Good morning, Illini fans! Halfway through the week and closer to football! Here’s what you need to know today:
🏈 Ca’Lil Valentine lands on major award watch list
Illinois running back Ca’Lil Valentine was named to the preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award, given annually to the nation’s top running back.
Valentine enters 2026 as one of the Illini’s most important offensive pieces after a strong 2025 season.
🏀 Mirkovic gets major preseason recognition
David Mirkovic was ranked the No. 1 power forward in college basketball for the 2026-27 season by Sports Illustrated.
The sophomore averaged
13.3 points and eight rebounds as a freshman, but he remains sidelined after left-foot surgery. His recovery is reportedly expected to take roughly six to eight weeks.
⚽️ Soccer gets back to action Thursday
After opening the season with a scoreless draw against No. 19 Georgia, Illinois women’s soccer returns Thursday against Cincinnati.
Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT in Champaign.
The Illini then host UIC on Sunday.
📅 What’s next
- Thursday, Aug. 20: Women’s soccer vs. Cincinnati, 6 p.m. CT
- Sunday, Aug. 23: Women’s soccer vs. UIC, 5 p.m. CT
- Friday, Aug. 28: Volleyball vs. Cincinnati, 7 p.m. CT
- Football opener: Sept. 3 vs. UAB, 8 p.m. CT on Big Ten Network.
