Jackson Langendorf

Joined: Oct 21, 2024

Primarily covers Illinois football and basketball, and Kansas basketball, with an emphasis on analysis, features and recruiting. Langendorf, a third-generation University of Illinois alum, has been watching Illini basketball and football for as long as he can remember. An advertising student and journalism devotee, he has been writing for On SI since October 2024. He can be followed and reached on X @jglangendorf.

Nov 14, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood greets the crowd before the tip of the game with the Colgate Raiders at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini's outgoing transfers remain without new destinations as of early May. What level will each departure choose?

Apr 25, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) reacts after scoring a three-point shot against the Denver Nuggets in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Basketball

Terrence Shannon Jr. and Ayo Dosunmu each stepped up in a massive way to spark the Timberwolves in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs

Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks on before an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini welcome a handful of new faces to Champaign for the 2026-27 season. We grade each addition below.

Dec 9, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) handles the ball as Ohio State Buckeyes guard John Mobley Jr. (0) defends during the first halfat Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Basketball

Did Keaton Wagler do enough in his one season at Illinois to cement himself as a top-10 player in program history?

Nov 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Basketball

Illini wing Stojakovic reportedly threw his name in the NBA Draft. Why, and will he stay in it or return to Champaign?

Mar 26, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Basketball

It may be April, but the college basketball world is already looking ahead to next March. Here's where the Illini land in early 2027 March Madness predictions.

Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Basketball

Are the Illini the (extremely) early frontrunners for the Big Ten crown next year – or is Michigan once again the favorite?

Basketball

Where should the Illini make their next addition – and do they even need to make another one?

Dec 29, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Brandon Lee (1) with ball during the first half against the Southern University Jaguars at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini lost their fourth player to the portal as Brandon Lee is gone. Here's how it affects Illinois moving forward.

Mar 7, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) celebrates making a basket during the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini appear to be taking a back seat in the John Blackwell sweepstakes. Here's why it makes no sense.

Basketball

Where does Illinois’ 2026 recruiting class rank nationally? A full breakdown with key insights, strengths, and what it means for the program’s future.

Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) passes against the High Point Panthers during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini got back Andrej Stojakovic on Friday. But how does that impact their chase of Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell?

Jackson Langendorf

Joined: Oct 21, 2024

Why Illinois' 2026 Recruiting Class Cracking ESPN's Top 25 Is So Impressive

Illinois Ranked Surprisingly Low in Key Early 2026-27 Preseason Projection

One Key Improvement for Every Illinois Basketball Returner in 2026-27

Illinois Commit Quentin Coleman Wins Iverson Classic MVP – Is He a 2026-27 Starter?

Basketball

Illinois Basketball Transfers Still Searching for New Teams in 2026

Basketball

Former Illinois Stars Fuel Minnesota Timberwolves' Push to NBA Playoffs Second Round

Basketball

Grading Every Illinois Basketball Addition for the 2026-2027 Season

Basketball

Is Keaton Wagler a Top-10 All-Time Illinois Basketball Player?

Basketball

Andrej Stojakovic Enters 2026 NBA Draft – Will He Still Return to Illinois?

Basketball

Where Illinois Ranks in Joe Lunardi's Early 2027 Bracketology for ESPN

Basketball

Way-Too-Early 2026-27 Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings: Illinois Leads the Pack?

Basketball

Illinois' Next Offseason Move: Transfer Portal, International Talent or Another Path?

Illinois Loses Brandon Lee to the Transfer Portal – Here's What It Means

Why Illinois Has Faded in John Blackwell’s Recruitment – And Why It’s So Surprising

Illinois 2026 Recruiting Class Ranking, Breakdown, Takeaways

How Andrej Stojakovic's Return Impacts Illinois' Pursuit of John Blackwell