Johnny Newton's NFL Draft moment had been a long time coming, even if it took an extra day.On workouts by a mechanic shop with his family, turning into an All-American for the #illini and grilling out on draft day.https://t.co/0u92NxXflu— Joey Wagner (@mrwagner25) April 27, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Saturday, April 27, 2024By @mrwagner25
Johnny Newton describing his time at #illini:“Fun as fuck. I feel like life at Illinois is bigger than football. I met great people, lifelong friends, great coaching staff. …Relationships that I’ll have for a lifetime... A memorable time that I’ll never forget."— Joey Wagner (@mrwagner25) April 27, 2024 ... Read more
So to recap the day:Johnny Newton and Quan Martin are former #illini teammates in Washington (and Nick Allegretti, who didn't play on the same team as Newton).Tip Reiman and Isaiah Adams drafted by the Arizona Cardinals 11 picks apart.— Joey Wagner (@mrwagner25) April 27, 2024 ... Read more
Tip Reiman is the second-highest drafted tight end in Illinois history, behind only Ken Dilger, who was the No. 48 overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 1995.— Illini Stats & Notes (@IlliniStats) April 27, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Friday, April 26, 2024By @IlliniStats
For the record, #illini TE Tip Reiman said while watching the broadcast that he believes in birds by the way. He was joking at the Combine.— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 27, 2024 ... Read more
Isaiah Adams and Tip Reiman are the first set of Illini teammates to be drafted by the same team since LB Martez Wilson (3rd, 72) and LB Nate Bussey (7th, 243) went to New Orleans in 2011.— Illini Stats & Notes (@IlliniStats) April 27, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Friday, April 26, 2024By @IlliniStats
Remember walking a scrawny TE from South Dakota through the Smith Center construction zone! From walk-on to 3rd round draft pick! Let's gooooTip!!!!! #FamILLy— Pat Embleton (@CoachEmbleton) April 27, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Friday, April 26, 2024By @CoachEmbleton
Your yearly reminder that Mel Kiper Jr. never played or coached football at any level.— Orange and Blue News (@IllinoisRivals) April 27, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Friday, April 26, 2024By @IllinoisRivals
Cardinals take Illinois TE Tip Reiman. A new pass-catcher for Kyler Murray, next to emerging star Trey McBride.— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 27, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Friday, April 26, 2024By @Schultz_Report
#illini legend. Left a legacy for any Illinois DT. If you can’t play as hard as Johnny you aren’t giving it your all. Happy he can team up with his former teammate Quan Martin https://t.co/6CYq2M3sbU— Ryan Evan (@200ColumnsRy) April 26, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Friday, April 26, 2024By @200ColumnsRy
Newton is the 52nd NFL Draft pick in Bret Bielema’s 15 seasons as a head coach.Newton is third-highest drafted defender in Bielema’s career as a head coach, behind only Pro Bowlers J.J. Watt (2011, Houston, No. 11) and Devon Witherspoon (2023, Seattle, No. 5).— Illini Stats & Notes (@IlliniStats) April ... Read more
Published on Friday, April 26, 2024By @IlliniStats
DRAFTED: Washington Commanders draft #illini DL Johnny Newton with the No. 36 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and will join Quan Martin in D.C.More background on the latest #illini to be drafted by the #Commanders ⤵️https://t.co/rqL9oTHQ3T— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 26, 2024 ... Read more
DT Ruke Orhorhoro who barely produced at Clemson selected over Johnny Newton by the Falcons.— Orange and Blue News (@IllinoisRivals) April 26, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Friday, April 26, 2024By @IllinoisRivals
Transfers are so overvalued. Evaluations based on what folks hope they can be instead what they already proved they are.— Orange and Blue News (@IllinoisRivals) April 26, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Friday, April 26, 2024By @IllinoisRivals
We got Auburn-to-Alabama (Aden Holloway), Ohio State-to-Michigan (Roddy Gayle) and Illinois-to-Indiana (Luke Goode) transfers so far this cycle. pic.twitter.com/sDE3ZuUVle— Isaac Trotter (@Isaac__Trotter) April 26, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Friday, April 26, 2024By @Isaac__Trotter
Indiana finally lands a shooter as Illinois transfer Luke Goode announces he will transfer to the Hoosiers. Big pickup for Mike Woodson.— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 26, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Friday, April 26, 2024By @GoodmanHoops
