Illinois Fighting Illini: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

What Is Stefan Vaaks' True Position? Why His Role Is Crucial for Illinois

Illinois has just one primary need this offseason: a Keaton Wagler replacement. Obviously, there isn’t another Wagler out there – consensus All-Americans don't exactly come a dime a dozen – but finding a player who could fill his scoring and playmaking void is a must for the Illini to build another Final Four-caliber squad in 2026-27.

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Where Illinois Ranks in Jon Rothstein's Top 45 After Stefan Vaaks Commitment

Entering the 2026 offseason, Illinois appeared poised to pull off the best roster retention of the Brad Underwood era. And through nearly a full week, that sentiment has mostly held true.

College Football News / Yardbarker / April 13

Michigan trending after 4-star QB Kamden Lopati decommits from Illinois

Kamden Lopati had been committed to the Illinois Fighting Illini since July of 2025. Now, almost a year later, that's a commitment that doesn't hold.

Five QBs set to generate the most buzz for 2027 NFL Draft

Dusty May, Michigan reach agreement on new contract

Why Fernando Mendoza may, may not be NFL's next Joe Burrow

The 'College nicknames that don't end in s' quiz

Bret Bielema News / Athlon Sports / April 13

Bret Bielema, Illinois Lose Nation’s No. 9 QB Recruit Amid College Football Offseason

Illinois has lost one of the top recruits in the 2027 recruiting class. According to On3/Rivals' Hayes Fawcett, four-star quarterback Kamden Lopati has reopened his recruitment to other schools.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Big Ten Network / April 12

Watch: New Orleans at Illinois | HIGHLIGHTS | Big Ten Baseball | 04/12/2026

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Big Ten Network / April 12

Watch: UCLA at Illinois | HIGHLIGHTS | Big Ten Softball | 04/12/2026

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

Illinois Guard Mihailo Petrovic Enters Transfer Portal: What It Means for the Illini

Illinois knew the offseason was going to bring roster movement. Now it officially has. College basketball insider Jonathon Givony reported Saturday that Mihailo Petrovic has entered the transfer portal with two years of eligibility left, giving head coach Brad Underwood his first portal departure of the spring.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Ball Exclusives / April 11

Illinois star Keaton Wagler declares for 2026 NBA Draft

Illinois star guard Keaton Wagler has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. Wagler is coming off of a historic freshman season for Illinois.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Hoops Rumors / April 11

Keaton Wagler Declares For NBA Draft

Illinois guard Keaton Wagler is entering the NBA draft, ProMondo Sports tells Shams Charania and Jeremy Woo of ESPN (Twitter link). Wagler, 19, is coming off a sensational freshman season that saw him lead the Fighting Illini to a 28-9 record and their first Final Four appearance since 2005.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Big Ten Network / April 11

Watch: UCLA at Illinois | HIGHLIGHTS | Big Ten Softball | 04/11/2026

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / April 10

5 Illinois Players Crack ESPN's 2026 NBA Draft Top 100

The No. 1 drawback from winning: retention is difficult. Now, through a couple of days of transfer portal action, it hasn’t been a problem for Illinois, but it’s not the portal that the Illini should fear; it’s the next level.

Ben Humrichous News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / April 9

Has Illinois' Ben Humrichous Become a Legitimate NBA Prospect?

Illinois is fresh off its first Final Four appearance in 21 years, and plenty of players were instrumental in making that run happen. The stars will deservedly get most of the attention.

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

Illinois Linked to High-Scoring Transfer Guard Alex Wilkins

Transfer-portal season is upon us. And less than one day into the official opening (window is from April 7-21), Illinois has already shown "interest" in

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / April 8

Zavier Zens' Visit Signals Illinois May Not Be Done With 2026 Recruiting

Back in November, Illinois coach Brad Underwood said that he and his staff “felt three [incoming recruits] was a really good number” from the class of 2026.

Watch: Indiana State at Illinois | HIGHLIGHTS | Big Ten Baseball | 04/07/2026

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Big Ten Network / April 7

Watch: Western Illinois at Illinois | HIGHLIGHTS | Big Ten Softball | 04/07/2026

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / April 7

Illinois Lands in Elite Tier of 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 Rankings

Illinois, despite being a No. 3 seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, cemented itself as a top-five team in college basketball last season. The metrics reflect that notion (the Illini finished No.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / April 7

Which Illinois Basketball Players We Expect to Return in 2026-27

Illinois' 2025-26 season was an unqualified success, filled with explosive offense, an engaging cast of characters and the program's first Final Four run since 2005.

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

Is Mihailo Petrovic Poised to Take Over as Illinois' Lead Guard?

With Illinois’ 2025-26 campaign wrapping up in heartbreaking fashion against UConn in the Final Four on Saturday, it’s time for Illini Nation to let the healing begin and turn the page to the 2026-27 season – especially with transfer action looming (the portal officially opens Tuesday).

College Basketball News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / April 6

5 Transfer Portal Targets Illinois Should Pursue Immediately

Illinois’ 2025-26 season wrapped up on Saturday night with a 71-62 loss against UConn in the Final Four . And following the national title game on Monday – which pits UConn vs.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / NBA Draft on SI / April 4

How Each NBA Draft Prospect Performed in UConn's Final Four Win Over Illinois

The first game of Saturday's Final Four brought plenty of excitement, as UConn took down Illinois to move to its third National Championship match in four years.