Illinois Fighting Illini: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

5-Star Illinois Target Darius Wabbington Moves Up Visit to Champaign

We know: It’s all coming at you fast. Illinois basketball recruiting has quickly become synonymous with the five-star label. In the 2027 class alone, the Illini are heavily involved – or have been – with five five-star recruits.

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The Quiz of the Day

3 Pressing Questions Illinois Football Must Answer vs. Southern Illinois

In an offseason of sweeping changes, Illinois football entered the 2026 season with more questions than answers. After bringing in a fresh face at defensive

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / September 13

What ESPN's FPI Projects for Illinois Football After Duke Loss

There had been cautious optimism in Champaign. Luke Altmyer might have been gone, but Katin Houser had arrived to take his place. Gabe Jacas was a massive loss, but maybe renowned defensive guru Bobby Hauck and his unique system would make up for any personnel shortcomings.

Bret Bielema News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / September 13

Is This as Good as It Gets for Illinois Football Under Bret Bielema?

Illinois (1-1) football fans have spent the better part of the Bret Bielema era wondering how far he can take this program.After Saturday's 31-27 loss to Duke, they might not like the answer.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / September 12

Social Media Reacts to Illinois Football's Upset Loss to Duke

Illinois entered Saturday’s matchup with Duke as the favorite and with a chance to stay undefeated on the young season. Instead, the Illini turned in an embarrassing defensive performance and collapsed after halftime in a 31-27 loss at Gies Memorial Stadium.

Bret Bielema News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / September 10

Bret Bielema Is Unfazed by Illinois' Tackling Woes Entering Duke – But Should He Be?

The buzzword of the week in Champaign: tackling . It was a shaky performance from Illinois on that front last week against UAB – and it led to the Illini giving up 194 yards to the Blazers on the ground.

Stefan Vaaks News / Busting Brackets / September 10

Illinois transfer Stefan Vaaks has on regrets about leaving Providence

Stefan Vaaks does not sound like a player questioning his decision to leave Providence. The new Illinois guard made his feelings unmistakably clear when the subject of his former school came up during a recent public appearance.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / September 9

What Illinois vs. Duke Will Reveal About the Illini's 2026 Future

There is no way to sugarcoat it: Illinois was gashed on the ground in Week 1 by UAB. The non-power-conference foe ran all over the Illini’s home field to the tune of 194 rushing yards.

Lars Rau News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / September 8

Illinois Football 2025 Scouting Report: Punter Lars Rau

Illinois on SI is delivering scouting reports for each of the key players on the Illini football team's 2026 roster. Below, we present our breakdown of junior punters Lars Rau.

Jakwon Morris News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / September 7

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Defensive back Jakwon Morris

Illinois on SI is delivering scouting reports for each of the key players on the Illini football team's 2026 roster. Below, we present our breakdown of junior defensive back Jakwon Morris.

Joe Barna News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / September 7

Illinois Football 2026 Scouting Report: Defensive Lineman Joe Barna

Illinois on SI is delivering scouting reports for each of the key players on the Illini football team's 2026 roster. Below, we present our breakdown of junior defensive end Joe Barna.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / September 6

Ca'Lil Valentine Answered Illinois' RB1 Question Loud and Clear in Week 1

Heading into any college football season, we have have general ideas – and maybe a few lead-pipe locks. Katin Houser lined up behind center to take the season's first offensive snap for Illinois, and Matthew Bailey and Xavier Scott were on the field when it was the Illini defense's turn.

Katin Houser News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / September 5

Illinois QB Katin Houser Delivered a Welcome Surprise in Week 1

The much-anticipated debut of new Illinois quarterback Katin Houser came on Thursday night in a 42-23 victory over UAB . And with Houser tossing the pigskin for 182 yards and three touchdowns while throwing only four incompletions, it’s safe to say the Illini couldn’t have asked for much more.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / September 5

The Five-Play Stretch vs. UAB That Revealed Illinois' Biggest Problem

Every coach at every level of football echoes the same sentiment: Football games are won in the trenches. Indiana, for example, consistently controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball last year, and the Hoosiers were rewarded with a national championship.