#illini DL Johnny Newton is expected to hear his name called fairly early in tonight's second round of the NFL Draft.Until then, here are some tales of his HS career."He's one of a kind. Johnny is one of one."https://t.co/euszPH0blG— Joey Wagner (@mrwagner25) April 26, 2024 ... Read more
#illini WRs coach Justin Stepp is making a push for three-star Indianapolis WR Davion Chandler (@Davionchandler8), extending him a scholarship offer on Wednesday and visiting him on Thursday."Illinois is a great option," Chandler said.https://t.co/bCaGm478Rx— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 26, 2024 ... Read more
This is a front cover picture I took in May 2004 with players from Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. That's HOFer Gale Sayers front left. This year's front cover will have the top prospects in the Chicago area. Right now there are 59 players in the NFL from the Chicago area. ... Read more
Published on Friday, April 26, 2024By @LemmingReport
The #B1G championships is underway, with this year's younger @IlliniMGolf squad trusting Mike Small's approach: "The way coach teaches you to play golf is the way that golf needs to be played on tough, championship golf courses." #Illinihttps://t.co/Muu4EdooEl via @srrichey— IlliniHQ (@IlliniHQ) April 26, 2024 ... Read more
Like Illinois DT Johnny Newton a lot. Really disruptive. Really twitchy. Heavy hands. Smart. Think whoever grabs him in the second round is getting a steal. https://t.co/stZohbH0K5— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) April 26, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Friday, April 26, 2024By @BruceFeldmanCFB
#illini Mike Small has struggled to find the right mix at the back of his rotation due to inconsistencies.At today's Big Ten Championships, he's sticking with freshman Ethan Wilson but he's inserting Piercen Hunt over Tyler Goecke and bringing Timmy Crawford as the alternate. https://t.co/FkEWoAmVow— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 26, ... Read more
NFL GM’s once again show their love affair with career backup quarterbacks in the first round. #NFLDraft— Orange and Blue News (@IllinoisRivals) April 26, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Thursday, April 25, 2024By @IllinoisRivals
JJ McCarthy was a 5* QB who lead his Chicago area high school to a state title. Then he left to play one year at IMG because the state of Illinois did not play the fall of his senior year due to Covid restrictions.#nfldraftpic.twitter.com/oRlKRIjxx2— Tom Lemming (@LemmingReport) April 26, ... Read more
Published on Thursday, April 25, 2024By @LemmingReport
NEWS: Marcus Domask's college career has come to an end with the #illini star guard saying he has "exhausted all my possible eligibility in college."Quick reaction to what it means and what's next ⤵️https://t.co/xw42KBuzp1— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 25, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Thursday, April 25, 2024By @JWerner247
Such a steadying influence. A leader and fierce competitor. #illini fans were blessed to have @marcusdomask He will be missed but he will forever be part of Illinois basketball History. Champion and the only triple double in NCAA tournament history along with first team ALL BIG https://t.co/y8nWFDZTqQ— Ryan Evan (@200ColumnsRy) ... Read more
Published on Thursday, April 25, 2024By @200ColumnsRy
“I have exhausted all my possible eligibility in college.”That's the takeaway here. Appears Marcus Domask's waiver for a sixth season was denied. He's now turning his attention to the 2024 NBA Draft. #Illinihttps://t.co/CbZk7YZohF— Scott Richey (@srrichey) April 25, 2024 ... Read more
Tough to put into words how special this year was. So many fond memories, so many friendships made, so many miles traveled! We will always remember and embrace our new FamILLy! https://t.co/nMsY44dxNe— Dan Domask (@DanDomask) April 25, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Thursday, April 25, 2024By @DanDomask
The Rivals Five-Star – the country's elite high school football event that culminates the 2024 Rivals Camp Series circuit – will return this summer for its 10th edition, taking place June 26 in Florida with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars playing host. https://t.co/KJRibEapxQ— Orange and Blue News (@IllinoisRivals) April 25, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Thursday, April 25, 2024By @IllinoisRivals
