Illini Sports

CHAMPAIGN — Rodney Gallagher has yet to play a single game of high school basketball. In fact, the Pennsylvania native isn't even in high school yet.

The Illinois basketball chat is back after a two-week hiatus (half new website adjustment/half vacation for our beat writer). Have a question for the beat writer? Click here.

Former standout defensive lineman donates for Smith Center improvements

We will learn more about the Eagles and Zips at Tuesday’s MAC media day in Detroit.

Illini running back receives second preseason honor

Workouts will start Aug. 2 at Campus Rec Fields

Nebraska was the pick to win the West and Michigan was tabbed in the East.

Cornerback Nate Hobbs, offensive lineman Alex Palczewski and running back Reggie Corbin will represent Illinois football on Thursday and Friday at Big Ten media days in Chicago. Before they left, beat writer BOB ASMUSSEN caught up with all three Illini representatives:

Rothstein agrees with Ayo’s decision to return for his sophomore season with the Illini, thinks he can be one of the best guards in the Big Ten next season

Jon Rothstein - college basketball insider for CBS Sports and Sports Illustrated as well as an AP Top 25 voter - has Illinois ranked at No. 7 in the Big Ten.

The former coach, who was fired before the start of the 2015 season, is living in Florida.

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.