The Champaign Room
A Fighting Illini community since 2012
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Katin Houser joins Bielema’s transfer QB legacy
I’m starting to sense a pattern in the types of quarterbacks Bret Bielema recruits. Just looking at his time in Champaign, Bielema’s two most successful QBs have been Luke Altmyer and Tommy DeVito. Altmyer started at Ole Miss, and DeVito at Syracuse. So it’s no surprise that Bielema went out and added a veteran this […]
Bailey, veterans looking to ‘uphold that standard’ of back seven
CHICAGO — Going into next season, Illinois’ defense might look structurally similar, but should have a different feel to it. Former Montana head coach Bobby Hauck was brought in as the new defensive coordinator, but plans to keep the team in a 3-3-5 formation. Senior defensive back Mathew Bailey sat down with Rick Pizzo during […]
Bielema’s emphasis on college experience will be valuable for Illini O-line
It is a tale of two seasons for Illinois. Last season, the program returned all five starters on the offensive line as well as its starting quarterback. This season is a completely different story. Illinois will see a plethora of turnover in the offensive trenches as well as the quarterback position, but head coach Bret […]
‘It’s a different world’: Bielema, Whitman on college football’s evolution
CHICAGO – It’s no secret college football doesn’t look the same as it did five years ago; however, for Illinois’ Bret Bielema and Josh Whitman, it’s a whole new ball game. Bielema and Whitman spoke Tuesday at Big Ten Media Days about the ever-changing landscape of college football. “NIL and revenue share,” Bielema said. “When […]
Illini at Big Ten Media Days and more! TCR Live
Illini Isaac and Robby Nardini break down recent Illini news including quotes from Big Ten Football Media Days, Busey Bank partnering with Illinois, and more! Check out State Farm Agent Brian Hanson for a home, auto, business, and life insurance needs quote today: https://gtlk.link/5zlx5Emx Chief’s Naturals is launching in September and will be providing all-natural dog […]
Bielema highlights NIL’s impact on revamped Illinois offense
CHICAGO — Tuesday morning marked the start of 2026 Big Ten Media Days in Chicago. The 2026 offseason has seen major roster departures and additions for Illinois, creating somewhat of a reset going into next season. Coming off of a solid 9-4 season along with a victory at the Music City Bowl, there are expectations […]
Which ‘Balkan Block’ member will make the biggest jump this season?
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — With a loaded roster returning to State Farm, expectations in Champaign are incredibly high. But which returner will exceed those expectations? The easiest answer would probably be sophomore forward David Mirkovic, who was already somewhat in the spotlight last season, and is primed for a massive year filled with confidence. Mirkovic averaged […]
Predicting every game on Illinois’ 2026 schedule
The Illini will open the year under the lights on the first Thursday of September, and the stadium should be packed with Illinois fans. Illinois will be one of three Big Ten teams in action that night and should take care of business. The Illini will be looking to win at least nine games for […]
Illinois adding sponsor patches to jerseys
Illinois fans will see a new addition to jerseys this fall. The Illini announced on Monday that Busey Bank patches will appear on jerseys of many sports this athletic year, including football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball. Officials said the partnership came together after the NCAA approved corporate jersey patch sponsorships earlier this year. It’s […]
X-Factor for Illinois Football this season?
Who will be the key to the Illini finding success under Bret Bielema this fall? Check out the conversation on our Facebook page! Check out State Farm Agent Brian Hanson for a home, auto, business, and life insurance needs quote today: https://gtlk.link/5zlx5Emx Chief’s Naturals is launching in September and will be providing all-natural dog treats to […]
Who is the Illini goat?
