How do we replace and replenish our OL and DL…We have some significant turnover next season.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois all-time great John Holecek will be the Fighting Illini's honorary captain when Illinois takes on Indiana on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. The Illini and Hoosiers kick off at 11 a.m. CT on Big Ten Network.

Holecek started 34 games and had 436 career tackles while wearing the Orange and Blue, the fifth-most in Illinois history. He had three straight seasons of 100+ tackles, including 137 in 1992 and 136 in 1993. Holecek earned Football News All-American honorable mention honors in both 1992 and 1993, prior to having 101 tackles as a team captain in 1994.

Playing alongside fellow Illini legend Dana Howard, Holecek was a three-time All-Big Ten standout. He earned honorable mention recognition as a sophomore, first-team honors as a junior, and second-team honors as a sophomore. Holecek and Howard combined for 1,031 tackles from 1991-94, the most ever by a linebacker duo in Fighting Illini history. Along with Simeon Rice and Kevin Hardy, Holecek and Howard made up the foursome that gave Illinois the "Linebacker U" nickname in the 1990s.

Holecek was a fifth-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 1995 and played seven seasons in the NFL. Following his playing career, he became a legendary IHSA coach, leading Loyola Academy to seven state title games and state championships in 2015, 2017, and 2022.

I thought going into this season that Illinois had a bizarre schedule. Outside of maybe PSU and FAU, every game on the schedule seemed like it was neither a very likely win or very likely loss. And boy has it played out that way. Of the games we've played thus far, only Kansas (who is 7-2 despite playing most of their harder games without Jalon Daniels) and PSU look like games you'd think Illinois would definitely lose, while FAU is the one that looks like a win definitely should have occurred (tho Illinois made that one harder than necessary). All of Toledo, Purdue, Nebraska, Maryland, Wisconsin, and Minnesota were games that could go either way based on what we've seen. Interestingly we are 3-3 in those, tho we've been fortunate in close games (3-1).

Looking forward, you'd expect Illinois to win 2 of its final 3. I'm pretty optimistic we can win them all, but obviously uncertainty at the QB position is a huge wildcard (tho maybe our backup is good, Ball State is much worse this year without Paddock than they were starting him last season). Indiana seems to be playing better, tho I wonder if they were building to a win and might be due a letdown this Saturday (especially as Wisky outgained them by nearly 100 yards and they only had like 60 yards of second half O against the Badgers). I think Iowa has real problems, their D is really good but actually worse than last season, but they basically don't have an offense right now. You can only hold that together so long, and I'm genuinely expecting to win at Iowa if we are 5-5 going to Iowa City. Give NW's interim staff a ton of credit for fight, but that's a thin roster and we are hosting them on the final Saturday ... it's a game you'd really expect to win.

My optimism is largely founded on this. With Jerry Newton, I think Illinois has a good, if not very good, defense for the rest of the season. Newton has only played one half in the last 3 weeks. He's as rested as you can be, and is gunning for first team AA and Top 10 pick in the draft. Keith Randolph sat for a month since Nebby, he's also rested and likely going to be healthier. Our secondary is actually pretty solid, and LBers seem to have improved from a rough start. Illinois will be tough to score on in November, and IU/IA/NW are not exactly offensive juggernauts. On offense, I deeply dislike Barry Lunney, but his offenses seem to move the ball, then fail to put up a commensurate amount of points. But if the D plays well, they don't need big scoring, they just need to put up 20-24 against IU/NW and maybe 14-17 against Iowa.

Also wanted to discuss Deion a bit here. Seems like the organizational problems at Prime Prep (his failed HS in Dallas) are showing up at CU now. Sean Lewis being demoted was utterly insane, and his new OC goes out and puts up the worst offensive effort of the year for them. TCU win looks like fool's gold, fortunate victory over a team likely to go 5-7. Nebraska win was good, but Nebby just got a buzzsaw that day with it being a week after TCU and the first home game with Deion. Since then ... it's been bad. To speculate on Lewis, I wonder if Deion heard he's likely to move schools in the offseason. I'd take him as the Illinois OC next year. Hell, I'd love Bret as the HC if he hired that guy as OC and let him work.

