Donate to the DI!
Listen to WPGU 107.1 FM!
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
Football head coach Lovie Smith speaks at a press conference for National Signing Day on Wednesday afternoon. There were five players who signed on Wednesday and there is one more scholarship available. Smith said he has a player in mind for the scholarship, but he would not discuss his position.

Taylor headlines Illinois Football’s Signing Day

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • February 8, 2018
Illinois assistant coach Garrick McGee answers questions at a press conference at Memorial Stadium on Monday.

Lovie Smith fires offensive coordinator and defensive back coach

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • December 27, 2017
Western Michigan running back Jamauri Bogan (32) gets tackled by Illinois defensive back Patrick Nelson (21) and linebacker Tre Watson (33) during the the game against Western Michigan at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 17, 2016. The Illini lost 34-10.

Watson announces transfer to Maryland

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • December 22, 2017
Illinois quarterback Jeff George Jr. throws a pass during the game against Rutgers on Oct. 24. The Illini ended their season 2-10 overall, with zero wins in the Big Ten conference. George was just one quarterback who got playing time this season. Others include Cam Thomas and Chayce Crouch.

Illinois football struggles through another season

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • December 18, 2017
Illinois running back Kendrick Foster is tackled during the game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium. The Illini fell 28-6.

Foster ready for the next step

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • December 11, 2017
Illinois linebacker Tré Watson makes a tackle during the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 5, 2016. Watson is one of the five players who are transferring next season.

Five Illini announce they are transferring

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • November 30, 2017
Illinois linebacker Tré Watson (33) makes a tackle during the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 5. The Illini won 31-27.

Illini football players announce they’re transferring

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • November 28, 2017
Illinois running back Mike Epstein dives for a touchdown during the game against Ball State on Saturday, September 2, at Memorial Stadium.

A way-too-early preview of 2018 Illinois football

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • November 27, 2017
Illinois Wide Receiver Trend Davis makes a move downfield in the Illini’s game against Minnesota on Oct. 21. The Illini lost 24-17.

Davis is ready for added minutes

By Mike Gasick, Staff Writer • November 16, 2017
Louis Dorsey, tight end for the fighting Illini, makes a one-handed catch at the game against Ball State. The Fighting Illini won 24-21.

Nickerson set to return to sideline

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • November 14, 2017
Illinois offensive lineman Larry Boyd protects quarterback Chayce Crouch during a 24-21 in against Ball State at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 2. Boyd has seen significant playing time despite being a freshman.

Offensive line will grow with players

By Mike Gasick, Staff Writer • November 9, 2017
Illinois Quarterback Cam Thomas throws a pass on the move during the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Oct. 28.

Thomas performs well for coaching staff, Nickerson out for now

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • November 8, 2017
Illinois quarterback Cam Thomas throws a pass on the move during the game against Wisconsin on Oct 28. The Illini lost 24-10.

Coaching staff trying to make two-quarterback system work

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • November 1, 2017
Whitman announces $79 million football facility

Whitman announces $79 million football facility

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • October 31, 2017
Illinois quarterback Cam Thomas throws a pass during the Homecoming game against Wisconsin on Saturday. The Illini lost 24-10.

UPDATED RAPID RECAP: Illini drop homecoming game to Wisconsin

By Mike Gasick, Staff Writer • October 28, 2017
Illinois to face one of nation's top running backs

Illinois to face one of nation’s top running backs

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • October 27, 2017
Williams impresses Illinois football coaching staff

Williams impresses Illinois football coaching staff

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • October 24, 2017
Illini freshman wide receiver Ricky Smalling celebrates after catching a touchdown in the Illini's 35-24 loss to Rutgers. Smalling had 103 receiving yards on the day.

Smalling’s confidence helping Illini through difficult season

By Mike Gasick, Staff Writer • October 18, 2017
Big Ten Football Power Rankings

Big Ten Football Power Rankings

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • October 12, 2017
Illinois enters the field at the start of the game against Ball State on Saturday, Sep. 2.

Coaching staff impressed with offensive line

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • October 10, 2017
Illinois quarterback Chayce Crouch searches for a receiver down the field. The Illini lost to Nebraska 28-6

Illinois announces quarterback change

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • October 3, 2017
Three Illini make season debuts in loss

Three Illini make season debuts in loss

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • October 2, 2017
Illinois head football coach Lovie Smith talks to reporters during Media Day at Memorial Stadium on August 14.

Smith, Illinois players weigh in on NFL protests

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • September 28, 2017
Illinois football defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson talks to defensive back Dillan Cazley (8) during practice at Memorial Stadium on Wednesday, August 31, 2016.

Big Ten play will not change Illinois’ preparation

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • September 20, 2017
Illinois quarterback Chayce Crouch is pursued by a Western Kentucky defender as he looks down field. The Illini won 20-7.