Illinois Basketball has had a long list of legendary players, but who is the greatest of them all? Check out the discussion on our Facebook page! Check out State Farm Agent Brian Hanson for a home, auto, business, and life insurance needs quote today: https://gtlk.link/5zlx5Emx Chief’s Naturals is launching in September and will be providing all-natural […]
Top Illini candidates to replace Keaton Wagler’s playmaking
The 2025-26 season for Illini men’s basketball was one of the most successful in program history. All season long, Illinois boasted one of the most efficient offenses both in the entire country and in the history of KenPom. A lot of that was thanks to freshman guard Keaton Wagler, who burst onto the scene midway […]
Reports: Two five-star prospects set visits to Illinois
Brad Underwood is all the way back in on high school prospects. And Illinois has two of the brightest high school players in the country set for visits to Illinois, according to 247. First, there’s 2027 guard NaVorro Bowman Jr. out of California. The son of former NFL All-Pro LB Navorro Bowman, he’s the 10th-best […]
Illinois legend Devon Witherspoon rearing record NFL deal
Illinois legend Devon Witherspoon is reportedly closing in on a record contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks. According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, the deal could net Witherspoon $32 million per year. That figure would be enough to make him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. Witherspoon, known by most Illinois fans simply as ‘Spoon,’ […]
Report: Illinois adds non-conference matchup with west coast school
The non-conference schedule is almost put together. Illinois reportedly added another game this week: a Dec. 29 matchup with Seattle, according to Rocco Miller. The two programs have never played each other. The Redhawks play in the West Coast Conference and rejoined Division I in 2009. They finished 21-14 last season, including an 8-10 mark […]
Why Illinois doesn’t need a traditional point guard
The Illini roster is likely set for the 2026-27 season, and Illinois will once again have one of the most talented teams in the country. Five rotation players return from last year’s Final Four team with their sights set on winning a national championship. The roster is loaded and talented enough to make another Final […]
Jer’Zhan Newton joins the show!
Illini Isaac is joined by Jer’Zhan Newton, former Illini and current Washington Commander, to discuss his time at Illinois, transition to the NFL, and favorite food spots in Champaign-Urbana! Check out State Farm Agent Brian Hanson for a home, auto, business, and life insurance needs quote today: https://gtlk.link/5zlx5Emx Chief’s Naturals is launching in September and will […]
Former Illini Malcolm Hill back in Champaign
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Another former Illini basketball player in what seems to be a yearly tradition at this point is back in Champaign, working out in the team’s facilities. The latest in this long line of alumni returning to train at the Ubben Basketball Complex, and perhaps get a lift in with Coach Fletch, is […]
In Josh We Trust
On this episode of Oskee Talk I examine the newest contract extension for Athletic Director Josh Whitman (4:13) and speak about how continuity breeds success (11:06) and the importance of trusting leadership (17:48). I also discuss the tiers of men’s hoops’ non-conference opponents (20:36), the major questions for the team entering 2026-27 (29:33), and how […]
Illinois offers 2028 5-star power forward
While all the hype is well deserved for the 2026-27 season, Illinois is making moves positioning itself for one of the top players in the class of 2028. 5-star power forward Benjamin Berrouet announced this week that he received an offer from the Illini. (Love the logo choice, Benjamin.) 247 has Berrouet as the top […]
Keaton Wagler takes over against Timberwolves
Keaton Wagler had a slow start to his NBA Summer League career, but has since shown why he was the fifth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Check out State Farm Agent Brian Hanson for a home, auto, business, and life insurance needs quote today: https://gtlk.link/5zlx5Emx Chief’s Naturals is launching in September and will be providing […]
Ranking Illinois’ non-conference schedule by hype
Brad Underwood has never shied away from loading up on elite non-conference opponents, and 2026 is no exception. Facing one of the most intriguing slates of games in the country, the Illini have a gauntlet ahead of them that’s designed to prepare this team for another deep run in March. It’s been years since a […]
The five most important Illini for the 2026-27 season
Everyone’s favorite time of the year is slowly approaching as we are less than seven weeks away from seeing the Fighting Illini football team don those lovely orange and blue jerseys and storm the field at Gies Memorial Stadium for what is set to be another exciting season. Coming off of back-to-back bowl-winning seasons, head […]
Mirkovic and Stojakovic show off their soccer skills ahead of World Cup final
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Assistant Coach Camryn Crocker’s Instagram story Friday morning was one that couldn’t be skipped past. Illini returners David Mirkovic and Andrej Stojakovic were seen at Ubben playing keep-ups with a soccer ball, and kept the thing up for quite some time. It went back and forth off of their heads (and Mirk’s […]
Illinois AD Josh Whitman’s contract extended through 2036
Josh Whitman is now slated to stay in Champaign through 2036. The University’s Board of Trustees approved the deal on Thursday, which will see Whitman’s contract soar to $2.15 million dollars for the 2026/27 year. The new deal includes a yearly pay raise of $100,000, totaling $26.1 million over the contract. Whitman is the fifth-longest-tenured […]
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