Jack Ankony

Joined: Jan 31, 2026

Jack Ankony has covered college football, college basketball and Major League Baseball since joining "On SI" in 2022. He graduated from Indiana University's Media School with a degree in journalism.

Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood (left) and his son, Tyler Underwood (right), on the sideline against the Wisconsin Badgers at the United Center.

Basketball

Despite transferring to Kansas State, Coleman Hawkins will always be welcomed back by Brad Underwood and the Illini

Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood celebrates after cutting down the net after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2026 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight at Toyota Center.

Basketball

Underwood has believed Illinois could reach the Final Four for years, and on Saturday he fulfilled a 39-year coaching dream

Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood during the Sweet Sixteen against Houston in the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.

Basketball

The Illini and Hawkeyes will meet Saturday with a spot in the Final Four on the line

Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood leads a team huddle during an NCAA Tournament game against the VCU Rams at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

Basketball

The Illini will be seeking their second Elite Eight appearance in three years when they clash with the Cougars on Thursday in Houston

Houston coach Kelvin Sampson during the 2026 NCAA Tournament against Idaho.

Basketball

Cougars coach Sampson called Illinois "the ultimate challenge" because of its offensive efficiency and rebounding

Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood during the 2026 NCAA Tournament against VCU at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

Basketball

With a 26-win season and another Sweet 16 run, Illinois' Underwood joins the program's coaching greats

Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood speaks during a press conference ahead of the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

Basketball

The No. 3-seeded Illini face an upset-minded No. 11 VCU team that defeated North Carolina in overtime in the first round

Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) shoots against the Penn Quakers during the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

Basketball

The freshman forward Mirkovic totaled 29 points and 17 rebounds in a dominant win over Fran McCaffery's Quakers

Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood against the Indiana Hoosiers at State Farm Center.

Basketball

VCU is a popular upset pick as a No. 11 seed, and North Carolina is without All-American forward Caleb Wilson

Penn Quakers forward Ethan Roberts (23) dribbles against the Villanova Wildcats at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

Basketball

The absence of Quakers leading scorer Ethan Roberts, who is dealing with a concussion, stacks the deck further in favor of the Illini

Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood against the Indiana Hoosiers at State Farm Center.

Basketball

The Illini begin March Madness Thursday night as a No. 3 seed against No. 14 seed Penn from the Ivy League.

Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood during the Big Ten Tournament at the United Center.

Basketball

Former Iowa coach Fran McCaffery led Penn to the NCAA Tournament, where he'll match up against a familiar opponent

Jack Ankony

Joined: Jan 31, 2026

Underwood Father-Son Duo Enjoying Special Moment in Illinois’ Final Four Run

3 Things to Watch When Illinois Faces UConn in NCAA Tournament Final Four

Why Illinois vs UConn Final Four Will Be Different Than First Matchup

Incredible Stat Highlights Ben Humrichous' Value in Illinois' Final Four Run

Basketball

Coleman Hawkins Celebrates Final Four Run After Helping Fuel Illinois’ Resurgence

Basketball

Brad Underwood Reflects on 'Dream Job' and Leading Illinois to Final Four

Basketball

3 Things to Watch When Illinois Faces Iowa in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight

Basketball

3 Things to Watch When Illinois Plays Houston in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

Basketball

Houston's Kelvin Sampson Shares Thoughts on Illinois Ahead of Sweet 16 Matchup

Basketball

Brad Underwood Hits Career Milestone, Climbs Illinois Record Books With VCU Win

Basketball

3 Things to Watch When Illinois Plays VCU in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32

Basketball

David Mirkovic Makes Illinois Basketball History In NCAA Tournament Win Over Penn

Should Illinois Root for North Carolina or VCU in the NCAA Tournament?

How Injury to Penn's Ethan Roberts Affects Illinois in the NCAA Tournament

3 Things to Watch When Illinois Faces Penn in the NCAA Tournament

Brad Underwood Faces 'Great Friend' Fran McCaffery in NCAA Tournament