Transfer from Texas State. He will be the backup punter.

Three years of eligibility remaining. Averaged 36.3-yards per punt as a freshman last year.

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– Illinois head coach Brad Underwood announced Thursday the hiring of Camryn Crocker as assistant coach. A former Ivy League player at Penn, Crocker brings a decade of coaching experience to the Fighting Illini staff, most recently as an assistant at Colgate.

"Camryn Crocker is a dynamic coach who will fit perfectly into the Illinois family," Underwood said. "He has experience from coast to coast, growing up in California, playing in the Ivy League, working the prep school ranks in the Northeast, and having Division I experience at Stanford and Colgate; he has clearly achieved a lot in his young career. Camryn has an outstanding defensive mind, a great understanding on that side of the ball. He also is known as an elite on-court teacher. And his biggest strength is that he builds tremendous relationships and is a connector. He is very smart, someone who really understands the modern game, and will bring fresh and innovative ideas to our program."

"I am so grateful for the opportunity to join the Fighting Illini family and continue to build on the momentum that has already been established here," Crocker said. "I am excited to learn, grow, and make an impact at the highest level of college basketball and for a program as storied and successful as Illinois. "It is time to embark on a new challenge, and I look forward to building relationships with the players, coaches, recruits, and throughout the campus and community. I'm eager to get to work and help the individuals and group achieve its maximum potential."

Crocker has spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach at Colgate under head coach Matt Langel. During Crocker's tenure, the Raiders won back-to-back Patriot League championships in 2023 and 2024, earning automatic trips to the NCAA Tournament. Colgate set a school record with 26 wins during his first season and won 25 games in year two. The Raiders also had two Patriot League Players of the Year and five first-team All-Patriot League selections during his tenure.

Prior to Colgate, Crocker joined the college ranks at Stanford, serving three seasons as director of player development under then-head coach Jerod Haase. Stanford won 20 games and had the No. 7-ranked defense by kenpom during his first season in 2019-20. The Cardinal also produced four future NBA players from his time on staff.

Before Stanford, Crocker was an assistant coach for three years at Northfield Mount Hermon (NMH), a prep school in Gill, Massachusetts. The program had a combined 93-18 record during his stint, advancing to three-straight New England AAA championships and twice appearing in the National Prep Championships in 2017 and 2018.

Crocker's coaching career started in Los Angeles, as an assistant coach for one season at Verbum Dei High School. That is also when he began coaching in the Nike EYBL circuit, which he continued throughout his time at NMH.

Crocker played four years of college basketball at the University of Pennsylvania. He served as team captain during his senior season of 2014-15 and earned two degrees from Penn, a Bachelor of Arts in 2015 and a Master of Science in Education in 2018.

Crocker is a native of Cypress, California, and has a wife, Taylor.

Physical specimen. Kind of a tweener. I think he will end up at 3-tech. DT.

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Quinton Kitt is from East Peoria. He plays for Meanstreets. I need to create a profile for him.

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Read yesterday (somewhere, I forget the news feed) that there is now a bidding war for Sarrs between Kansas and Duke.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois head coach Bret Bielema has agreed to a new six-year contract through the end of the 2030 season, Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman announced Tuesday. The agreement is pending University of Illinois Board of Trustees approval at its meeting May 22.

Bielema has elevated Illinois to new heights during his first four seasons with 28 wins, 18 Big Ten victories, and a victory in the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl to give Illinois its fifth 10-win season in program history. He has brought national relevance to the Fighting Illini program with continued appearances in the AP Top 25 and College Football Playoff rankings, two New Year's Bowls, three national award finalists, 11 All-Americans, and 12 NFL Draft picks since he arrived in 2021.

"I want to thank Bret for his exceptional leadership and bold vision for the future of Fighting Illini Football," said Whitman. "I am grateful to Bret and Jen for their trust in our program and their long-term commitment to the University of Illinois. Under Bret's guidance, our program has gained national relevance and is steadily rewriting the Illinois record books. As a former player, it is a privilege to partner with him to develop and execute a plan aimed at achieving sustained success. The future of our program has never been brighter. I value Bret's friendship and look forward to accelerating our upward trajectory in the years to come."

