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
Junior setter Kenna Phelan (No. 7) and the Illini celebrate during the team’s match against the Wisconsin Badgers on Nov. 15.

Column | What can Illinois make of final four matches?

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Nov 20, 2025
The Illini celebrate during their match against the Washington Huskies on Nov. 14.

Illinois snaps losing streak in 1-1 weekend

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Nov 16, 2025
Freshman libero/defensive specialist Taryn Kirsch celebrates during Illinois’ match against Iowa on Nov. 2.

Can Huff Hall Centennial game reignite Illinois’ season?

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Nov 9, 2025
Sophomore outside hitter Ashlyn Philpot claps during Illinois’ match against Iowa on Nov. 2.

Juggernaut Cornhuskers dominate crumbling Illini

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Nov 7, 2025
Several Illini, including senior setter Bianca May (#4) point from the sideline during the team’s match against Michigan on Oct. 25.

Illinois in must-win territory after 3 consecutive sweeps

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Nov 1, 2025
Stephen He, senior in Engineering, serves while his doubles partner, Wesley Wu, graduate student in Engineering watches, during a practice game on Oct. 1. They practice weekly as part of the UIUC Table Tennis Club, which competes nationally every year.

Illini Table Tennis Club smashing its way to success

By Felicity Abbott and Rudraksh Kikani • Oct 30, 2025
The Illinois volleyball team lines up in front of the student section to sing the Alma Mater following their win against Michigan on Oct. 5. Illinois won the match 3-2.

In with the new: Recruits bring life to Illinois volleyball

By Rudraksh Kikani and Zach Shapero • Oct 30, 2025
Redshirt senior Lucas Byrd acknowledges the crowd after his last regular-season win of 2025 at Illinois' final dual meet of the season against No. 1 Penn State on Feb. 16.

National champion Lucas Byrd sets sights on Hodge Trophy

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Oct 30, 2025
Senior outside hitter Averie Hernandez leaps to hit the ball against Michigan on Oct. 25.

Column | Illinois looks to bounce back after consecutive sweeps

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Oct 29, 2025
The entire Illinois volleyball team rushes the court to celebrate a win over Michigan State on Oct. 5. The final score of the match was 3 sets to 2.

5 things to watch in Illinois’ return home

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Oct 24, 2025
Illinois celebrates during the team’s match against Michigan State on Oct. 5.

Illini survive Buckeyes in arduous 3-1 win

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Oct 18, 2025
(L-R) Graduate student middle blocker Kayla Burbage and redshirt sophomore opposite hitter Auburn Tomkinson celebrate during Illinois’ win over Michigan State on Oct. 5.

Tomkinson, de Boer lead Illini to two-win weekend

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Oct 12, 2025
Freshman outside hitter Alyssa Aguayo (right), senior outside hitter/opposite Averie Hernandez (middle) and freshman libero/defensive specialist Taryn Kirsch (left) await the Oregon serve as they stand in front of a rowdy Illinois student section. Illinois won its Sept. 26 match against Oregon 3-0.

Illinois swept away by No. 7 Wisconsin

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Oct 3, 2025
Junior setter Kenna Phelan sets the ball during the Illinois vs. Oregon match Sept. 26. Illinois would win the match 3-0.

Kenna Phelan named Big Ten Setter of the Week

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Sep 29, 2025
Junior Setter Kenna Phelan celebrates as a point is scored to put Illinois further ahead during its match vs. Oregon Sept. 26.

Illinois stuns Oregon with sweep to open conference play

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Sep 27, 2025
Students walk outside Bousfield Hall on Oct. 30, 2024. Bousfield Hall has suite-style living and is home to floors full of Marching Illini members due to a special agreement made by the band director, Barry Houser.

Living together, student groups thrive

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Sep 25, 2025
Senior middle blocker Cari Bohm fired up during huddle as Illinois takes on Ohio State on Nov. 9, 2024.