Illinois looks for 3-0 start against dual-threat quarterback

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • September 15, 2017
Freshman tight end Louis Dorsey breaks past a defender in Illinois' win over Western Kentucky on Saturday.

Dorsey looking to make impact on freshmen-heavy offensive line

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • September 14, 2017
Running back Mike Epstein stares down a Western Kentucky defender during the Illini's 20-7 win on Saturday.

UPDATED RAPID RECAP: Illinois football beats Western Kentucky 20-7

By Mike Gasick, Staff Writer • September 9, 2017
Illinois enters the field at the start of the game against Ball State on Saturday, Sep. 2.

Attack-minded Western Kentucky to take on Illinois this weekend

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • September 8, 2017
Wide Receiver Mike Dudek catches a pass from quarterback Chayce Crouch in the first quarter of Saturday's game. It was the first game Dudek played in since 2014.

IOTW: Mike Dudek survives, thrives on returning punts

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • September 6, 2017
Freshman running back Mike Epstein celebrates with his teammates after scoring his first touchdown in Illinois' 24-21 win over Ball State on September 2.

Epstein impresses in Illinois victory

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • September 4, 2017
Dudek ready to forget about knee injury, excited to be back

Dudek ready to forget about knee injury, excited to be back

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • August 31, 2017
Illinois backup quarterback Chayce Crouch (7) runs down the field during the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 8. The Illini lost 34-31.

Coaching staff and teammates excited to have dual-threat quarterback leading team

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • August 28, 2017
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith walks down First Street before the game against North Carolina at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 10, 2016.

Illinois loses linebacker Jake Hansen for the season

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • August 24, 2017
Illinois football coach Lovie Smith adresses reporters at Big Ten Media Days in Chicago.

Smith brings atypical coaching style to team

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • July 24, 2017
Illinois quarterback Chayce Crouch (7) looks to pass the ball during the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 8. The Illini lost 34-31.

Smith names Crouch starting quarterback

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • July 24, 2017
Cole Bellair pitches in a game against St. Louis University on April 17 at Illinois Field. Bellair's performance against Coastal Carolina earned him praise from head coach Dan Hartleb.

Illinois baseball hangs tight with defending national champs

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • March 12, 2017
Illinois center fielder Doran Turchin gets ready to catch a fly ball during the game against Eastern Illinois at Illini Field on Tuesday, April 5. The Illini won 9-7.

Illinois baseball to face reigning national champions this weekend

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • March 9, 2017
Sebastian Quiana celebrates after a strong performance on the floor in the meet against Minnesota on Jan. 28.

Illinois men’s gymnast Quiana given Big Ten honor

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • March 7, 2017
Illini of the week March 2: Jonathan Wells

Illini of the week March 2: Jonathan Wells

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • March 2, 2017
Illinois’ Quentin Sefcik pitches in the game against ISU on April 12.

Skid continues for young Illini in Texas

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • February 27, 2017
Illinois' Pat McInerney singles at Illinois Field on April 17, 2016.

Illinois baseball hopes to rebound from last weekend’s losses

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • February 24, 2017
Jack Yalowitz takes a swing at Illinois Field on April 17, 2016. Illinois played against Saint Louis and won 6-2.

Hartleb disappointed with baseball team’s 1-3 opening weekend

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • February 20, 2017
Illinois starting pitcher Doug Hayes delivers the pitch during game two of the series against St. Louis University at Illinois Field on Saturday, April 16. The Illini won 3-1.

Youth to lead Illinois baseball in opening weekend

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • February 16, 2017
Illinois linebacker Hardy Nickerson (10) tries to strip the ball from North Carolina tailback Elijah Hood (34) during the game against North Carolina at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 10. The Illini loss 48-23.

Illinois football scheduled for another primetime game

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • February 9, 2017
Illinois' Kyle Hudson jogs back to the dugout at the game against Illinois College on Wednesday April 9 2008.

Illinois baseball coach accepts position with Cleveland Indians

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • February 7, 2017
Illinois' Ted Karras (69) defends Indiana's Larry Black, Jr. (97) during the game against Indiana at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012.

Alum Karras plays for Patriots in Super Bowl LI win

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • February 5, 2017
The Illini defense will have a new linebackers coach next season with the departure of Tim McGarigle.

McGarigle leaving Illinois football coaching staff for Green Bay Packers

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • February 3, 2017
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith smiles during the game against Murray State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 3. The Illini won 52-3.

Illinois football’s Smith is all smiles with 2017 class

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • February 1, 2017
Illinois head coach Kevin Hambly talks to his team after the match against Northwestern at Huff Hall on Saturday, October 15. The Illini won 3-0.

Illinois volleyball’s Hambly leaving to take Stanford head coaching job

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • January 30, 2017
Illinois’ Aleks Vukic attempts to return the ball during a meet at the Atkins Tennis Center on April 17, 2016. Vukic picked up a singles victory in the Martin King Jr. Invitational.

