Illinois Fighting Illini: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Brad Underwood Pinpoints the Reason Illinois Recruited David Mirkovic

In the past week, there may not have been another player in college basketball who received more attention than Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler . Because of that, the Illini’s other stud freshman – forward David Mirkovic – probably hasn’t been receiving his due share of praise.

Features

The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

Illinois Basketball Loses Reserve for Remainder of 2025-26 Season

For all the talk of Illinois’ depth, there hasn’t been much of it on display lately this season. Sure, the Illini have firepower and versatility across the board – but that’s among the eight players who actually see the floor.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / January 31

Illinois' Brad Underwood Shares Update on Kylan Boswell's Recovery

Kylan Boswell , a consistent, even-keeled, veteran presence, is the heartbeat of this Illinois squad. Boswell’s two-way abilities (scoring, passing, versatile defense, etc.) are widely known, but it’s the leadership and behind-the-scenes impact the senior guard provides that are most indispensable to the Illini.

Illinois at Nebraska — Big Ten Heavyweight Battle

Two of the Big Ten’s top programs collide in Lincoln as Illinois visits Nebraska in a matchup that feels like a postseason preview. Both teams sit near the top of the conference, and both bring contrasting strengths: Illinois’ scoring punch versus Nebraska’s defensive discipline.

Preview: Illinois WBB vs. No. 25 Washington

Illinois women’s basketball is set to hit the road again, and the margin for error keeps shrinking. The Illini have dropped two straight and now head west to face a physical, confident Washington squad in what feels like a defining Big Ten test.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / January 30

Illinois Football Offers Four-Star Linebacker, Three Others – What It Means

The college football transfer portal is officially closed, and Illinois and coach Bret Bielema have shifted much of their focus to high school recruits.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / January 30

Social Media Reacts to Illinois Basketball's Sluggish Victory Over Washington

Illinois didn’t exactly come out firing on all cylinders Thursday night, but good teams find ways to win even when the energy isn’t perfect – and that’s exactly what the Illini did in a 75-66 victory over Washington in Champaign.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / January 30

Three Instant Observations From Illinois Basketball's 75-66 Over Washington

Even good teams have the occasional bad game, and No. 9 Illinois offered the proof Thursday in Champaign. But what separates the best teams from the merely good is the ability to overcome those low-water moments and still grind out wins.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Big Ten Network / January 29

Watch: Washington at Illinois | HIGHLIGHTS | Big Ten Men's Basketball | 01/29/2026

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / January 29

CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein Praises Illinois' Jake Davis as an 'Unsung Presence'

A year ago, 6-foot-6 wing Jake Davis arrived in Champaign best known for two things: his three-point shooting ability and his long, luscious locks – perhaps even more for the latter.

Brad Underwood News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / January 29

Illinois' Brad Underwood Reveals the Moment He Knew Keaton Wagler Was Special

Illinois coach Brad Underwood , and even some veteran Illini , were buzzing with excitement this past offseason about an unheralded freshman: guard Keaton Wagler .

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Big Ten Network / January 28

Watch: UCLA at Illinois | HIGHLIGHTS | Big Ten Women's Basketball | 01/28/2026

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / January 27

ESPN's Joe Lunardi Has Illinois Rising in His Latest Bracketology

Illinois keeps finding ways to win. No Kylan Boswell ? No problem (for the most part). The Illini are riding a nine-game win streak – the most recent triumph coming in dramatic fashion at Purdue, behind a 46-point detonation from freshman guard Keaton Wagler .

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Big Ten Network / January 27

Watch: Spotlighting The Ivisic Brothers | Illinois Basketball | The Journey

NBA News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / January 27

Preview: Illinois Women's Basketball vs. No. 2 UCLA

Illinois is back home to take on its next challenge – a major one – in UCLA, one of the top women's basketball programs in the country. The Illini enter the matchup aiming to bounce back after a tough loss at Nebraska, where a slow start proved costly.

Gabe Jacas News / CFB-HQ on SI / January 26

Gabe Jacas 2026 NFL draft prospect profile, grades, rank, measurements

Gabe Jacas may not be a prospect that is a household name for fans starting to tune into draft coverage. His opponents over the past two seasons know him well and opposing offensive coordinators have had to plan to deal with him in the offensive gameplan.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / EasySportz / January 24

Keaton Wagler Delivers a Night for the Ages as No. 12 Illinois Stuns No. 4 Purdue on the Road

There are great performances, and then there are nights that become part of college basketball lore. On Saturday in West Lafayette — widely considered

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Yardbarker / January 24