"Thank you to Josh Whitman, our administration, and the Board of Trustees for their continued commitment and support for our football program," said Bielema. "Over the last four seasons, our program has been built on tough, smart, dependable people in every facet: from our players, to our coaches and staff, to our administration. I am fortunate to work every day with an athletic director that fully believes in our football program and a coaching staff that fully believes in our players. A special thank you to those players — I could not be more excited about where our program is going because of you.

"Also, thank you to all of our alumni and fans that have played a huge part in getting us to where we are today. The support of the Champaign-Urbana community, the state of Illinois, and all of the Illini famILLy has been outstanding for my wife, Jen, and our two girls, Briella and Brexli. I can't wait to see you all in Memorial Stadium this fall.

"The best is yet to come."

Illinois' identity has been redefined during Bielema's tenure as one of the most physical football programs in the country. The resurgent Illini program is coming off a 2024 season that tied the team record with 10 wins, as Illinois enters the 2025 season as a top-25 program with 18 starters returning.

In 2024, Illinois was ranked by the CFP selection committee for a program-record four straight weeks, appeared in 11 AP Top 25 polls, and tied the program record for ranked wins with four. The Fighting Illini capped one of the best seasons in program history by beating #14 South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, 21-17, in one of the top bowl game victories in Illinois history.

At the Citrus Bowl, Bielema became the first Illini coach to go to two bowl games in his first four seasons since Lou Tepper (1991-94). Bielema's first bowl at Illinois was the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl, Illinois' first January bowl in 15 years, in just his second season in Champaign. The 2022 Illini won eight games, were ranked by the CFP committee for the first time in program history, reached as high as No. 14 in the AP poll, led the nation in scoring defense (12.8) for the first time in program history, and led the nation and set a school record in interceptions (24).

Bielema's 28 wins in his first four seasons stacks up among the best in Illinois history. Since Robert Zuppke went undefeated in two of his first three seasons at Illinois from 1913-15, Bielema's 28-22 start is the second-best through 50 games by any Illini head coach, behind only Mike White (30-19-1, 1980-84). His 18 Big Ten wins through his first four seasons at Illinois are the most since John Mackovic won 22 in his first four seasons from 1988-91.

Bielema has also turned Illinois into one of the top programs in producing NFL talent. Illinois was one of five schools with three or more players drafted in the first three rounds in both the 2023 and 2024 NFL Drafts, along with Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and Penn State. Of Bielema's 12 NFL Draft picks at Illinois, eight have been selected within the top-100 picks, the fourth-highest mark in the Big Ten behind only Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State among teams that have been in the league since 2021. Overall, Bielema has produced 56 NFL Draft picks during his career as a head coach.

The Fighting Illini's on-field success has translated to significant growth in enthusiasm among Illini fans. Since Bielema's arrival in 2021, Illinois has experienced the largest attendance growth in the nation. Average attendance increased by 19,403 from 2021 to 2024, ranking Illinois #1 in the nation in total growth and #9 in the nation in percentage growth (+54.9%), and the upward trend is expected to continue into 2025.

With Illinois' success on the field and its significant increase in fan engagement, the Fighting Illini's recruiting profile continues to rise. Bielema signed his fourth-straight top-50 recruiting class in December, a feat achieved at Illinois for the first time since 2005-09 according to 247Sports' national rankings. The 2026 recruiting class is positioned to be one of the best in program history, as the Illini's upcoming class is currently ranked #11 in the nation by both 247Sports and Rivals.

Under his new contract, Bielema's agreement would extend by two years, to June 30, 2031, with the opportunity to earn up to four one-year extensions upon meeting certain performance benchmarks that could extend the contract through 2035. Bielema's annual salary would begin at $7.7 million. In addition, Bielema would be eligible for annual retention incentives on July 1 of each year, commencing with $700,000 on July 1, 2026, and growing each year thereafter. Bielema would be eligible for various bonuses, including a one-time signing bonus and various longevity and performance bonuses. Bielema's contract would come with meaningful protections for the University against his departure to pursue other coaching opportunities.

The University's Board of Trustees will consider Coach Bielema's extension for approval at its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

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Staring a new portal thread. The window is open until April 25, 2025.

Illinois 247 site is reporting that Illinois is hiring Colgate assistant coach Camryn Crocker.

This hire is largely about AAU connections. He is also known as an smart X&O's guy and developer of talent. Stealth hire, but the feeling is he could deliver some big time recruits.

The school hasn't verified his hiring yet but a couple of outlets are reporting it.

Here is Crocket's bio from the Colgate web site

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At Colgate

Camryn Crocker joined the Colgate men’s basketball staff as an assistant coach in June 2022. Since arriving at Colgate, Crocker has helped guide the program to historic success. Colgate set the program's single-season records for total wins (26) and league wins (17) in 2022-23, followed by a 25-win season in 2023-24.

With back-to-back Patriot League championships and NCAA tournament appearances, Crocker has also aided in the development of two Patriot League Players of the Year, five All-Patriot League First Team honorees, a Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and several All-Rookie Team, All-Defensive Team, All-District, and All-League selections.

Crocker contributed to a top-50 national offensive ranking (KenPom No. 43) in his first season, and top-120 national defense ranking (KenPom No. 117) in his second season—the highest in Matt Langel's tenure.

Prior to Colgate

Prior to Colgate, Crocker spent three seasons as Director of Player Development at Stanford, where he worked with four future NBA players and helped secure back-to-back McDonald’s All-Americans for the first time in program history. He contributed to a 20-win season and top-10 national defensive ranking (KenPom No. 7) in his first year on staff.

Earlier in his career, Crocker was on staff at Northfield Mount Hermon in Gill, Massachusetts, helping guide the program to a 93-18 record, three straight New England AAA championships appearances (winning two), two National Prep Championship appearances, while coaching 21 future Division 1 players.

Concurrent with his time at NMH, he also coached and developed more than 30 future NCAA Division I players with Paul Pierce’s The Truth on the Nike EYBL circuit, including five who went on to play in the NBA.

Crocker started his coaching career as an assistant coach at Verbum Dei High School in Los Angeles.

Playing Career

The Southern California native was a team captain and standout guard at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 2015 and his Master of Science in Education in 2018. He and his wife Taylor reside in Hamilton, N.Y.

1. Dallas Mavericks
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Philadelphia 76ers
4. Charlotte Hornets
5. Utah Jazz
6. Washington Wizards
7. New Orleans Pelicans
8. Brooklyn Nets
9. Toronto Raptors
10. Houston Rockets
11. Portland Trail Blazers
12. Chicago Bulls
13. Atlanta Hawks
14. San Antonio Spurs

The Athletic article on influx of European players. Interesting about how ZI was the first to test a rule.

Illinois leads the way in this exodus.

Illinois basketball recruiting thread.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– Illinois head coach Brad Underwood has agreed to a new six-year contract through the end of the 2030-31 season, Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman announced Tuesday. The agreement is pending University of Illinois Board of Trustees approval at its meeting May 22.

"I am grateful to Brad and Susan for their commitment to the University of Illinois and Fighting Illini Men's Basketball," Whitman said. "Since Brad's arrival, he has rebuilt our proud program and reestablished Illinois as a perennial contender for the Big Ten championship and a regular presence in the NCAA Tournament. Against the backdrop of intense change transforming college athletics, he holds steadfast to his core values while continuing to evolve and adapt his program to compete at the highest level. Brad has become a trusted friend, and I look forward to partnering with him to realize the full potential of our men's basketball program in the years ahead."

"On behalf of my wife Susan and our entire family, a sincere thank you to all who make Illinois such a special place," Underwood said. "We have tremendous alignment here, starting with our outstanding athletic director Josh Whitman and from the University administration and Board of Trustees. That foundation created the environment where – led by all the tremendous players we've had along with a group of talented assistant coaches and a dedicated staff – we have been able to achieve success. I want to thank everyone who has been part of our program for their buy-in and commitment to winning.

"It remains an honor to serve as the head coach at the University of Illinois. Every night when I walk out that State Farm Center tunnel and see the sold-out crowd and am greeted by the Orange Krush, I feel that I'm the most fortunate coach in all of college basketball. The tremendous passion of our fans is felt everywhere, both at home and on the road. The support we receive from our fans and donors is truly unmatched. I look forward to many more exciting years ahead as we all continue to work relentlessly in pursuing a national championship for the Fighting Illini."

