Illini Sports

Illinois’ under-construction Henry Dale & Betty Smith Football Performance Center isn’t done yet. But it’s close.

he Big Ten got its annual talent infusion this offseason, with those freshmen now mostly on campus and prepping for the official start of their college basketball careers. While they’re doing that, college basketball writer Scott Richey formed the newcomers into a top starting five:

Before the start of Illinois football's training camp on Aug. 2 in Champaign, beat writer Scott Richey is counting down the Top 50 most important Illini heading into the 2019 season.

Before the start of Illinois football's training camp on Aug. 2 in Champaign, beat writer Bob Asmussen is counting down the top 50 teams heading into the 2019 college football season.

Illinois offered Class of 2021 prospect JT Thor - the fourth this month for the Illini along with Class of 2020 guards Dalen Terry, Ishmael Leggett and Sardaar Calhoun.

One tough week won’t change the demand for the pair of combo guards; Miller puts Illinois in top 10

Illini running back garners preseason attention

I know I will never have a beard. But I think it’s fine if the football coach wants to wear one.

Two more evaluation periods are still on tap this month, but this past week featured some of the best rising talent in the country. Here are five in-state recruits the Illini are targeting — and how they fared, courtesy Sports Editor Matt Daniels.

Before the start of Illinois football's training camp on Aug. 2 in Champaign, beat writer Bob Asmussen is counting down the top 50 teams heading into the 2019 college football season.

Before the start of Illinois football's training camp on Aug. 2 in Champaign, beat writer Scott Richey is counting down the Top 50 most important Illini heading into the 2019 season.

A significant concept in Underwood’s offense is “spread.” Moving the three-point line back not quite two feet just means there’s more room (and some different angles) inside the arc for Illinois to cut toward the basket.

First-year coach's focus on attention to detail and accountability traces roots to past coaching stops and has been met with instant buy-in from Panthers. 

Three years removed from his final season in an Illini uniform, the former quarterback moved to the area in June after relocating for his job. 

While the fourth-year Illinois coach is considered to be on hot seat by some, insiders suggest he is safe through and past the 2019 season despite a 4-23 Big Ten record. 

Beat writer dishes on what to expect this week in Chicago

Before the start of Illinois football's training camp on Aug. 2 in Champaign, beat writer SCOTT RICHEY is counting down the Top 50 most important Illini heading into the 2019 season:

Before the start of Illinois football's training camp on Aug. 2 in Champaign, beat writer Bob Asmussen is counting down the Top 50 teams heading into the 2019 college football season.

The man who coached longer at the University of Illinois than any other person died 57 years ago today at the age of 75. Ed Manley, a native St. Louisan, directed Illini men’s swimming and diving for 37 years after being hired by George Huff in 1912.

College football writer Bob Asmussen offers his rankings from The Game to the battle for the Little Brown Jug and much more:

Illinois football beat writer Bob Asmussen chatted with former Illini tight end Tyler White. The Kalamazoo, Mich., native played from 2013-16 after signing with Tim Beckman. A part-time starter, White caught three touchdown passes during his Illinois career. He earned a degree from Illinois in technical systems management, then went to work as director of business development and membership at Urbana Country Club. He is also currently working on his MBA.

Happy 27th birthday to Champaign’s Rayvonte Rice, who finished his college career with the Illini and is now trying to latch on with the Phoenix Suns.

Before the start of Illinois football's training camp on Aug. 2 in Champaign, beat writer SCOTT RICHEY is counting down the Top 50 most important Illini heading into the 2019 season:

Before the start of Illinois football's training camp on Aug. 2 in Champaign, beat writer Bob Asmussen is counting down the Top 50 teams heading into the 2019 college football season.