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The Champaign Room

In fall 2023, I joined The Champaign Room, an SB Nation affiliate in Champaign, as a beat reporter. I began covering women’s basketball during my sophomore year of college. Early on, I faced several learning curves that pushed me to adapt and improve quickly. After a season on the women’s basketball beat, I was promoted to cover Illinois football in 2024. During the 2025–26 academic year, I now cover both Illinois football and men’s basketball.

Football Gamers

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Badgers barrage Illini, 27-10, shellshock Illinois’ season

When Illinois woke up in Madison on Saturday morning, it was favored by 8.5 points. By dark, Illinois found itself down 14 points midway through the fourth quarter, well on its way to a disastrous loss to a Wisconsin program, years removed from the peak of its powers, and lumbering its way to the tail end of a turbulent season.Two killer penalties for 25 yards were the impetus for an offense that stalled more often than it took off. In the first quarter, Illinois tight end Cole Rusk got called f...
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Illinois loses more than just a game in ugly collapse at Washington

SEATTLE, WASH. — There was always a potential for turbulence on Saturday afternoon, with slippery conditions looming at a consistently hostile Husky Stadium on top of a West Coast cross-country trip. But a no-show performance on defense led to a second-half collapse to Washington, 42 - 25.With Saturday’s loss, Illinois lost any hope of maintaining its college football playoff chances. It’s time to put those conversations to bed. With a loss of this magnitude, which comes after a bye, coming into...
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No. 23 Illinois upsets No. 21 USC with euphoric game-winning field goal drive

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — They had failed to close out the game on multiple occasions. They had failed to score on the heels of multiple turnovers. Yet they still toed the line between a prolific display of offensive football and a lack of complementary football.In a top-25 matchup on a day when Illinois was celebrating its homecoming, and all weekend long, Champaign felt the euphoria of the Fox Big Noon Kick-Off, an imperfect win followed.It required a bit of trickery, it was mistake-prone, offensive c...
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Five Duke turnovers cue Illinois’ dominant win in Durham

For a second, he paused, realizing the opportunity in front of him and jumping on it, putting Illinois deep into Duke territory. The Florida native’s recovery would lead to the first Illinois touchdown of the day. Up until then, Illinois was sluggish on offense, struggling to muster hardly any momentum.And while the recovery did not necessarily swing momentum in the game at the time, it was the first of a slew of Duke mistakes that Illinois would exploit in their 45-19 routing of Duke.“Just to g...
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Illinois falls short of fourth-quarter comeback, fails to stop red-hot Minnesota

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — It was a chilly November morning kickoff as Illinois came into the game ‘with the best week of preparation for the season.’ But the Illini struggled to muster offensive consistency and failed to stop Minnesota on key possessions, as they fell to the Golden Gophers, 25-17.
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema had been undefeated against Minnesota in his career, winning all 10 meetings — the last three as Illinois’ head man. That streak ended on Saturday, as the Illini struggled all...
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Illinois narrowly avoids second half collapse to squeak past Purdue

It was a tale of two halves. The first half had Illinois in the driver’s seat, and it looked like there was no reason to sweat this one out.But the second half had all the makings of a ‘trap game’ as the Boilermakers got within one score multiple times until they eventually took their first lead of the game with 42 seconds left in the fourth quarter, 43-40.“Offensively, I felt like we were clicking,” Walters said. “We got a chance to win, you know, the game is in control, in your hands, on that...
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Illinois pulls off upset in overtime thriller at No. 22 Nebraska

While Illinois has a wide variety of flavors in the running back room, the backs have struggled to put up big numbers in the trenches. That trend continued tonight as the Illinois running back room only combined for 166 yards.Raiola played poised and confident in the pocket. But for as poised as he looked, he’s still a freshman quarterback, and there were moments when he took too long with the ball in his hands, leading to two fumbles.In the ladder half of the second quarter, on a 4th-and-8, the...
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Altmyer’s late heroics cue Illinois’ upset of No. 19 Kansas

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — In a game that looked to be defense-dominated up until its final moments, some heroics from Illinois’ offensive leaders got the job done in a 23-17 upset over No. 19 Kansas on Saturday night at Memorial Stadium.
Illinois’ first ranked win since the nine-overtime victory over Penn State, and first victory over a ranked opponent in Champaign since homecoming in 2019, a 24-23 win over No. 11 Wisconsin.
The win is also the program’s first over a non-conference-ranked opponent sin...