Lots of weirdness at Michigan. They are obviously good. But if they really knew a run or pass was coming, man that's just a gargantuan advantage against the run. Helps a bit against the pass, but the run is mostly set up these days by the threat of passing. If you know a team isn't throwing, boy it's easy to attack the LOS. Will be interesting to see if PSU or tOSU has the juice to beat them in the next month (or even MD, often the oddest team in CFB). Also Harbaugh almost certainly gone this offseason, probably to the Raiders. It's the right move for everyone most likely. I'd hire Matt Campbell if I were Michigan, will be interesting to see if there are any better options (Jeff Brohm would be but doubt he leaves UL after one season, and I think he replaces Saban at Bama in a few years).

As the established cheating University with the Tide Five in hoops.

Now stealing signs like the Houston Tros !

Should they be banned from Big 10 2023 Champions and post season play ?

Harbs suspended for next season with TWO NCAA investigations now ongoing ?

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois softball head coach Tyra Perry announced the signing of 10 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday.

KEIRYS CLICK // HOBART, INDIANA // HOBART HIGH SCHOOL // BEVERLY BANDITS // CATCHER/UTILITY // 5-3​

Notes: Four-year varsity letter winner in softball and two-year varsity letter winner in wrestling… Named first-team all-state in 2023… Four-time all-area and four-time all-conference award winner… Earned the Northwest Crossroads Offensive Player of the Year award… Became the all-time career home runs leader in 2023… First-ever female wrestler to place at the state tournament… Hidden talent is cooking… Favorite athlete is Sis Bates.

Coach Trout on Click: "Keirys is a versatile catcher/utility player who brings energy and softball IQ to whichever position she is at on the field. She packs a ton of punch in her bat at the plate and loves to compete. She comes from a top club organization that competes at the highest level in the travel ranks."

Why Illinois? "Once I stepped on campus, it felt like I belonged here. The connections I made with the coaches and players at Illinois was that like no other. It was simple and easy when talking to the coaches. I loved the way they treated me like an actual person and not like some object they need to fill their team. Not only did I love the coaches and players, the facilities and campus are amazing!! It's also close enough to home that my grandparents can watch, but far enough away to have my own space and create a home!"

FAE CORNISH // MUSTANG, OKLAHOMA // MUSTANG HIGH SCHOOL // ACES FASTPITCH // INFIELD/OUTFIELD // 5-3​

Notes: Four-year varsity letter winner in softball... Named an all-district selection and Big all-city selection… Led her team to three consecutive regional championships to advance to the state tournament… Batted .519 and added a .968 fielding percentage as a junior… Hidden talent is baking… Named Tyra Perry as her Illini hero.

Coach Perry on Cornish: "Fae has all of the necessary tools to help our program continue to compete at the highest level. Her calm demeanor especially stands out when the game is on the line. She exhibits great range as an outfielder. She joins several other Aces teammates in Orange and Blue."

Why Illinois? "I want to make big changes in the world, and I wanted to find somewhere that wouldn't limit my process in doing so but would help me and even push me to be the change I wish to see. I believe Illinois is the best place to help me do so. The school's diversity is one the most unique and beautiful things I love about the school, and it has no limits. The school strives to be the best, and I also wish to be the best as a person in life as well as an athlete."

ELLA CUSHING // DOWNERS GROVE // DOWNERS GROVE SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL // ILLINOIS CHILL GOLD // 1B // 6-0​

Notes: Earned First-Team All-State accolades in 2023 and second-team honors in 2022… Named All-Conference and All-Area from 2022-23… Helped her team to a conference championship from 2021-23… Both parents attended Illinois… Father Matt Cushing played football at Illinois from 1994-98 and with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1999-2004… Hobbies include weightlifting and baking… Hidden talent is braiding hair.

