Good morning, Illini fans! We’re less than two weeks from kickoff. Here’s what you need to know today:
🏈 Six Illini named team captains
Illinois football has its leadership group for the 2026 season. Matthew Bailey, Collin Dixon, Katin Houser, Aidan Laughery, Jake Renfro and Xavier Scott were voted team captains by their teammates. Houser, the new starting quarterback, enters the season with 26 career starts.
⚽ Illinois picks up first win
The Illini picked up their first victory of the season Thursday, beating Cincinnati 2-1 at Demirjian Park. Illinois opened
the year with a scoreless draw against No. 19 Georgia.
🎙️ New TCR Podcast previews football season
The latest TCR Podcast features a full 2026 Illinois football season preview with ESPN CU 93.5’s Evan Stone. The conversation covers Katin Houser, Bret Bielema’s tenure and what to expect from the Illini this fall.
🏀 Illini in the NBA
TCR recently looked at the three highest-earning former Illini ever in the NBA as Illinois continues to produce talent at the professional level.
📅 What’s next
Illinois soccer returns Sunday hosting UIC at 5 p.m. CT. The football season opener is 13 days away: Illinois hosts UAB on Sept. 3 at 8 p.m. CT on BTN.