Football Sidebars

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‘There was no panic’: Inside the final minute of Illinois’ last-second win over Rutgers

PISCATAWAY, NJ. — Illinois had failed to stop Rutgers’ offense in critical moments all game, including what would have been the late game-winning drive as the Scarlet Knights took a 31-30 lead with 1:08 left, leaving Rutgers in prime position to seal the deal.“I caught the ball and I saw the sideline, and nobody was over there, so I had one guy to beat, and with a little move I saw the endzone,” Bryant said. “I heard everyone get up and say ‘get down, get down’, but I put trust in myself and sco...
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How Illinois snapped its two-game skid in Senior Day win

Illinois kicked off their first offensive drive with a three-and-out. After seeing success on opening drive scripts in the early part of the season, Illinois has not scored on its first drive of the game since its loss at Penn State.It was the first time the Illini scored a touchdown in the first quarter since last month’s shootout win over Purdue. But following a relatively successful first half, Illinois saw offensive struggles in the third quarter, scoring only one field goal over its three d...
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‘We said we were going to do this, and we did it’: Defensive depth flash in bounce-back win

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Following Illinois’ second bye week of the season, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema had listed off several names that would see the field on Saturday against Michigan State.And in the absence of one of their captains linebacker Dylan Rosiek, the Illinois coaching staff indicated a trust in their personnel.Defensive back Mac Resetich was thrust into the starting role to address the first-half absence of Miles Scott, who was suspended after a targeting call ejected him from the g...
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How Oregon’s prolific offense dominated Illinois

EUGENE, Ore. — Early in the first quarter, a late Illinois defensive substitution caused the Illini to burn a time-out. That was the start of a catastrophic performance at Autzen Stadium.Despite the momentum coming off a ceremonious upset victory against Michigan at home, No. 20 Illinois did not look ready to take on No. 1 Oregon in an ugly 38-9.And while fans can debate whether Illinois could have ever matched up to the ‘best team in the country’, one thing remains true: Illinois did not look c...
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‘I battled some demons’: Michigan victory more than just a win for Bielema

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Following Illinois’ 21-7 victory over Michigan, an emotional Bret Bielema took to the podium for his postgame press conference.For many programs, beating Michigan at football is a special feat, but for Bielema, it means much more than football.“Last time we played these guys, I lost my mom,” Bielema said. “I told our team on Sunday I battled some demons, more than you can ever imagine.”That was in 2022. When Bielema was an Iowa defensive Lineman in 1990, his sister passed away...
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‘Some things we need to address’: Illinois fails to stop PSU in trenches

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Late in the fourth quarter, Penn State running back Kaytron Allen rushed down the middle to score a touchdown on a five-yard carry. Allen rushed for 19 yards on that drive — all inside the red zone.While several issues plagued the Illini on Saturday night, none were bigger than the inability to stop the run, leading to Illinois’ first loss of the season, 21-7.“They had more rushing yards than we had total yards, so we’ve got to figure that out on our end,” said Illinois line...
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‘We played for him’: Aaron Henry coaching amid personal tragedy

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — If you saw him, or talked to him, you would not think anything is wrong. Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry greets you with a smile and is an animated, vibrant man ready to talk ball.As a child, Henry would often get scared at night, and he would find himself searching for Lee for comfort.“I feel really bad for my nieces and nephews,” Henry said. “Anytime you got young babies who have to go through something like that and to lose their mother — that’s very challenging.”...
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‘We bounced back’: Despite early struggles, Illinois powers through CMU

“We knew we had our work cut out for us. Unfortunately, I think we made it a little more difficult than needed to be,” said Illinois head coach Bret Bielema after the win to extend Illinois’ start to 3-0.CMU came in with a game plan that presented Illinois with plenty of challenges — at least in the first half. After last week’s upset against a nationally ranked opponent, fans might have expected Illinois to breeze past a mid-major opponent like CMU.“We kind of came in a little too confident, we...
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‘No jitters at all’: Illinois’ Torrie Cox Jr. is ready for the spotlight

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Late in the first half Thursday night, up 17-0 against EIU, quarterback Pierce Holley takes the snap on 2nd-and-9, and quickly Illinois’ defensive front penetrates the offensive line. The play isn’t able to develop and the pocket collapses. At the same time, Illinois defensive back Torrie Cox Jr. branches out of coverage and reads the screen for an easy takeaway.“We were in cover two, I saw the screen, and I shot the screen,” Cox Jr. said after the win. “I was expecting to make...

Football Features

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‘We all love it here’: Illinois’ four running backs all coming back

“I don’t know. I just try to be honest, right?” Ward said, “They’re unselfish young men, so it’s really not about me, it’s more about them, to be honest with you.”“It’s the first time I’ve seen it where you have four guys who are willing to put the team first and not make it about themselves,” Ward said.“It’s cool having the hardware and all, but at the end of the day, I was just worried about doing my job and being the best me every day for my teammates,” McCray said.“When he broke that run, I...
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Inside the experience for Illinois’ incoming freshmen who are already on campus

He graduated from high school early, packed his bags, and left his hometown. Although he did go back for prom, he got a head start on his college football career by joining then-Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema and his staff to hit the ground running in Madison ahead of football season.It’s evidence that the college football season never really ends — it is more similar to a cycle. And it is clear where the cycle begins: in February and March with spring ball.“She did not want Brayden to be her...
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‘Different but similar’: How two distinct coaches’ destinies collided at Illinois

“Being a bubble guy, you were always on edge. Like me and my wife, we might be gone tomorrow or here the next day,” Harris said. “Here, I think it’s honestly the same, you know, being here in the moment and being laser-focused.”“He cares about people, he cares about who you are,” Harris said. “We spent a lot of time going over football stuff, but he likes talking about life and getting to know the person. He wants the best for everybody. And that meant a lot to me.”“What I’ve learned is that eve...
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From walk-on to hometown hero: Hudson Clement’s path to Illinois