Coach Perry on Cushing: "Ella Cushing has spent her entire life cheering on the Illini. She bleeds Orange and Blue, and we are so excited to welcome her into our program. Ella is a true utility in that she pitches and plays first base. Her best asset is her offensive prowess. She swings a big bat and is the person you want at the plate when the game is on the line."

Why Illinois? "I chose Illinois because both of my parents went to Illinois, and I have been coming to football games for as long as I can remember. It has been my dream school since I was little. When I went on my visit and got to know the girls and see the campus, I knew it was the home for me."

DANIKA FRAZIER // DANVERS, ILLINOIS // OLYMPIA HIGH SCHOOL // BEVERLY BANDITS // PITCHER // 5-7​

Notes: Named to the First-Team All-State in 2023…. Earned Second-Team All-State honors in 2021 and 2022… First-Team All-Conference Honoree from 2021-23… Owns a 51-9 record in the circle while also posting a .511 batting average at the plate… Ranked 17th on Extra Innings Softball Class of 2024 list… Hobbies include reading, baking, and shopping… Favorite athlete is Michael Jordan.

Coach Verdun on Frazier: "We are thrilled to be adding Danika Frazier to our Illinois pitching staff next year. She is a highly competitive power pitcher who will change speeds and spin the ball. Danika will be able to make an immediate impact with her competitiveness and ability to attack hitters. The combination of Danika playing travel ball at the highest level nationally along with her work ethic and softball IQ are going to separate her as a force to be reckoned with in the circle. Danika is one of the most talented pitchers in the state, and we couldn't be happier to keep her home to represent the Fighting Illini."

Why Illinois? "I chose University of Illinois because of the high-level academics, the school's atmosphere, the integrity of the coaching staff, and the pride and tradition of being a part of the university."

ELLIE HAGGARD // BOURBONNAIS, ILLINOIS // BRADLEY-BOURBONNAIS COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL // ILLINOIS CHILL GOLD // INFIELD // 5-10​

Notes: Ranked 60th on Extra Innings Softball Class of 2024 list… Four-year varsity letter winner in softball, volleyball and basketball… Named Second-Team All-State in 2022 and 2023… Earned a first-team all-conference nod and a First-Team All-Area accolade from 2021-23… Holds the Illinois state record for number of grand slams in an inning with two… Holds school records for runs, hits, triples, home runs, RBI, slugging percentage, and OPS… Hidden talent is juggling.

Coach Perry on Haggard: "Ellie Haggard has worked extremely hard to maximize her athletic potential. She can play multiple positions in the infield and has an aggressive mindset at the plate. She comes from one of the top travel organizations in the state of Illinois, and I know she will be an asset to our program."

Why Illinois? "I chose Illinois because it will give me the opportunity to represent my home state, and I knew it would challenge me on and off the field. I loved how the coaches not only cared about me as a player but also as a person. The environment really made me feel at home. The softball team works hard and has fun. I can't wait to get started!"

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois Athletics is set to host a doubleheader in State Farm Center on Dec. 17, when the Fighting Illini men's basketball team faces Colgate at 12 p.m. CT followed by the women tipping off against Missouri at 3 p.m. While both games will be on the Big Ten Network, the doubleheader experience from State Farm Center is one Illini fans won't want to miss.

Arena doors will open at 11 a.m. for the general public with a men's basketball vs. Colgate ticket. Fans with a ticket to the men's game will automatically have entry to the women's Braggin' Rights game, as the arena will not be cleared between contests.

Men's basketball ticket holders in sections 9-13, 120, 101, 102, 107-113, Loge (126-129), and Courtside seating are welcomed to stay and enjoy the women's basketball game from a women's basketball general admission seat. Women's basketball game reserved seating tickets will take precedence in those sections following the conclusion of the men's basketball game.

