After “sickening” 53-point loss to Indiana, Illini say they need to “eat this shit sandwich and keep moving.” On the night the Illinois hype crashed back down to earth against a Hoosiers team that looks like a repeat CFP contender: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/21/i...

Illinois’ Gabe Jacas is determined to keep rising — for his team, his family and eventually his future. The Illini OLB on how his family shaped him, his work to get better and how he wants to be a leader in his fourth season in Champaign: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/17/g...

Marcus Freeman cited a number of potential factors in Notre Dame's lack of defensive execution Saturday, including focus, technique and personnel. “All of those things are the responsibility of us as coaches.” 3 things @colleenkane.bsky.social learned from the Irish coach.

Notre Dame’s playoff future already "uncertain" after nail-biting loss to Texas A&M. On the riveting finish in South Bend last night, the many Notre Dame defensive problems and where the Irish go next after an 0-2 start: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/14/n...

Illinois' nearly 102-year-old football stadium has a new name — Gies Memorial Stadium — after a $100 million donation from alumnus Larry Gies, the largest in the athletic department's history. More from @colleenkane.bsky.social.

Caught up with Northern Illinois’ Thomas Hammock to talk about his viral transfer portal comments, staying competitive amid major roster turnover and the remnants of the Notre Dame win last year: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/27/n...

@colleenkane.bsky.social's 5 questions for No. 12 Illinois: - Can the Illini buck the up-then-down season trend? - Will QB Luke Altmyer rise to the occasion? - Who will step up at receiver? - Can an experienced defense with several stars become more dangerous? - How will they handle early tests?

Northwestern has reached a settlement with former football coach Pat Fitzgerald nearly 2 years after he sued the university for $130M following his firing amid a team hazing scandal.

After winning a national championship while fighting breast cancer, Penn State volleyball coach and Chicago native Katie Schumacher-Cawley is back in 2025 with her same determination to enjoy coaching in the moment as she juggles treatments and practices. www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/21/p...

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman wasn’t ready to announce a starting quarterback Sunday, two weeks before the Irish opener at Miami. 📝 @colleenkane.bsky.social

Luke Altmyer, entering his 3rd season as starting QB, has been in Champaign long enough that he recognizes the preseason buzz the Illini are generating is rare territory. "It's noticeable. And so it only makes us want to do really cool things and special things.” 📝 @colleenkane.bsky.social

"I’ve had the mentality that I’m going to do what it takes to get on the field." Meet Preston Stone, the graduate transfer from SMU who will take over the Northwestern QB job with "earned confidence." 📝 @colleenkane.bsky.social

College athletes and coaches await resolution of House settlement roster limits issue after months of stress. Some Chicago-area athletes and advocates on the topic that is holding up the approval: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/06/c...

The Score named longtime Chicago TV and radio host Leila Rahimi as co-host of its midday show with Marshall Harris. She replaces Dan Bernstein, who was fired last month after a social media spat. Story by @colleenkane.bsky.social. www.chicagotribune.com/2025/04/28/w...

As athletic departments race to keep up with the changing college sports world, Northwestern is trying something new — providing its coaches with training in analytics, negotiation, leadership and more through the Kellogg School of Management.

As Jill Pizzotti replaces DePaul legend Doug Bruno, she will rely on a deep coaching background and a drive to get the Blue Demons back on track. On her long journey to her second head coaching job:

Northwestern and star Madison Taylor want to create "something special" for "Lacrosse Night in Chicago." Details on the event tonight vs. Michigan and why Taylor, the Division I scoring leader, is in the spotlight this season:

How new Chicago State coach Bobby Rome II plans to build the city’s only Division I football program. From Rome’s introduction today: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/04/08/c...

As the House settlement hearing begins this afternoon, a look at how local college sports are preparing for 'seismic change,' including revenue sharing and new roster limits www.chicagotribune.com/2025/04/05/h...

As college sports prepares for “seismic change,” Northwestern AD Mark Jackson and Northern Illinois AD Sean Frazier spoke about the challenges, questions and positives they see ahead with the House settlement looming:

In the current wild west era of college sports, Illinois shrugs off a state law - one they pushed for - that requires its athletes to report their NIL deals. Story w/ @jodiscohen.bsky.social and @propublica.org www.chicagotribune.com/2025/04/04/i...

This was always going to be hard. But between an Olivia Miles injury and a hefty matchup disadvantage, Notre Dame couldn’t overcome TCU. The Sweet 16 loss capped a devastating run to end the season for the Irish.

Doug Bruno, whose DePaul teams made 25 NCAA Tournaments, steps down from coaching after 39 seasons. More on the retirement of a coach who has been a champion of growing the women's game in Illinois and beyond for decades:

Loyola coach Drew Valentine believes Ramblers’ win over Kent State to get to NIT semifinal makes “a statement about our program.” www.chicagotribune.com/2025/03/26/l...

