Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Champaign, Illinois across Basketball, Football, Baseball.
The Hawkeyes open the 2026 season with a three‑game Big Ten slate that includes Michigan, Ohio State and Washington, while lesser‑known foes Minnesota, Northwestern and Illinois bring additional storylines. Key player returns and coaching changes add intrigue as Iowa seeks at least one early win to avoid a disastrous start.
The Mahomet‑Seymour Bulldogs open the season as The News‑Gazette’s No. 3 preseason team, driven by a strong defense and a talented backfield.
The Illini are redefining roles for key players as they prepare for the upcoming season, blending experience with fresh talent.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders have been at the center of a whirlwind offseason, with moves on the court, the field, and the administrative front shaping expectations for the coming year.
The 2026-27 Big Ten season promises fierce competition for Illinois, with three pivotal matchups that could shape the Illini's title aspirations.
The Basketball Tournament’s La Familia, a squad of former University of Kentucky players, is two victories away from the $2 million prize, sparking a broader look at how alumni teams and jersey sponsorships are reshaping college basketball.
The 2026 MLB draft highlighted two Illinois alumni heading to professional contracts, underscoring a growing pipeline between the university and the majors.
The latest Big Ten preseason poll ranks Michigan fifth, behind Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana and USC, as the Wolverines prepare for a demanding slate that includes road games against top‑six opponents and a new coaching staff.
A recent survey maps the primary sports passions of the nation's leading colleges, revealing how football and basketball shape tradition, fan devotion and institutional pride across campuses from the East Coast to the West Coast.
A recent ranking assesses the top 18 Big Ten football stadiums, highlighting those that intimidate visitors, celebrate unique rituals and give their home teams a distinct edge.
A redshirt sophomore forward for the Illinois Basketball Team, Jason Jakstys showed flashes of potential in a limited nine‑game stretch before a shoulder blood clot ended his campaign.
After a standout season at Culver‑Stockton, the guard commits to Parkland, citing family praise and a shared championship ambition.
The 2025‑26 campaign will be remembered as one of the most dominant in Staunton Bulldogs history, featuring an 18‑game winning streak, a 29‑4 finish, a top‑five state ranking and Coach Ty Laux’s second consecutive Coach of the Year award.
St. Joseph-Ogden's Asher Pruemer was named The News-Gazette's 2026 All-Area Baseball Player of the Year after guiding his team to an undefeated Class 2A championship, while Coach Josh Haley was honored as Coach of the Year.
After 26 seasons, Mark Heiderscheid steps down, reflecting on 401 wins, a state title, and the players who defined his legacy.
Darryl Flemister, a versatile defensive back ranked among Michigan’s top prospects, pledged to the University of Illinois on Independence Day, bolstering a defensive backfield that already features standout recruits.
The St. Joseph-Ogden baseball team completed a 40-2 campaign with a Class 2A state title, a first for Champaign County, and a celebration that united the local community.
From Champaign to the Final Four, Kylan Boswell’s journey culminates in an NBA opportunity with the Charlotte Hornets, where his defensive prowess and adaptability promise a fresh chapter.
A look at the ten programs most likely to capture their inaugural 2027 national championship, shaped by the transfer portal and NIL opportunities.
Texas linebacker Anthony James commits to the University of Illinois, bringing a blend of size, speed and tackling ability to a program that is building a strong 2027 recruiting class.
The recent IHSA Boys Baseball State Tournament in Champaign drew teams from across Illinois, generated an estimated $400,000 economic impact, and offered memorable experiences for families such as the Beets, while highlighting the region’s growing role in hosting state championships.
The 2026‑27 Big Ten women's basketball schedule is set, and Illinois is poised to face a slate of marquee opponents. From JuJu Watkins' USC to Minnesota's rising Gophers, the Illini's path blends tradition with new storylines.
Following a 9‑5 record, an ACC championship and a Sun Bowl victory, the Blue Devils are set to open the 2026 campaign against Tulane, with tough tests against Miami, Virginia, Clemson and more.
Five‑star recruit Quentin Coleman pledged to the University of Illinois, citing his international experience and the program’s vision as key factors in his choice.