Fans with a ticket only for the women's game will be able to enter the arena beginning at 2 p.m. (pending the conclusion of the men's game). Staging will occur in the west main entrance of State Farm Center if an overlap occurs. Fans with a ticket to only the women's game will receive a false scan if they try to enter the arena prior to 2 p.m.

Parking for the men's game will be enforced as usual, with First Street reopening earlier than normal. Fans coming in for the women's game will be able to park in the State Farm Center lots for free as usual beginning at 2 p.m. If the SFC lots are full, fans are encouraged to park in the E-14 Lot. ADA parking overflow will be in the circle crossover drives on the east and west sides of the arena. ADA drop-offs can also take place in the circle drives.

Concession stands will open as usual ahead of the men's game and remain open through the conclusion of the women's contest. Alcohol sales will be available until the end of the third quarter of the women's game.

We may not win the MN game but for the play of Clayton Bush. His run defense was "Sydney Brown like," and his break up of the 2 pt. conversion was critical. Frankly, we're a better defense with him in the game.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois head coach Mike Small announced Wednesday (Nov. 8) the signing of three incoming freshmen – Jake Birdwell (Blaine, Minn.), Joseph Buttress (Perth, Australia), and Trey Marrion (Chesapeake, Va.) – to the Fighting Illini men's golf roster. The trio will join the Illini next fall as freshmen for the 2024-25 season.

"I am very excited about what this year's signing class brings to our program," Small said. "Besides the quality of person that they all are, each one of them brings athleticism, high-level tournament experience, and a deep-seeded desire to compete for championships. All three of them will fit in perfectly with the culture that Illinois golf has sustained over the years."

JAKE BIRDWELL | BLAINE, MINN. | SPRING LAKE PARK HIGH SCHOOL​

BIRDWELL'S HIGHLIGHTS: Birdwell signs with Fighting Illini after winning the 2023 Minnesota State High School Championship and being named as the state's High School Golfer of the Year. Having competed at the high school level since seventh grade, Birdwell enters his senior year in 2023-24 as a three-time all-state selection, a five-time all-conference honoree, and a two-time team MVP at Spring Lake Park. As a junior last season, Birdwell posted a scoring average of 69.2. Birdwell is also a three-time academic letter winner and a four-time member of his high school's A Honor Roll. Birdwell advanced to match play at the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur and captured tournament titles at the 2023 HJGT Disney Open, the 2021 JGAA New Year's Classic (Boys 13-14), the 2020 AJGA Preview at Meadowbrook, and the 2018 HJGT Links at Northfork.

QUOTING BIRDWELL: "I chose Illinois because the coaches are the best in the country. I want to make it to the next level and Coach Small is the best coach in the country to help me do that. The team environment and practice facilities are also one of the best in the country."

SMALL ON BIRDWELL: "Jake is a prototypical modern-day golfer, and he can 'flat out' compress a golf ball. His level of club head speed and ball speed is something that can't be taught, and because of that, he has the potential to be a very special player."

JOSEPH BUTTRESS | PERTH, AUSTRALIA | AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN COLLEGE​

BUTTRESS' HIGHLIGHTS: Buttress is a top junior golfer in Australia where he has been honored as a two-time Player of the Year in Western Australia (WA) by GolfWA. He has captured championships at the South Australia Men's Amateur, The Victorian Junior Amateur (by 10 strokes), The Tasmanian Junior Masters, The Tasmanian Junior Amateur, and the Nedlands Junior Masters. In addition, he was a two-time runner-up at both the School Sport Australia National Championship, and the Australian Junior Amateur, while also advancing to the Round of 16 at the U.S. Junior Amateur. In October of 2022, Buttress ranked No. 1 in the 2022 Australian Boys' Order of Merit. He has been named to the GolfWA Junior State Team three times, earned two nods on the All-Australia Schoolboys Team, and been selected as a member of the GolfWA Men's State Team. Additionally, Buttress was selected in 2023 as a Golf Australia Cam Smith Scholarship recipient, the first from Western Australia, earning the opportunity to travel to the U.S. to spend a week practicing and being mentored by the Australian golf pro.