Illinois splits home-opening weekend

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Sep 23, 2025
Illinois to compete in maiden Linda Herman Classic

Illinois to compete in maiden Linda Herman Classic

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Sep 11, 2025
The crowd at Huff Hall cheers during Illinois match against the Maryland Terrapins on Oct. 20, 2024.

Illini win five-set nailbiter in comeback fashion

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Sep 6, 2025
Junior opposite Averie Hernandez brings the energy to close out the second set in an intense five-set match against USC on Nov. 8, 2024, at Huff Hall.

Illinois falls in season opener

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Aug 30, 2025
Illinois volleyball players celebrate during their match against Illinois State on Sept. 3, 2024.

Illini volleyball set for historic 2025 season

By Rudraksh Kikani and Zach Shapero • Aug 29, 2025
Running back Kaden Feagin runs the ball toward the South endzone in the second quarter of the Illinois versus Wisconsin football game on Oct. 21, 2023.

Illini football’s award watchlist grows

By Rudraksh Kikani, Summer Editor • Aug 14, 2025
The Ameren Innovation Center in Research Park is part of the company’s research and development efforts. Ameren is the primary electric utility provider for the area.

Campustown struck by power outages

By Patrick Herr and Rudraksh Kikani • Aug 11, 2025
Lewis Hamilton drives in a free practice session before the 2025 Japan Grand Prix on April 4.

Column | Has Formula 1’s 2025 season lived up to its hype?

By Rudraksh Kikani, Summer Editor • Jul 25, 2025
Head coach Mike Poeta talks to redshirt senior Zac Braunagel between rounds at Illinois' final dual meet of the season against No. 1 Penn State Feb. 16. Illinois lost the meet 29-9 with three individual wins by redshirt senior Lucas Byrd, graduate student Jason Kraisser and redshirt senior Luke Luffman.

Mike Poeta signs contract extension

By Rudraksh Kikani, Summer Editor • Jul 22, 2025
Illini women’s basketball team and staff gather in a team huddle before the second half of the game begins on Oct. 30, 2023.

Illinois adds Zachary Choo to scouting and video operations team

By Rudraksh Kikani, Summer Editor • Jul 21, 2025
Adam Scott stars as Mark S. in Severance (2022).

Television Academy announces nominees for the 77th Emmys

By Rudraksh Kikani, Summer Editor • Jul 21, 2025
Redshirt senior Lucas Byrd acknowledges the crowd after his final regular-season win at Illinois' final dual meet of the season against No. 1 Penn State Sunday. Illinois lost the meet 29-9 with three individual wins by Byrd, graduate student Jason Kraisser and redshirt senior Luke Luffman.

Illinois’ Dike Eddleman Athletes of the Year

By Rudraksh Kikani, Summer Editor • Jul 16, 2025
Meet Roger Denny, Illinois’ new deputy director of athletics

Meet Roger Denny, Illinois’ new deputy director of athletics

By Rudraksh Kikani, Summer Editor • Jul 14, 2025
A Tyrannosaurus rex roars in front of Luna Blaise in 'Jurassic World'

Review | ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ makes dinosaurs great again

By Rudraksh Kikani, Summer Editor • Jul 12, 2025
Bob Monti, founder of ‘Papa Del’s’ dies at 79

Bob Monti, founder of ‘Papa Del’s’ dies at 79

By Rudraksh Kikani, Summer Editor • Jul 3, 2025
Damson Idris and Brad Pitt star in F1: The Movie (2025).

Review | ‘F1: The Movie’ delivers a high-speed summer blockbuster

By Rudraksh Kikani, Summer Editor • Jul 1, 2025
Gabriel Debru plays in a match at the Maia Open in Portugal in 2024.

Illinois recruits junior French Open champion, Gabriel Debru

By Rudraksh Kikani, Summer Editor • Jun 30, 2025
Senior Kida Ferrari competes in a match against Penn State on April 5.

Illinois tennis’ illustrious offseason

By Rudraksh Kikani, Summer Editor • Jun 21, 2025
James Drackley retired from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign after teaching animal sciences for over 30 years.