Illinois men’s tennis begins season with MLK Invitational

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • January 17, 2017
Sam Stratford, sophomore, swims backstroke in the 400 yard IM at the Fighting Illini Dual Meet Spectacular in the ARC Pool on October 16, 2015. Stratford claimed the 200 IM individual first-place honors against Iowa State.

Illinois women’s swim & dive finish 1-3 over Winter Break

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • January 17, 2017
Illinois' Lizzy LeDuc performs a routine on the balance beam during the State of Illinois Classic at Huff Hall on March 5, 2015. LeDuc was named Big Ten Gymnast of the Week for her performance in the Illini's home opening meet. It is her second time earning the honor.

Illinois women’s gymnast LeDuc earns Big Ten Gymnast of the Week

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • January 17, 2017
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) shoots a three during the game against IUPUI at State Farm Center on Tuesday, December 6. The Illini won 85-77.

Illinois scrapes by with win over IUPUI

By Mike Gasick, Assistant Sports Editor • December 8, 2016
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith watches his team from the sidelines during the game against North Carolina at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 10. The Illini loss 48-23.

Illinois football adds quarterback for 2017 season

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • December 5, 2016
Illinois' Leron Black (12) goes up for a layup during the game against North Carolina State at State Farm Center on Tuesday, November 29. The Illini won 88-74.

Illinois men’s basketball can now be taken seriously

By Mike Gasick, Assistant Sports Editor • December 5, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce watches his team from the sidelines during the game against Rutgers at the State Farm Center on February 17. The Illini won 82-66.

Illinois basketball looking to rebound after disappointing Thanksgiving break

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • November 28, 2016
Malcolm Hill dribbles against McKendree. The Illini went 0-3 over Thanksgiving break.

Illinois men’s basketball falters during Thanksgiving week

By Mike Gasick, staff writer • November 28, 2016
Denise Branch leading the team during the women's cross-coutry Illini Challenge. The challenge was held at the UI Arboretum on Friday, September 2, 2016. As one of the three Fighting Illinis to place in top 10, Denise led the way in fifth place.

Illinois women’s cross-country takes third at Illini Challenge

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • September 5, 2016

Illinois men’s basketball to participate in State Farm Chicago Legends doubleheader

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • August 24, 2016
Illinois' Aleks Vukic celebrates after winning against Jathan Malik during the meet against No. 21 Michigan at the Atkins Tennis Center on April 17, 2016. The Illini won 4-1.

Illinois men’s tennis prepares for another successful season

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • August 24, 2016
Illinois waits to start the race at the Illini Challenge at the Arboretum on Sept. 4, 2015.

Illinois women’s cross country shoots for success without Schneider

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • August 23, 2016
Members of Illinois' student section, Block I, cheer on the Fighting Illini during their game against Nebraska on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Illinois won 14-13.

Illinois Ticket Office sees large response with free student football tickets

By Mike Gasick, Assistant sports editor • August 19, 2016
Steve Stricker tees off on the 1st hole during the first round at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial on Thursday, May 21, 2015, in Fort Worth, Texas. (Max Faulkner/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS)

Four former Illini golfers compete professionally over the weekend

By Mike Gasick • March 28, 2016

Illinois women's golf completes top-5 finish in Hawaii

By Mike Gasick • March 27, 2016
Illinois' Aleks Vukic returns the ball in the match against TCU at the Atkins Tennis Center on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016

Illinois men's tennis ready for rematch against Baylor

By Mike Gasick • March 16, 2016
Illinois' Aleks Vukic returns the ball in the match against TCU at the Atkins Tennis Center on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016

Illinois men's tennis unable to snatch victory from Northwestern

By Mike Gasick • March 13, 2016
Illinois' Pablo Landa returns the ball in the match against TCU at the Atkins Tennis Center on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016

Men's tennis to continue facing steep competition this weekend

By Mike Gasick • March 9, 2016
Illinois' Aleks Vukic returns the ball in the match against TCU at the Atkins Tennis Center on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016

Illinois men’s tennis team has international flavor

By Mike Gasick • March 8, 2016
Portrait of Aleks Vukic

Illini of the Week March 2: Aleks Vukic

By Mike Gasick • March 1, 2016

Illinois men's tennis follows up top-10 victory with top-10 loss

By Mike Gasick • February 28, 2016
Illinois' Alex Jesse lines up the ball during the match against Notre Dame at the Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, February 5. The Illini won 5-2.

Illinois men's tennis ready for steep competition this weekend

By Mike Gasick • February 24, 2016

Slow start in singles hurts Illinois men’s tennis against Texas A&M

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer • February 21, 2016
Illinois' Aleks Vukic gets ready to return the ball during the match against Notre Dame at the Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, February 5. The Illini won 5-2.