Paw Paw (Mich.) OT Darrin Strey recaps Illinois OV and explains why the Illini are "one of my higher schools."He also previews future officials, and discusses his process to eventually reach a commitment before fall camp. (VIP) https://t.co/LjtgqnAwIfpic.twitter.com/EhOsqb6cTw— Allen Trieu (@AllenTrieu) April 25, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Thursday, April 25, 2024By @AllenTrieu
Good Morning, #Illini Nation: If you bring him, will they come?Illinois brought back Orlando Antigua as associate head coach. What will that mean for recruiting? An overlap between players recruited at Kentucky and Illinois? https://t.co/1hlmk5M7Oy via @news_gazette— IlliniHQ (@IlliniHQ) April 25, 2024 ... Read more
Winners of eight straight Big Ten Championships, #illini golf enters this weekend's conference tournament as a No. 1 seed again — but a less consistent team looks more vulnerable."It is healthy for us to have this [competition], but we need to go play."https://t.co/5CkqDkVda0— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 25, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Thursday, April 25, 2024By @JWerner247
You apparently don’t know what a fact looks like. Show me the other crystal balls..Just remember envy and jealousy is ugly. You don’t have to like a big chunk of the fanbase cares what I say and trusts me & our podcast is a hit. I love my life and ... Read more
Published on Thursday, April 25, 2024By @200ColumnsRy
Miami-Ohio offered Waubonsie Valley point guard Tyreek Coleman, one of the breakout stars of the 2023-24 season and a player who vaulted up the Hoops Report player rankings this past winter. Coleman will gain a whole lot more traction as he now plays with the Illinois Wolves.— Joe Henricksen (@joehoopsreport) ... Read more
Published on Thursday, April 25, 2024By @joehoopsreport
Mike Small calls Ryan Voois the best student he's ever recruited. But the #illini coach has had to rewire Voois' highly intellectual approach to be more creative on the course.It's paying off. Voois is integral for Illini entering B1G Championships ⤵️https://t.co/U7tPt7J5n5— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 25, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Thursday, April 25, 2024By @JWerner247
Just to clarify for #illini fans. Geoff Alexander reached out right after season ended. Had zoom meeting with staff. Staff has moved on. Spoke to @seckmor23 this evening. Orlando Antigua has other bigs in mind & focusing on. By the way Mor is a great young man. Bright future https://t.co/W98hfNKLzI— ... Read more
Published on Wednesday, April 24, 2024By @200ColumnsRy
Hardest tasks to accomplish in 2024:1. Climb Mt. Everest2. Complete the NYC Marathon3. Monitor the Transfer Portal— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 24, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Wednesday, April 24, 2024By @JonRothstein
ICYMI: #Illini assistant coach Orlando Antigua discusses his return to Illinois, recruiting, navigating the portal, & more. https://t.co/vo8HhFpI5v— Orange and Blue News (@IllinoisRivals) April 24, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Wednesday, April 24, 2024By @IllinoisRivals
That would be seven of 362 Division I teams — I’ll repeat, seven of 362 — without any players in the transfer portal. https://t.co/F5gIrestYv— Scott Richey (@srrichey) April 24, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Wednesday, April 24, 2024By @srrichey
Every year, I try to have fun and project where the #illini's NFL prospects will be drafted. I've never projected so many Illinois players to be drafted as this year, so this one was a little more fun ⤵️https://t.co/BJPpomeMi3— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 24, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Wednesday, April 24, 2024By @JWerner247
Brad Underwood on the hiring of Orlando Antigua for second go-around on #Illini coaching staff: “...the latest step in elevating Illinois basketball as we continue to compete for championships. That continues to enhance our brand". https://t.co/Pd4Ujod8k4— Orange and Blue News (@IllinoisRivals) April 24, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Wednesday, April 24, 2024By @IllinoisRivals
After going 8-0 on the homestand, the #Illini have won 12-straight games at Illinois Field, currently the fourth-longest home winning streak in the country!#HTTOpic.twitter.com/TIztiagv8M— Illinois Baseball (@IlliniBaseball) April 24, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Wednesday, April 24, 2024By @IlliniBaseball
Brad Underwood views @IlliniMBB as a program capable of competing for a national championship. A sentiment backed up by the success the last several years. Bringing back Orlando Antigua? Consider that another piece of the puzzle. #Illinihttps://t.co/9JB8bXNqma via @srrichey— IlliniHQ (@IlliniHQ) April 24, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Wednesday, April 24, 2024By @IlliniHQ