Former UI Professor, James Drackley, elected VP of American Dairy Science Association

By Rudraksh Kikani, Summer Editor • Jun 17, 2025
Boston Celtics forward Jayston Tatum lifts the trophy after winning 2024 finals

2025 NBA finals set to crown first-time champion

By Rudraksh Kikani, Summer Editor • Jun 5, 2025
The Okanagan Crayfish pictured near North Central Washington Lake

University researchers identify two new crayfish species

By Rudraksh Kikani, Summer Editor • Jun 3, 2025
Junior Kenta Miyoshi follows through after striking a ball against Penn State on April 12.

Positives, negatives from Illinois’ rollercoaster season

By Rudraksh Kikani and Peter Jakubiak • May 15, 2025
Junior Kenta Miyoshi strikes the ball during his solo match against Penn State on April 12.

Illinois falls in Big Ten tournament quarterfinals

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Apr 29, 2025
Illinois recruits four-time state wrestling champion Co’ji Campbell

Illinois recruits four-time state wrestling champion Co’ji Campbell

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Apr 15, 2025
Freshman Zach Viiala prepares to return the ball during a match against Penn State on April 12.

Illinois splits crucial Big Ten weekend

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Apr 15, 2025
The Illini watch the video board at Atkins Tennis Center on Feb. 15.

Illinois suffers pair of 0-4 sweeps on road trip

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Apr 9, 2025
William Mroz pumps his fist as he walks across the court against Notre Dame on Feb. 15.

No. 23 Illinois sweeps Chicagoland doubleheader

By Rudraksh Kikani and Peter Jakubiak • Apr 2, 2025
Illinois graduate student Lucas Byrd gestures to the crowd at Jersey Mikes Arena after he beat Rutgers’ Joey Olivieri with a 13-2 major decision in the 133-pound bout on Jan. 14, 2022, in Piscataway, New Jersey.

Lucas Byrd wins historic NCAA wrestling title

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Mar 27, 2025
Formula 1 fans without tickets enjoy their view after parts of screens were torn down during the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix on the Strip on Nov. 23, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Column | Why 2025 could be Formula 1’s best season yet

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Mar 25, 2025
Redshirt freshman Zach Viiala and sophomore Jeremy Zhang sit on benches during a match against Notre Dame on Feb. 15.

No. 23 Illinois battles on 1-1 road trip

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Mar 21, 2025
Redshirt senior Zac Braunagel won his dual in a meet against Purdue on Feb. 1.

Illinois earns fifth place at Big Ten championships

By Rudraksh Kikani and Peter Jakubiak • Mar 13, 2025
Fighting Illini Men’s Tennis takes on the University of Central Florida at home on Feb. 10, 2023.

Brad Dancer signs contract extension until 2031

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Mar 12, 2025
Redshirt sophomore Tyler Bowers high-fives redshirt freshman Zach Viiala during a match against Clemson on Feb. 15.

Gritty Illinois dominates Big Ten openers

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Mar 12, 2025
Senior Mathis Debru and redshirt junior William Mroz on the sidelines during a match against Notre Dame on Feb. 15.

Illinois gears up for Big Ten’s new 14-team slate

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Mar 7, 2025
Junior Jeremy Zhang leaps up to serve during a match against Clemson on Feb. 15.

Opinion | Top takeaways from Illinois’ road doubleheader

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Mar 4, 2025
Illinois men's tennis cheers on its teammates during a match against Clemson on Feb. 15.

Highlights from Illinois’ first ranked win of the season

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Feb 26, 2025
Junior Kenta Miyoshi dives for a ball during a match against Ohio State on March 6, 2024.