Illinois men's tennis prepared to take on talented Texas A&M team

By Mike Gasick • February 18, 2016

Illinois men's tennis goes 1-2 at ITA National Indoor Championships

By Mike Gasick • February 15, 2016
Illinois' Jared Hiltzik makes a short return during the tennis game v. Northwestern at Atkins Tennis Center on Feb. 20. Illinois won 5-2.

Illinois men's tennis returns to ITA Team Indoor Championships

By Mike Gasick • February 12, 2016
Portrait of Aleks Vukic by Ryan Fang

Illini of the Week Feb. 10: Aleks Vukic

By Mike Gasick • February 9, 2016

Vukic's victory highlights success night for Illinois men's tennis

By Mike Gasick • February 7, 2016
Illinois' Jiang Pengxuan swings for the ball during the match against Valparaiso at the Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, January 22, 2016. Illinois won 4-0.

Illinois men's tennis to host Notre Dame

By Mike Gasick • February 3, 2016
Illinois' Julian Childers swings for the ball during the match against Valparaiso at the Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, January 22, 2016. Illinois won 4-0.

Illinois men's tennis goes 1-1 against two top-25 opponents

By Mike Gasick • January 31, 2016
Illinois' Aleks Vukic returns the ball during the match against Valparaiso at the Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, January 22, 2016. Illinois won 4-0.

Illinois men's tennis face multiple top-25 teams over the weekend

By Mike Gasick • January 27, 2016
Illinois' Aron Hiltzik returns the ball during the match against Valparaiso at the Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, January 22, 2016. Illinois won 4-0.

Illinois men's tennis cruises to three victories in opening matches

By Mike Gasick • January 25, 2016
Illinois' Jared Hiltzik swings for the ball during the second round of NCAA Men's Tennis Regionals v. Drake at Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex on Saturday, May 9, 2015. Illinois won 4-2.

Illini men's tennis kick off season at home

By Mike Gasick • January 21, 2016
Illinois' Aleks Vukic lines up for the return during the second round of NCAA Men's Tennis Regionals v. Drake at Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex on Saturday, May 9, 2015. Illinois won 4-2.

Illini men's tennis competes in Three Oaks Shootout tournament

By Mike Gasick • January 19, 2016

Schneider's season sets the bar for Illinois women's cross-country team

By Mike Gasick • December 9, 2015
Alyssa Schneider(258) staying ahead of the competition at the Illini Challenge 2015 at the Arboretum on September 4.

Illini women's cross-country's Schneider heads to NCAA Championships

By Mike Gasick • November 19, 2015

Illini women's cross-country's Schneider heads to NCAA Championships

By Mike Gasick • November 18, 2015

Schneider qualifies for NCAA Championships

By Mike Gasick • November 15, 2015

Illini women's cross-country to compete in NCAA Regional Championships

By Mike Gasick • November 11, 2015

Schneider leads Illini women's cross-country team to eighth place finish

By Mike Gasick • November 1, 2015
Britten Petrey(257) and Kim Seger(259) picking up the pace during warmups at the Illini Challenge 2015 at the Arboretum on September 4.

Illinois women's cross-country team heads to Evanston to compete in Big Ten Championships

By Mike Gasick • October 28, 2015

New faces compete for women's cross country at Illini Open

By Mike Gasick • October 25, 2015

Women's cross-country set for in Illini Open

By Mike Gasick • October 21, 2015
Audrey Blazek(251) and Denise Branch(253) keeping their pace steady at the Illini Challenge 2015 at the Arboretum on September 4.

Women's cross-country finishes 43rd in "disappointing" meet at Pre-Nationals

By Mike Gasick • October 18, 2015

Illini finish 43rd in "disappointing" meet at Pre-Nationals

By Mike Gasick • October 18, 2015
Illini's wating to start the race at the Illini Challenge 2015 at the Arboretum on September 4.

Illini women's cross-country to compete against top-tier competition at Pre-Nationals

By Mike Gasick • October 14, 2015

Illini Women's Cross Country runner Winter happy to choose running at an early age

By Mike Gasick • October 6, 2015

Schneider named Big Ten Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Week

By Mike Gasick • September 30, 2015
Valerie Bobart(252) keeping her cool at the Illini Challenge 2015 at the Arboretum on September 4.

For Illini cross-country’s Bobart, running opens doors

By Mike Gasick • September 29, 2015
Jovanie De La Cruz The Daily Illini Alyssa Schneider (258) keeping her cool and staying ahead at the Illini Challenge 2015 at the Arboretum on September 4.

Illini women’s cross country places ninth at Roy Griak Invitational

By Mike Gasick • September 29, 2015

Illinois women’s cross country to run third meet at Roy Griak Invitational

By Mike Gasick • September 24, 2015
Next Page »
ILLordle: Play now