Nick Shepkowski

Joined: Oct 1, 2024

Managing Editor for Notre Dame On SI. Started covering Chicago sports teams for WSCR the Score, and over the years worked with CBS Radio, Audacy, NBC Sports, and FOX Sports as a contributor before running the Notre Dame wire site for USA TODAY.

Feb 1, 2026; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood walks onto the court before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Basketball

Right when Xavier looked set to make it a one-point game against Illinois, freshman star Will Riley began an all-time second half performance.

Mar 7, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts to a call with his assistants during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini enter the Big Ten Tournament after a strong close to the regular season

Feb 22, 2025; New York, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) drives past Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ben Humrichous (3) in the first half at Madison Square Garden.

Basketball

Illinois set the wrong kind of team records on Saturday night in New York City

Apr 2, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski speaks in a press conference after the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the 2022 NCAA men's basketball tournament Final Four semifinals at Caesars Superdome.

Basketball

Believe it or not, Illinois holds a unique place in the history of Duke basketball

Sep 14, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema on the sidelines during the second half against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Memorial Stadium.

Football

Could Illinois recruiting a player for two sports help its case to land one of the nation's best baseball players in the 2026 recruiting class?

Football

The Week 6 Big Ten football schedule, betting information, ESPN FPI odds, and predictions

Mar 23, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the first half against the Duquesne Dukes in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at CHI Health Center Omaha.

Basketball

Illinois head basketball coach Brad Underwood detailed the challenging events his family went through after he left Oklahoma State for Champaign.

Nick Shepkowski

Joined: Oct 1, 2024

The Unexpected Big Ten Coach Behind Saturday’s Michigan vs. Duke Showdown

How Illinois’ Victory Over Duke Sets the Stage for Bigger Things

Five Numbers That Defined Illinois’ Dominant Win Over Western Illinois

Kentucky Coach Mark Pope Embraces, Praises Illinois Star Will Riley After Game

Basketball

Basketball

Basketball

Basketball

Illinois vs. Duke: A Complete History of Their College Basketball Matchups

Football

Illinois Football Offers Scholarship to Brother of Notre Dame Standout

Football

Big Ten Football Schedule, Betting, TV Info, and ESPN FPI Odds for Week 5

Basketball

Illini Coach Brad Underwood Reveals Heart-Wrenching Family Struggles After Leaving Oklahoma State