With the 2024-2025 High School sports season close to an end (baseball, softball, soccer, among a few others still competing) I thought it necessary to send out an ode to the local high school sports teams and a shout out to those who made the season possible.
Former Fighting Illini women’s basketball standout Genesis Bryant has been selected to participate in the 2025 BTN Experience, a prestigious seminar hosted by the Big Ten Network for former Big Ten student-athletes interested in sports media careers. Bryant is one of just 16 athletes chosen for the four-day event, taking place June 23–26 at BTN Studios in Chicago.
Illinois head men’s basketball coach Brad Underwood announced Thursday the addition of Camryn Crocker to the Fighting Illini staff as an assistant coach. Crocker, a former standout at the University of Pennsylvania, brings a diverse coaching background and a decade of experience across multiple levels of basketball.
Season tickets for the 2025 Illinois football season go on sale to the general public this Thursday at 9 a.m.
he University of Illinois has officially locked in the leadership of its two premier sports programs, announcing six-year contract extensions for football head coach Bret Bielema and men’s basketball head coach Brad Underwood. The deals, announced Tuesday, will keep Bielema and Underwood in Champaign through 2030 and 2030–31 respectively, pending approval by the university’s board of trustees on May 22.
Illinois has played a total of 56 games at the United Center in total, with a 38-18 record. The Illini are 19-9 in regular-season games at the UC, including an 18-8 mark against non-conference teams. Their last visit was for the 2023 Big Ten Tournament. The Fighting Illini also played a regular season game there during the 2018 to 2019 season and played a non-conference regular season game in 2017 to 2018.
After two intense rounds of public voting, only eight schools remain in The64.com High School Mascot Tournament. This national bracket-style showdown is more than just a popularity contest—it’s a celebration of school pride, student creativity, and community spirit. With only one day left to vote, every click counts as fans rally behind their beloved mascots for a shot at the regional semi-finals and a chance at national recognition.
“We’re excited to bring JP Sports and USSSA tournaments to the Rantoul Family Sports Complex starting in 2026. This premier facility aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering high-quality youth sports experiences, and we look forward to making Rantoul a key destination for teams and families across the region,” said John Pieritz, owner and operator of JP Sports and Event Management.
Illinois Field in Champaign will host the 2025 IHSA Class 1A and 2A baseball state finals on June 6 and 7, a move expected to significantly boost the local economy. The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) announced the venue change due to a scheduling conflict at Dozer Park in Peoria.
The Big Ten Conference has unveiled the 2025-26 men’s basketball schedule, confirming that Illinois will continue with a 20-game conference slate. Each team will play three opponents both home and away, and 14 opponents once—seven at home and seven on the road.