Illinois Fighting Illini: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

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Illinois finally made a splash in the 2026 recruiting cycle, reeling in four-star guard Lucas Morillo on Friday to significantly bolster the program's foundation for at least the next year or two.

Brad Underwood News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / October 24

Illinois Lands Four-Star Recruit Lucas Morillo: A Perfect Fit for the Illini

In the Brad Underwood era, Illinois has built a reputation as one of the best recruiting programs in the country. But in the past few years, Underwood and his staff have shifted their scope of focus from the typical, predominantly U.S.-based high school prospect lens to an internationally driven recruiting process.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / October 23

Preview: No. 23 Illinois Football at Washington in Week 9

Even with more than half the 2025 season behind us, it's hard to get a read on No. 23 Illinois (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten). The Illini have dominated lesser opponents, had their lunch money stolen by the best and have turned in mixed results against the rest.

College Football News / College Football News / October 23

Illinois vs Washington Prediction, Preview, and Betting Lines

Considering this a College Football Playoff elimination game. If 10-2 at least gets you in the discussion, then the loser of this is effectively out with a third loss.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / October 22

EA Sports' 'College Football 26' Simulation Predicts Illinois vs. Washington

No. 23-ranked Illinois returns from its bye week refreshed and seemingly ready for a major test: Washington at Husky Stadium in Seattle (2:30 p.m. CT, BTN), in what will be a defining moment in its season.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / October 22

Illinois to Meet Old Friend and Foe in Washington's Ryan Walters in Week 9

It seems that college football, more than any other sport – at any level – is characterized by non-stop shuffling of coaching positions. Even in the midst of the season, as we head into Week 9, the coaching carousel is spinning ‘round at full speed.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / October 22

Jason Jakstys Scouting Report: Illinois Basketball 2025-2026

Every weekday leading up to Illinois' Nov. 3 regular-season opener at Champaign's State Farm Center, Illinois on SI will share a scouting report for each Illini player on the team's official roster.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / October 21

Illinois Football Recruiting Buzz: Quarterback Commit Kamden Lopati Rising Fast

As Illinois (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten) turns the page to Week 9, attention shifts to the west, where Washington and Husky Stadium await (2:30 p.m. CT, BTN). Coming off a much-needed bye week, Bret Bielema’s squad is aiming to regain its momentum from a strong first half of the season and make a final push toward a College Football Playoff berth.

Luke Altmyer News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / October 21

What Is the Secret Behind Illinois Quarterback Luke Altmyer's Success?

Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. had clearly been asked the question more than once in the past, so he was ready with an answer when it came up again in Monday's press conference as the No.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / October 21

ESPN's Football Power Index Picks the Favorite for Illinois vs. Washington

Following its bye week, No. 23 Illinois (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten) is off to Seattle for its yearly West Coast trip, set to meet Washington (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten) on Saturday at Husky Stadium (2:30 p.m.

Illinois Wins Eight Events En Route to Season Opening Win Over Iowa State in Ames

By Terin Frodyma on SwimSwam October 18, 2025 Beyer Hall Pool, Ames, IA SCY (25 yards) Results Final Score: Illinois: 123, Iowa State: 82 The Illinois Fighting Illini kicked off their 2025-2026 campaign with a 123-82 victory over the Cyclones of Iowa State in Ames on Saturday.

College Basketball News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / October 20

Key Takeaway From Illinois vs. Illinois State: Freshman Brandon Lee is Ready

High-major recruits tend to walk into the college basketball ecosystem game-ready in a handful of ways. Especially today, practically every incoming recruit is prepared as a shooter, and their overall package of offensive skills is fairly advanced.

Brad Underwood News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / October 20

Does Illinois Basketball Have a New Star? 'He's Got Some Jokic in Him'

As impressed as Brad Underwood was with David Mirkovic upon first impression, as rewarding as it was to bring him to Illinois in the offseason and as much playmaking potential as the coach saw from the 19-year-old forward from Montenegro, he still wasn't entirely sure what he had on his hands.

College Basketball News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / October 19

Social Media Reacts to Illinois Basketball's Exhibition Win Over Illinois State

It’s officially basketball season in Champaign – well, sort of. The Illinois men’s basketball team kicked off its 2025-26 campaign on Sunday afternoon with an exhibition game against in-state foe Illinois State, the preseason favorite in the Missouri Valley Conference.

College Basketball News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / October 19

First Impressions: How Each Illinois Newcomer Fared Against Illinois State

No. 17 Illinois took down Illinois State by a score of 92-65 in an exhibition game Sunday in Champaign. With the Illini yet again bringing in a handful of newcomers this offseason, we’ll take a look at how each of the active newbies performed in their respective debuts in orange and blue.

College Basketball News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / October 19

Three Instant Observations From Illinois' 92-65 Win Over Illinois State

Every new college basketball season is a chance for a team to reinvent itself, to start fresh and, if not correct the mistakes of the past to at least find new ways to solve the challenges of the present day.

Watch: Ohio State at Illinois | HIGHLIGHTS | 10/11/2025

Luke Altmyer News / 5 GOATs / October 5

Ohio State at Illinois odds: Opening point spread revealed

On Saturday, Illinois will host Ohio State inside Memorial Stadium. Fighting Illini fans will undoubtedly pack the venue as they look for their team to pick up its first home win over the Buckeyes since 2002.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Big Ten Network / October 3

Watch: Illinois' PERFECT Two-Minute Drill vs. USC | Urban Analysis

Makai Lemon News / Yardbarker / September 28

Is Lincoln Riley to blame for crushing loss to Illinois?

In the second marquee matchup of the Big Ten slate on Saturday, Illinois stunned USC with a 41-yard walk-off field goal.

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Illinois Fighting Illini News / Yardbarker / September 24

With recruiting rules in flux, Illinois HC calls NCAA a 'comedy'

With recruiting rules in flux, Illinois HC Brad Underwood calls NCAA a 'comedy'

Illinois head coach Brad Underwood says if the NCAA is going to change its recruiting rules to allow athletes to play five seasons of competition over a five-year span, he wants a decision to come ASAP.

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