Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Illinois across Football, Basketball, Soccer.
Northwestern's field hockey team enters the 2026 campaign as the unanimous No. 1 in the NFHCA preseason poll, riding a streak of dominance that includes three national championships and back‑to‑back titles.
Hope Aniceto, a former standout guard at SUNY Canton, has been hired as a graduate assistant coach for St. Lawrence University’s women's basketball team for the 2026‑27 season. Her playing career, marked by double‑digit scoring and a key role in the team's move to the SUNYAC conference, is complemented by coaching experience at the M14 Hoops Basketball Camp. Head coach Chris Downs highlighted her competitiveness and potential impact on the program.
From a modest upbringing in the Dominican Republic to a key role in UIndy's defense, Alvin Contreras' perseverance has earned him conference honors and a preseason spotlight.
Baseball America’s prospect poll highlights a core of Royals players whose standout tools are drawing league‑wide attention as the team looks toward 2027.
A new wave of homegrown talent is poised to restore Illinois’ national relevance in men’s basketball.
A look at the athletes, coaches and upcoming storylines that define one of basketball’s most storied families.
A unprecedented number of retired NFL players are now coaching high school football in 2026, blending professional experience with youth development across the United States.
An experimental AI analysis used a bracket format to crown the best Illinois basketball team since 1970, highlighting the 2004‑05 championship side and its star Deron Williams, while stirring discussion about modern rivals and statistical projections
Ohio State enters the 2026 college football season ranked No. 1 in the AP poll, setting the stage for a challenging schedule that includes games against Texas, Michigan and other top‑25 teams, all broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
From the storied rivalry between Mount Carmel and East St. Louis to the emergence of top‑ranked quarterbacks, the opening week of Illinois high school football promises marquee matchups and college‑level talent on full display.
The Tar Heels will face Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois and a historic Tobacco Road clash, while new coach Michael Malone shapes a roster built for early‑season challenges.
Michigan State will welcome top prospect Cole Kelly for an unofficial visit in September, underscoring the program’s aggressive pursuit of the 2028 class.
The 2026 Big Ten season promises intense competition, with Indiana projected to dominate, Oregon leading the AP poll, and several coaching changes shaping the landscape. Quarterback play, scheduling challenges, and a record number of bowl‑eligible teams add further intrigue.
The 2026 College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin preseason poll places North Central College and Wheaton College at the summit, each with 57 points. Anticipation builds around returning starters, All‑CCIW honorees, and a schedule that begins in September, with all games streamed live on the CCIW Network.
Five‑star recruit Darius Wabbington, a Phoenix native ranked among the nation's best centers, has tweaked his official visits, opting for Illinois and North Carolina while dropping a Kentucky trip.
Jason Goode, a seasoned coach and assistant state's attorney, has been named head coach of St. Bede Academy's baseball team, succeeding Bill Booker and pledging to uphold the program's rich history.
The Tigers open against Loyola on Aug. 20, facing a demanding non‑conference slate as they chase a third straight league title and an NCAA berth.
A look at how Illinois has broken a two-decade drought, landed elite recruits, and is poised for a deep run in the coming years.
After failed negotiations over a $15 million state grant, NASCAR cancels its 2027 Chicago street race and will hold the event at Chicagoland Speedway, preserving local ties through continued charitable programs.
Illinois junior running back Ca'Lil Valentine has been named to the 2026 Doak Walker Award preseason watch list, recognizing his impressive 2025 campaign and the Fighting Illini’s growing national presence.
The Huskies are poised to end a nearly decade‑long playoff drought as returning stars and a developing quarterback rally around a coaching staff determined to capitalize on expanded postseason opportunities.
Candace Parker’s 2026 Hall of Fame induction honors a career marked by MVP awards, championships, and a lasting impact on the game.
The Eagles have announced a 23‑player lineup that spans six U.S. states and two countries, featuring transfers from Siena Heights, national champions and two players with national team experience, as the program seeks community support through a fundraising campaign.
Despite a modest 8‑5 finish last year, the Volunteers enter the new campaign with a revamped receiving corps, a returning 1,000‑yard rusher and a defense that retains key starters, while the quarterback position remains a question mark.