Top matchups to look out for in Illinois’ Saturday doubleheader

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Feb 14, 2025
Illinois falls to No. 7 Duke, bounces back to take down North Carolina

Illinois falls to No. 7 Duke, bounces back to take down North Carolina

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Feb 4, 2025
5 things to look for in No. 13 Illinois’ homecoming against No. 27 Purdue

5 things to look for in No. 13 Illinois’ homecoming against No. 27 Purdue

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Feb 1, 2025
No. 11 Illinois loses nail-biter in Piscataway, drops to 3-3 in conference play

No. 11 Illinois loses nail-biter in Piscataway, drops to 3-3 in conference play

By Peter Jakubiak and Rudraksh Kikani • Jan 28, 2025
No. 11 Illinois wrestling bounces back with win over No. 29 Maryland

No. 11 Illinois wrestling bounces back with win over No. 29 Maryland

By Rudraksh Kikani and Peter Jakubiak • Jan 26, 2025
No. 11 Illinois wrestling takes on double Big Ten matchup to conclude road trip

No. 11 Illinois wrestling takes on double Big Ten matchup to conclude road trip

By Peter Jakubiak and Rudraksh Kikani • Jan 24, 2025
No. 9 Illinois gears up for tough matchup against No. 2 Iowa

No. 9 Illinois gears up for tough matchup against No. 2 Iowa

By Peter Jakubiak and Rudraksh Kikani • Jan 17, 2025
No. 10 Illinois destroys Northwestern 33-7 in Big Ten matchup

No. 10 Illinois destroys Northwestern 33-7 in Big Ten matchup

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Jan 14, 2025
No. 10 Illinois hosts Northwestern to complete homestand

No. 10 Illinois hosts Northwestern to complete homestand

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Jan 12, 2025
No. 4 Ohio State overpowers No. 10 Illinois

No. 4 Ohio State overpowers No. 10 Illinois

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Jan 12, 2025
No. 11 Illinois hosts No. 4 Ohio State in Big Ten matchup

No. 11 Illinois hosts No. 4 Ohio State in Big Ten matchup

By Peter Jakubiak and Rudraksh Kikani • Jan 10, 2025
Junior defensive back Xavier Scott runs out of the tunnel before Illinois’ matchup with Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 12.

Gifts we hope to get from Illinois: Part 2

By Stephen Bradshaw and Rudraksh Kikani • Dec 25, 2024
No. 11 Illinois earns landslide win over No. 28 Indiana in Big Ten opener

No. 11 Illinois earns landslide win over No. 28 Indiana in Big Ten opener

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Dec 8, 2024
Undefeated No. 12 Illinois set to tackle Big Ten, Cougar Clash

Undefeated No. 12 Illinois set to tackle Big Ten, Cougar Clash

By Peter Jakubiak and Rudraksh Kikani • Dec 6, 2024
No. 12 Illinois handles business in Chapel Hill, improves to 5-0

No. 12 Illinois handles business in Chapel Hill, improves to 5-0

By Rudraksh Kikani and Peter Jakubiak • Nov 29, 2024
Illinois wrestling head coach Mike Poeta yells strategy at his wrestlers from beside the mat on Nov. 19, 2023.

No. 12 Illinois wrestling takes perfect record to Chapel Hill

By Rudraksh Kikani and Peter Jakubiak • Nov 25, 2024
Illinois took the mat at State Farm Center on Nov. 2 for a match against SIUE.

Undefeated No. 12 Illinois faces No. 6 Missouri in home opener

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Nov 21, 2024
Redshirt junior attempting a takedown in a match against Central Michigan on Nov. 19, 2023.

No. 13 Illinois steamrolls through Journeymen Collegiate Classic

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Nov 13, 2024
Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) goes up for a basket during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at the United Center Wednesday Oct. 30, 2024, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

Illini in the NBA: Breaking down roles and impact across the league

By Rudraksh Kikani, Contributing Writer • Nov 1, 2024
Class of 2025 senior Tight End Logan Farrell poses for pictures during a visit to Illinois earlier this year.

Logan Farrell chooses home turf: Illinois flips 2025 3-star tight end

By Rudraksh Kikani, Contributing Writer • Oct 23, 2024
Senior Jane Umhofer and sophomore Gwen Bakker swim through their 200 meter breaststroke heat at the Illinois versus Kansas meet on Thursday, Oct. 10.

Illinois dominates Kansas swim and dive in 191-109 blowout win

By Rudraksh Kikani, Contributing Writer • Oct 21, 2024