Happy Thursday, Illini fans. Here’s what you should know today:
🏈 The Big Story: Katin Houser lands on Manning Award watch list
Illinois quarterback Katin Houser has been named to the 2026 Manning Award preseason watch list, putting him among 40 quarterbacks nationally recognized as top returning players entering the season. Houser enters his first season with the Illini after throwing for 3,300 yards and 19 touchdowns at East Carolina in 2025.
With Illinois opening against UAB on Sept. 3, the spotlight on Houser is only getting brighter.
🏀 Around the hardwood
Illinois continues to generate
offseason buzz, with TCR taking a closer look at longtime strength and conditioning coach Adam Fletcher and his role in the program’s resurgence. Meanwhile, four-star 2027 commit Quinton Kitt is set to make his official visit to Champaign on Oct. 22.
⚽ Soccer
Illinois puts its unbeaten record on the line tonight against Saint Louis at 6 p.m. CT at Demirjian Park. The Illini are 1-0-2 after a 2-1 comeback win over Cincinnati and a scoreless draw with UIC.
🏐 Volleyball
The wait is almost over. Illinois opens its 2026 season Friday night against Cincinnati at Huff Hall, with first serve scheduled for 7 p.m. Syracuse follows Sunday at noon.
📅 Coming up
• Aug. 27 — Soccer vs. Saint Louis, 6 p.m.
• Aug. 28 — Volleyball vs. Cincinnati, 7 p.m.
• Aug. 30 — Volleyball vs. Syracuse, noon
• Sept. 1 — Volleyball at Tennessee, 6 p.m.
• Sept. 3 — Football vs. UAB
• Sept. 3 — Soccer at Western Michigan, 6 p.m.
