect with family, community

May 1, 2020
Illinois outside hitter Jacqueline Quade (7) points to setter Jordyn Poulter (1) after scoring a kill during the match against Nebraska in the Final Four of the NCAA tournament at the Target Center on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. Nebraska defeated Illinois 3-2.

Team of the century: 2018 Illini volleyball nearly dominate entire season

April 23, 2020
Illinois outside hitter Megan Cooney spikes the ball during the match against Nebraska in the Final Four of the NCAA tournament at the Target Center on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. Nebraska defeated Illinois 3-2.

Illini lose spring season, workouts

April 4, 2020
Senior Tristyn Nowlin putts her ball onto the green during the Illini Womens Invitational on Oct 7, 2019 at the Medinah County Club.

Illini of the season: Two golfers lessen spring struggles

March 28, 2020
Tristyn Nowlin golfs at the Women’s Invitational in Medina, Illinois, on Oct. 9, 2019.

Illini lose majority of spring season

March 18, 2020

Illinois women’s golf gains momentum on final round of Westbrook Invitational

February 27, 2020
Photo courtesy of Illini Athletics.

Sukaree reflects on journey from Thailand to Illinois

February 20, 2020
Senior Tristyn Nowlin watches her approach shot during the Medina Invitational. Though she is in her final year at the Univesity, Nowlin looks to lead the team to success before she turns professional after graduating.

Women’s golf prepare for a competitive spring season

January 27, 2020
Freshman Luke Luffman after winning a match against a Missouri opponent on Nov. 14.

Illini face Huskies at home in dual-meet this Friday

December 4, 2019
Luffman leads Illini to victory

Luffman leads Illini to victory

November 16, 2019
Illinois’ Travis Piotrowski wrestles with Maryland’s Brandon Cray in the 125-pound weight class during the meet at Huff Hall on Jan. 28. The Illini won 25-18.

Illinois splits weekend at Chattanooga Duels

November 12, 2019
Sophomore Reena Sulkar swings at the Illini Women’s Invitational. The home invitational took place in Medinah, Illinois, on Oct. 9.

Illini finish season strong at Landfall Tradition

November 1, 2019
Sophomore Crystal Wang hits the ball at the Illini Womens Invite at Medinah on Oct. 10, 2018. The Illini are headed to Wilmington, North Carolina, for the Landfall Tradition this weekend.

Illini head to North Carolina for last meet in fall season

October 25, 2019
Nowlin leads on, off green in her final season with Illinois

Nowlin leads on, off green in her final season with Illinois

October 19, 2019
Sophomore Reena Sulkar swings at the Illini Women’s Invitational. The home invitational took place in Medinah, Illinois, on Oct. 9.

Illini places third in home invitational, season-best finish

October 14, 2019
The Illini golf team meets Toby Keith at the Schooner Fall Classic over the weekend. The Illini tied for fifth place in the tournament.

Nowlin leads Illini in Schooner Fall Classic

October 2, 2019
Illini fall short at Glass City Invitational

Illini fall short at Glass City Invitational

September 29, 2019
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