"Speed dating" began for Illinois coach Brad Underwood as the college basketball transfer portal opened yesterday. What he had to say about the quick turnaround from the NCAA Tournament loss, potential Illini departures and his roster building thoughts:

“I am sad. And I’m mad at myself that I let the team down today.” Illinois players on the emotions of the NCAA Tournament loss to Kentucky, the inconsistencies of the season and an uncertain future for the Illini roster:

No. 6 seed Illinois already was having trouble keeping up with No. 3 seed Kentucky on Sunday in the second round of the men's NCAA Tournament, and then Koby Brea got hot. 📝 @colleenkane.bsky.social 📸 @mandophotos.bsky.social

Illinois introductions before the second-round NCAA Tournament game

“He’s not afraid to lead. He’s not afraid to communicate and tell guys at times things they don’t want to hear.” How Illinois looks to Kylan Boswell’s defense and leadership as the Illini head into their NCAA Tournament second-round game vs. Kentucky.

Genesis Bryant scored 17 points and No. 8 seed Illinois earned its first NCAA Tournament victory in 25 years Saturday night with a 66-57 win over No. 9 Creighton.

Kylan Boswell’s defense and leadership a key for Illinois as it looks to slow No. 3 seed Kentucky in 2nd round. What the Illinois junior guard had to say about the matchup today from Milwaukee:

“I just knew whatever I was putting up was going in, honestly.” Will Riley scored 18 of his 22 points in the second half last night to lead Illinois to an NCAA Tournament first-round win over Xavier. www.chicagotribune.com/2025/03/22/i...

No. 6 seed Illinois feeds off fans for an 86-73 first-round win over Xavier in the NCAA Tournament

Two Illinois basketball stories as the men and women get ready for their NCAA Tournament games Friday and Saturday. Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis focused on his first -- and perhaps only -- taste of March Madness, and not what's next. From Milwaukee:

Illinois star guard Kasparas Jakučionis enters his first NCAA Tournament after a month of ups and downs, and he’s excited for the win-or-go-home stakes. ✍ @colleenkane.bsky.social reporting from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

Illinois will face Xavier in the NCAA Tournament. 5 takeaways on the Illini’s first-round opponent after its win over Texas:

Notre Dame is a team known for its flash. But if the Irish are going to course correct, they need to play through their metronome — Sonia Citron. Talked with Sonia about defending the best, stepping out of her comfort zone and her future in the WNBA:

The Loyola and DePaul men’s basketball teams aren’t finished with their seasons. The Ramblers were invited to the NIT, while the Blue Demons will play in the inaugural College Basketball Crown tournament in Las Vegas. UIC, meanwhile, is one of three in-state teams in the WNIT field.

Illinois men receive a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament and will play Friday in Milwaukee against the winner of the Texas-Xavier First Four game. Here's more:

Illinois coach Brad Underwood could tell his team’s energy was off Friday against Maryland in the Big Ten Tournament. And sure enough, his players turned in a dud of a game. ✍ @colleenkane.bsky.social's coverage from Indianapolis.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said Joliet native Jeremy Fears Jr. had one of his best games Friday in the Big Ten Tournament win over Oregon. A year ago, he was a few months into his recovery from a gunshot wound in his leg. From Indy, Fears and Izzo on the point guard's journey back:

Illinois wins offensive showdown against Iowa to set up Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal matchup with Maryland. Thoughts about the 106-point Illini outing from Kylan Boswell, Will Riley and Brad Underwood in Indy:

Chris Collins says Northwestern won't accept any postseason bids after Wildcats bow out of Big Ten Tournament with loss to Wisconsin.

Northwestern's Big Ten Tournament run ends with a 70-63 loss to Wisconsin in the second round. John Tonje 18 points, 7 rebounds for Wisconsin. Nick Martinelli 22 points, 7 rebounds for Northwestern.

Wisconsin leads Northwestern 37-30 at halftime. Badgers G John Tonje scored his six points in the final 3:20 of the first half, including a jumper at the buzzer.

Nick Martinelli now holds the Northwestern single-season scoring record with 663 points. He tops John Shurna, who held the previous record of 661 points from the 2011-12 season.

Nick Martinelli slept near a bucket of ice, grabbing fistfuls when he overheated. Ty Berry tossed and turned on top of his covers. Northwestern players spent Tuesday night in a hotel with no AC. But they were cool and collected Wed. in a Big Ten Tourney win over Minnesota. From Indy:

Benedictine and Rockford will be the first women's college flag football teams to play a game in Illinois on Saturday at Halas Hall. A look at the growth of college flag football, the programs' development and how the players feel about the big moment:

Kendall Bostic is setting Illinois rebounding records this season. But her career impact has gone deeper as she helped the Illini turn their program around. "I believe that she’ll have her jersey hanging in the rafters."

Northwestern’s late comeback against UCLA falls short. What Chris Collins and NU players had to say about the crucial Nick Martinelli play, the no-call and flagrant foul and the 13-0 run that wasn't quite enough on senior night: