Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Illinois, United States across Baseball, Football, Basketball.
The Johns Hopkins football team opens the 2026 season ranked fourth in the D3football.com Preseason Top 25, the program's second‑highest preseason placement since 2004. With a demanding slate and a recent NCAA Semifinal run, the Blue Jays are poised for another strong campaign.
Former Jamestown High School teammates Mason Walters and Boden Skunberg are hosting a kids' basketball camp in Jamestown, North Dakota, that emphasizes skill development and the value of failure.
From Chris Sale’s 11‑strikeout performance to Chelsea’s $10 million acquisition of teen prodigy Benji Flowers, this week’s sports digest covers key moments, injuries, and upcoming fixtures.
Two days into the Rockford group stage, the tournament’s offense exploded, setting the stage for a high‑stakes clash between Mexico and the United States and a future finals berth for the top three teams.
From July 22 to 26, Rivets Stadium in Loves Park will host the group stage of the Women’s Baseball World Cup, featuring teams from Canada, Hong Kong, China, Australia, Mexico, the United States and Korea. All games will be streamed live for free on WSLN 19.2 and The365.
Alex Bowman will step away from full‑time NASCAR competition after the 2027 season, closing a chapter that includes eight Cup Series victories, a battle with multiple injuries, and a heartfelt tribute to his team and fans.
The WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup group stage opens in Rockford, Illinois, featuring teams from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico and the United States, marking the first time the state has staged the event.
Two Rockford Park District teams will join over 350 squads from across the country at the NFL Flag Championships in Westfield, Indiana, backed by funding from the Chicago Bears.
A preview of the teams and storylines shaping the race for the 2027 national title.
After a dominant 2026 season that saw him top the Mid‑American Conference with a 2.81 ERA and 96 innings, right‑hander Nathan Leininger inked a free‑agent deal with Chicago. The move also brings Toledo alumni Grant Umberger and Jackson Bergman into the organization.
Selected in the 20th round of the 2026 MLB Draft, Zach Bates returns from a season‑long injury to become the first Fighting Illini drafted by the Dodgers since 2019.
Ryan Niedzwiedz, a junior first baseman from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, was selected in the 15th round of the 2026 MLB draft by the Colorado Rockies, capping a record‑setting collegiate season that saw him lead the Ohio Valley Conference in RBIs and become the program's all‑time home run leader.
The NCAA has unveiled a five-year eligibility window for Division I athletes, aiming to curb redshirt loopholes and level the playing field, especially in basketball, while programs such as Northwestern eye new development pathways.
Mike Boynton has been appointed Michigan’s head coach on a two-year deal, ending his interim status and promising continuity for a program that has recently rallied around his vision.
Tyler Reddick seeks to close a 44‑point gap with Denny Hamlin at EchoPark Speedway, while Kyle Larson pursues his first victory since May 2025. The NASCAR In‑Season Challenge features injury‑ridden Christopher Bell and a billboard prank by Ryan Preece.
Landon Thome, a six‑foot infielder from Illinois, was selected by the Chicago White Sox with the 34th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, sparking excitement about his potential at the next level.
Grant Porter, a 24‑year‑old forward with a proven scoring record, has committed to the Bloomington Bison for the upcoming 2026‑27 season, bringing collegiate experience and a franchise‑record performance.
Edwind McGhee has accepted an assistant coaching position at an NCAA Division I institution following a four‑year stint that produced back‑to‑back winning seasons and numerous offensive records at North Park University.
The Golden Grizzlies will open the 2026 season with exhibition matches before launching their Horizon League schedule on August 13 at Mercyhurst, highlighted by a rematch with Milwaukee and a late‑season rivalry showdown against Detroit Mercy.
The Big Ten Conference has named 36 students as Outstanding Sportsmanship Award winners for the 2025‑26 academic year, celebrating athletes who combine competitive success with academic achievement and community citizenship.
Bobcat of St. Louis, part of the Gateway Dealer Network, is the presenting sponsor of the upcoming NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway, highlighting the brand’s commitment to contractors, operators and the broader community.
Illinois State University will host St. Francis (Ill.) on August 29, 2026, in the latest chapter of a series that has favored the Redbirds since 1991. With a perfect 3‑0 edge, a 9‑0 road streak in 2025, and a roster packed with award‑winning talent, the team looks to keep its playoff momentum alive.
Will Rakers' junior season sees the Griffins clinch a fifth regional title, with the forward poised to lead the team to even greater heights next year.
Cory Ross, head coach of the Quad City Steamwheelers, has been selected for the 2026 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame, recognizing a career that spans championship playing days and inspirational coaching.