Underwood led the Illini to another successful year this past season, his eighth in Champaign. Despite losing all five starters and its top eight leading scorers from an NCAA Elite Eight team in 2024, Illinois spent the majority of the 2024-25 season ranked in the Top 25, totaled 22 victories on the year, made its fifth straight NCAA Tournament appearance, advancing to the Round of 32, and finished the year ranked 17th in kenpom. Perhaps its most impressive feat is that despite playing a top-10 rated schedule, Illinois recorded its sixth straight 20-win regular season, standing as one of just four teams nationally to carry that streak.

The Big Ten has been the nation's preeminent conference in recent years. Yet no team has fared better during this stretch than the Fighting Illini, who are 81-39 in Big Ten play the last six years of the Underwood era. Over that time, Illinois is tied for the most wins in league play (81) while owning the most league road wins (34) and tied for the most regular season and conference tournament wins combined (88). The Illini are the only program, meanwhile, with a winning Big Ten record in each of the last six years.

The 81 victories in Big Ten play mark the winningest six-year run in school history, with Underwood claiming Illinois' two all-time winningest Big Ten seasons (16 in 2021, 15 in 2022), three of the top five (14 in 2024), four of the top eight (13 in 2020), and five of the top 15 (12 in 2025) during this stretch.

Underwood has led Illinois to three Big Ten championships in the last five years, tied for most in the conference. He is the lone Illini coach, one of three active league coaches, and one of seven coaches in conference history to win multiple Big Ten Tournament titles, hoisting trophies in 2021 and 2024. He also directed the Illini to the 2022 Big Ten regular season crown, and in addition led Illinois to the most wins in the league in 2021.

Underwood's three Big Ten titles is tied for second-most in program history and trails only Harry Combes, who totaled four over his 20-year career. Underwood has joined Lou Henson as the only coaches in school history to lead the Orange and Blue to at least five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. His sixth, meanwhile, was precluded by the cancellation of the 2020 postseason due to COVID-19.

Illinois is one of only three Big Ten teams, and 13 teams nationally, to participate in each of the last five NCAA Tournaments. Illinois has earned a top 4 seed three times during this stretch, highlighted by the fourth No. 1 seed in school history in 2021. Illinois is one of 12 programs to advance in NCAA Tournament play at least four of the last five years highlighted by its 2024 run to the Elite Eight, the first Regional Final appearance for the UI program since 2005.

Illinois' resurgence during the Underwood era has also led to a packed State Farm Center and record ticket revenues each of the last four seasons, reaching an all-time high of more than $7.8 million this past year. Illinois has played in front of 43 sellouts at home since the return of fans following the pandemic while ranking in the top 13 nationally in attendance all four years.

Under his new contract, Underwood's agreement would extend by three years, to June 30, 2031, with the opportunity to earn up to four one-year extensions upon meeting certain performance benchmarks that could extend the contract through 2035. Underwood's annual salary would begin at $4.4 million. In addition, Underwood would be eligible for annual retention incentives on July 1 of each year, commencing with $1.15 million on July 1, 2026, and growing each year thereafter. Underwood would be eligible for various bonuses, including a one-time signing bonus and various longevity and performance bonuses. Underwood's contract would come with meaningful protections for the University against his departure to pursue other coaching opportunities.

The University's Board of Trustees will consider Coach Underwood's extension for approval at its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Illinois football team will now open the 2025 season one day earlier — Friday, Aug. 29 — against Western Illinois in primetime at Memorial Stadium. The game's kickoff time and TV designation will be announced at a later date.

Illinois will be the fifth Big Ten team to kick off its season in 2025 when the Illini and Western Illinois square off on Friday, Aug. 29. Four Big Ten teams open on Thursday night (Aug. 28), prior to the Fighting Illini enjoying the spotlight as the only Big Ten team to kick off in primetime on Friday.

Illinois is 4-0 in season openers under fifth-year head coach Bret Bielema. The Illini won Week 0 games against Nebraska and Wyoming in Bielema's first two seasons, beat Toledo in the 2023 opener, and shut out Eastern Illinois on a Thursday night to start last season's 10-win campaign.

Limited season tickets for the 2025 Illinois football season will go on sale to the general public on Thursday at 9 a.m. CT. Following the Illini ERA reseat, fewer than 800 sideline season tickets remain in locations throughout the stadium. More info

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