Highlighted five standouts from the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament:-Washington State's Isaac Jones-Louisiana Tech's Isaiah Crawford-Morehead State's Riley Minix-Illinois' Marcus Domask -Auburn's Jaylin Williams https://t.co/1gcaWWsVlr— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 24, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Wednesday, April 24, 2024By @DraftExpress
Hawaii center Mor Seck (@seckmor23) has received interest from the following programs:IllinoisMinnesotaPortlandSeattleDenverUC Riverside Towson WoffordEast CarolinaRadfordHigh PointEastern MichiganCBUUTSAFresno StateLA TechOmaha pic.twitter.com/i1N7WVRe3g— The Portal Report (@ThePortalReport) April 24, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Wednesday, April 24, 2024By @ThePortalReport
An offseason of big moves shows Brad Underwood is aiming big with #illini, not content to be on the periphery of national contention."When you're trying to win a national championship ... you better have really good players, and that's the goal here."https://t.co/JSjRg4lL01— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 24, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Wednesday, April 24, 2024By @JWerner247
Orlando Antigua and Brad Underwood have kept in touch over the years. So it wasn't surprising when Underwood reached out about an opening on his staff that led to Antigua's return to the #illini "Basketball's about winning and it's about relationships."https://t.co/MiKUT2DNUf— Joey Wagner (@mrwagner25) April 23, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Tuesday, April 23, 2024By @mrwagner25
NEWS: #Illini Coleman Hawkins declares for NBA Draft, saying he is "100% set" on pursuing his NBA DreamQuick reaction to what it means ⤵️https://t.co/FlpP1WesX1— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 23, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Tuesday, April 23, 2024By @JWerner247
WATCH: #Illini coach Brad Underwood discusses Orlando Antigua's return to Illini, transfer portal recruiting, Marcus Domask and morehttps://t.co/GqsPNuXPgI— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 23, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Tuesday, April 23, 2024By @JWerner247
WATCH: #illini assistant coach Orlando Antigua discusses his return to the Illini staff, what drew him back to Brad Underwood, recruiting and morehttps://t.co/S4nt9nAsWj— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 23, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Tuesday, April 23, 2024By @JWerner247
"It's always a work in progress, but I've seen growth there from him."A progress report on #illini starting QB Luke Altymer, what he gained from the spring, what he learned from John Paddock and what's next ⤵️https://t.co/9a6InoMQCM— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 23, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Tuesday, April 23, 2024By @JWerner247
#illini men's golf isn't as overwhelming of a favorite to win its ninth straight B1G title this week, but Mike Small's squad has momentum following a weekend win. @cowell_noah writes."This year, it'll be a little tougher, but that's what makes it fun." https://t.co/qyyTQGrNnZ— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 22, 2024 ... Read more
My seven thoughts entering the week, including #illini basketball's big-boy move, #illini in the NFL Draft, Illini golf's B1G week and my preferences at No. 9 for the Bears ⤵️https://t.co/x6C63cdmxr— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 22, 2024 ... Read more
LIVE POD: At 6:30 p.m. CT, @DPiper247 and I react to Orlando Antigua's return to #illini and discuss how he could immediately impact the Illini's roster rebuild.Join us and weigh in ⤵️https://t.co/ayhb69PDWo— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 21, 2024 ... Read more
In a statement, #illini coach Brad Underwood said: "The addition of him to our staff is the latest step in elevating Illinois Basketball as we continue to compete for championships."Full statement ⤵️https://t.co/TxOHu0HHVA— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 21, 2024 ... Read more
NEWS: Orlando Antigua is returning to #illini as an assistant coachQuick reaction to what it means for Illini to bring back the renowned big man coach and ace recruiter ⤵️https://t.co/TxOHu0HHVA— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 21, 2024 ... Read more
