Illinois Fighting Illini: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Illinois Coach Bret Bielema Raises Concerns Over Player Tampering

In today’s college football landscape, the transfer portal has become as competitive as the game itself. With NIL money flowing and roster spots constantly shifting, the pressure to retain top talent has never been higher – even for programs that already have them on campus.

Features

The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

Bret Bielema Has Change of Heart on Georgia Allegations

During a recent episode of "The Triple Option" podcast, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema stirred controversy when discussing running back Josh McCray’s transfer to Georgia. “Somehow he found his way to the portal and 12 hours after being in the portal he was on a flight to Georgia.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Hoops Rumors / June 25

Wizards take Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year at No. 21

After trading down from No. 18 to No. 21, the Washington Wizards have made Illinois guard/forward Will Riley their second pick of the night. Washington drafted Tre Johnson at No. 6.

Wizards add SEC award-winner with No. 6 pick in NBA Draft

Tre Johnson's draft outfit had analyst comparing him to famous guitarist

Wizards pull off move to open up significant salary-cap space

Who are the best NBA free agents available this offseason?

The 'Leading scorers in the NBA from 2016-17' quiz

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Hoops Rumors / June 25

Heat take combo guard with 20th pick

He's a 6-foot-6 combo guard, spent time as a teenager with BC Rytas-2 in his home country of Lithuania and then with FC Barcelona in Spain before coming stateside a year ago to play for Illinois.

Report: Lakers, Heat talking Andrew Wiggins trade

Who are the best NBA free agents available this offseason?

The 'Best NBA free throw shooters in 2024-25' quiz

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / June 25

Illinois Football Offers Three-Star Running Back Xavier Bala

Illinois lost four-star running back Javari Bennett to Alabama on Monday, but later in the day coach Bret Bielema and his staff offered a different running back – Xavier Bala – from New York.

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

Illinois Football Offers State Champion Receiver From East St. Louis

Laron Baker Jr. has a lot going for him right now. Baker, who won an Illinois High School Association 6A state championship last year as a sophomore wideout for East St.

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

Illinois Football Offers Four-Star Defensive Back From Chicago Prep Powerhouse

Mount Carmel (Chicago) defensive back Tavares Harrington still has two years of high school ahead of him and already has 29 scholarship offers. Not too many underclassmen can say that.

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

Illinois Football Offers Hulking Class of 2027 Blocker From Minnesota

Whether Dajohn Yarborough, from Benilde-St. Margaret's (St. Louis Park, Minnesota), plays offensive tackle or guard at the college level has yet to be determined.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / June 19

ESPN Ranks Illinois Football's 2026 Recruiting Class Among Nation's Top 10

Last season Illinois football went 10-3, won a bowl game against South Carolina and now is set to return nearly every starter from the 2024 roster – including star quarterback Luke Altmyer.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / June 17

Three-Star Two-Way Standout Kenaz Sullivan Lands Offer From Illinois

No one knows yet where, or even at what position, Kenaz Sullivan will play in college, but Illinois coach Bret Bielema and his staff are high enough on his potential to contribute that the Illini on Sunday offered the class of 2027 athlete from Virginia.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / June 17

No. 1 Recruit in Connecticut Kayden Bennett Commits to Illinois Football

The good news for Illinois' football program continues to roll into Champaign. High school edge rusher Kayden Bennett, the top high school recruit in the state of Connecticut, on Tuesday announced his commitment to the Illini.

Ty Rodgers News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / June 17

Ty Rodgers' Injury: How It Will Shake Up Illinois' Projected Rotation

Despite starting all 38 games as a sophomore and playing a key role in Illinois’ 2023-24 run to the Elite Eight, swingman Ty Rodgers elected to redshirt last season – what would have been his junior campaign.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / June 17

Illinois Basketball Extends Offer to Top-40 Prospect From Class of 2026

With the summer in full swing, Illinois’ coaching staff has focused its attention almost entirely on high school recruiting. Their latest target is Billy White III, who received an offer from the Illini on Monday, according to his X account.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / June 17

Illinois Football Offers Highly Ranked Defensive Prospect From Minnesota

What position Blake Betton plays at the college level has yet to be determined, but that hasn't in any way kept college coaches from pursuing the junior-to-be out of Shakopee (Minnesota).

Ty Rodgers News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / June 16

Illinois Swingman Ty Rodgers Injured: How it Affects Him and the Illini

Sometimes life isn't fair.Ty Rodgers, perhaps the most beloved current figure around the Illinois basketball team and a player whose return in 2025-26 from a redshirt season was being eagerly anticipated by Illini Nation, suffered a knee injury that will require surgery and sideline him for a significant stretch.