Clement broke records during his senior year of high school, including an eight-touchdown postseason game, and garnered local buzz. But despite his success in high school, he did not generate much, if any, recruiting buzz.When his high school career was all said and done, it was either play at one of the most successful Division II schools in the country — Shepherd University — or walk on at West Virginia.Clement redshirted his first season with the Mountaineers and went on to earn a scholarship...
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‘Coming here, I can run my own race’: Tomiwa Durojiaye on transferring to Illinois

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Former Florida State Defensive lineman Tomiwa Durojiaye was very particular about his fourth destination in his college football career. After all, his father always told him to do his research before making a major life decision.“You don’t want to go into a situation just saying, ‘Oh I’m excited to go there,’” Durijiaye said. “You want to know what you’re getting into.”Durojiaye came into college football with sky-high expectations for himself at Kentucky. He’s now transferred...
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Bielema’s coaching staff retention: Who’s staying and a look inside Illinois’ carousel

“The core group of guys, my 10 main coaches, for the most part, feel really good about all those guys being back in the mix,” Bielema said on Sunday.“[Whitman] has been awesome — sometimes it’s obviously financially, but a lot of times it’s also just little things around,” Bielema said. “Whether it be how we’re taking care of them, and how we’re supporting them.“And the more we can help their kids and their families and people be a part of the community, that helps all of us.”Bielema was pleased...
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‘I’ve been waiting’: Alex Capka-Jones resilient despite challenging season

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Late in the first quarter against Michigan State, the Illini were looking for some semblance of offense following an opening drive three-and-out. Quickly, Illinois was behind the sticks, but on a 3rd-and-15, quarterback Luke Altmyer zipped a ball to Alex Capka-Jones for a first down.Not only was it a critical 16-yard reception to spark Illinois’ offense, but it was also Capka-Jones’ first reception of his Illinois career.“It was a weight off my shoulders, for sure. I mean, I’ve...
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‘I’m playing the game I love’: How Keith Randolph Jr. is adjusting to the NFL

The former Illini captain now finds himself spending some of his days running errands, getting food and carrying pads for NFL veterans — a stark contrast to his days at Illinois.“It’s been a fantastic transition,” Randolph told The Champaign Room. “It’s always been my dream to play in the NFL. And at this level, it’s a little bit faster and a little bit tougher, but I’ve enjoyed it a lot. I live for it.”“The deciding factor for my decision was: Where can I go and make an impact and help and comp...
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‘I believe in him’: Illinois has plenty of optimism for Luke Altmyer

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — As fall camp draws closer and Illinois shifts its focus toward the season opener against Eastern Illinois, it feels like there is insurmountable pressure on the football program to win in what will be year four of Bret Bielema’s tenure.A lot of that success is hinged on quarterback Luke Altmyer, who decided to return to Illinois in 2024 after a shaky first season in Champaign. Last season was a campaign that ended with Altmyer suffering a concussion that would rule him out f...

Basketball Gamers

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Stojaković debuts as Illinois registers beatdown of FGCU

But on Friday night’s 113-70 beatdown of Florida Gulf Coast at State Farm Center, it was the blocks by Zvonimir Ivisic, frenetic flashes from freshman Keaton Wagler, and the occasional energizing dunk that woke up the crowd and ignited the arena.Illinois’ starting lineup found itself in disarray with big man Tomislav Ivišić popping up on the injury report. As one door closes, the other opens, and this door had another Ivisic’s name stamped on it; Zvonimir, or Big Z, made his first start as an Il...

Baketball Sidebars

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Small details erased Illinois’ chance for statement win: ‘Need to learn how not to lose’

CHICAGO — Tuesday night was poised to become a battle of moments. For the longest time, it looked like whoever had the biggest would take home an elusive ranked nonconference win on an exhilarating night at the United Center. All night, No. 8 Illinois’ Andrej Stojakovic was determined to lift the Illini to a win despite an ugly second half.Early in the first half, Stojakovic would hit an impressive three from NBA range. Next possession, Alabama would see Stojakovic’s three and raise an emphatic...
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Andrej Stojaković shines in Illinois’ first true non-conference test

“That’s not even a joke. Immediately, I started calling this dude. I was probably bugging this kid,” Boswell said. “He was one of my favorite players that I watched over the summer… big shoutout to me for doing that.”It seems there was a good reason for Boswell’s emphatic push. In the waning seconds of No. 14 Illinois’ intense first true test of the season against No. 11 Texas Tech at a packed State Farm Center, Stojaković had the opportunity to seal the deal with a late basket in the paint.He m...
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David Mirkovic impresses in season opener: ‘He has tremendous joy for the game’

CHAMPAIGN — As Illinois churned out a beatdown of Jackson State on Monday night’s season opener, freshman forward David Mirkovic launched a pass from inside Illinois’ paint to the other end of the court intended for forward Jake Davis. Instead, the intended dunk unraveled, and eventually, center Jason Jakstys somehow got his hands on the ball and finished the play. The pass appeared to be the only blemish on Mirkovic’s day after enjoying an exhilarating second straight stellar performance at Sta...