BREAKING: CO/25 4 ⭐️ Safety Charles Bass III ( @cjbass03 ) has cut his list down to 🔟‼️-Charles Bass is a 6’2 ( 185 LBS ) Safety out of East St Louis, IL. He ranks as a Rivals Top 100 recruit and 5th in Illinois. He would be a big ... Read more
Xanai Scott (@XanaiScott) has witnessed his brother Xavier's quick development into an All-Big Ten defensive back and wanted to be a part of that.Scott, who took an official visit to #illini during the weekend, discusses his Illini future ⤵️https://t.co/8KT5aeMBrm— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 21, 2024 ... Read more
🎙 #Illini Inquirer Podcast Ep. 797 | What we learned during Illini spring football@mrwagner25 and I discuss spring game takeaways and break down what we've learned about each position group during the spring and potential offseason needs.https://t.co/3QwgoA6v6s— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 20, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Saturday, April 20, 2024By @JWerner247
#illini coach Bret Bielema said he could have 4-5 scholarships to use after the spring. Said he’s got 28 candidates for the DB job, which he wants to fill in May.— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 20, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Saturday, April 20, 2024By @JWerner247
Hell of a ball from #illini Donovan Leary to Alex Capka-Jones for a 40-yard TD catch.Capka-Jones has four receptions for 95 yards.Leary now 13-for-23 for 207 yards, 2 TDs.— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 20, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Saturday, April 20, 2024By @JWerner247
Take it back. Donovan Leary hits Collin Dixon in stride on a wheel route for a TD. First TD of the day for the second-team offense.#illini WR Collin Dixon has received some buzz this spring. Likely in the two-deep. https://t.co/UpTTr7nHpK— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 20, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Saturday, April 20, 2024By @JWerner247
Aidan Laughery wide open on a wheel route for an 18-yard TD reception from Altmyer.#illini RB having a great day: 7 rushes for 58 yards and three receptions for 27 yards.Altmyer 10-for-14 fro 116 yards, 2 TDs.— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 20, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Saturday, April 20, 2024By @JWerner247
#illini are so thin at RB this spring that walk-ons Weston Adams (a WR) and Jake Huber (a former QB) are getting carries.— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 20, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Saturday, April 20, 2024By @JWerner247
Biggest play of the game so far as Gesky and JC Davis (pancake) plow a huge hole for #illini RB Aidan Laughery, who breaks some tackles in the open field for a gain of 26 yards.— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 20, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Saturday, April 20, 2024By @JWerner247
First team #illini OL: LT JC Davis, LG Josh Gesky, C Josh Kreutz, RG Zy Crisler, RT Melvin PriestlyBeen clear that's the top group most of spring, but staff feels better about depth with Henderson, Whitenack, Schuster and Wigenton too.— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 20, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Saturday, April 20, 2024By @JWerner247
#illini spring game about to get underway.First team defenseDL: Jacas, Bray, Edwards, Briggs, ColemanLB: RosiekDB: Patterson, Strain, Clarke, M. Scott, Resetich— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 20, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Saturday, April 20, 2024By @JWerner247
#illini offensive lineman Zy Crisler is back at guard, healthy and more comfortable this spring. "He takes a great pride in his work. It's been noticeable his improvement at the guard spot."https://t.co/mGtz3aFP8T— Joey Wagner (@mrwagner25) April 20, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Saturday, April 20, 2024By @mrwagner25
#illini women's basketball has exceeded expectations during Shauna Green's first two seasons in Champaign, raising expectations for what's to come."It's all just come together at the right moment and we're seeing the results," AD Josh Whitman said.https://t.co/wQ2V2x3mVt— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 20, 2024 ... Read more
Published on Saturday, April 20, 2024By @JWerner247
After a sluggish start, #illini baseball is slugging its way to quite a season turnaround, @cowell_noah writes, entering a weekend series atop the Big Ten standings."Sometimes you need to fail to really listen and make adjustments," Dan Hartleb said.https://t.co/nIDv4kUl2R— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 19, 2024 ... Read more