QUOTING BUTTRESS: "The University of Illinois was my first choice because of its excellent coaching staff and advanced facilities. I am confident that Coach Small and Coach Sondjaja will help me achieve my greatest potential. Another key incentive was the University's excellent facilities, and atmosphere. The campus is very inviting and has a clean layout. The University of Illinois was the perfect fit for me as I believe it's the best place for me to continue my career on and off the course."

SMALL ON BUTTRESS: "Joe's always in the mix at tournaments due to his high level of competitiveness and his skill around the greens. He has world-class talent, and combined with his grit and determination, he is the type of player that every golf team would love to have."

TREY MARRION | CHESAPEAKE, VA. | GREAT BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL​

MARRION'S HIGHLIGHTS: Marrion, ranked No. 13 in the Class of 2024 by GolfWeek, has posted six top-25 finishes in AJGA events in the last year, highlighted by a runner-up this summer at the UHY Baltimore Junior and a seventh-place finish last December at the Jones Cup Junior Invitational. Marrion's resume also includes two Tarheel Tour RBC Tour Championships (2016 and 2021) and the 2022 Donald Ross Junior Championship title. A two-time U.S. Open sectional qualifier, Marrion is a standout at Great Bridge High School where he has been twice honored as the Chesapeake Sports Club Athlete of the Year for golf in 2022 and 2023. He is a two-time regional champion, taking home top honors in 5A in 2023 after also winning the title in 4A in 2020. He is a three-time all-region and all-state selection and has put together a high school career that includes a 68.03 scoring average, with a cumulative score of 107-under par, while finishing as medalist or co-medalist in every regular-season match of his career.

QUOTING MARRION: "I chose the University of Illinois because of the amazing practice facilities, elite coaching staff, and the beautiful campus."

SMALL ON MARRION: "Trey has a very strong work ethic and has achieved a high national ranking due to his steadiness and consistency. He is a fundamentally sound player with very good hands and touch, and we are all very excited about the level that he can take his game to during the next four years."

Signing day press conference with Brad Underwood is Wednesday afternoon at 2:15.

The presser will also include WBB, VB, baseball, softball, soccer, and men’s gymnastics.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois women's basketball head coach Shauna Green has inked National Letters of Intent from Hayven Smith and Berry Wallace to join the Fighting Illini program. Smith, a center from Frankfort, Ill., and Wallace, a forward from Pickerington, Ohio, will join the Orange and Blue beginning in the 2024-25 campaign.

Hayven Smith – Frankfort, Illinois – Lincoln-Way East High School

• 6'6" center
• Four-year varsity basketball letter winner, three-year varsity volleyball letter winner
• Earned IBCA All-State, Illinois AP All-State, and Southtown All-Area honors as a junior (2023)
• High School Stat Lines:
  • 2022-23: 14 PPG, 10 RPG, 2 BPG
  • 2021-22: 10 PPG, 8 RPG, 2 BPG
  • 2020-21: 8 PPG, 8 RPG, 2 BPG
• Five consecutive semesters on high honor roll
• Parents are Greg and Tammy Smith
• Older brother Hunter and older sisters Hailey and Hannah
• College Basketball Ties: Sister, Hannah, played at Illinois Wesleyan from 2019-22
• AAU Team: Midwest Elite Nike EYBL

Why she chose Illinois: "The recruitment process is very long and tedious. I spent years talking to numerous schools and coaches trying to find the right fit, and Illinois was alongside me for most of that process. While figuring out what I wanted in a school, I grew amazing relationships with the coaches and staff. Illinois never left my mind, and I had grown such a unique relationship with everyone that I could not possibly have envisioned myself at any other school."

Berry Wallace – Pickerington, Ohio – Pickerington High School Central

• 6'1" forward
• ESPN HoopGurlz Recruiting Ranking - #20
• Five-star recruit
• Four-year varsity basketball letter winner, three-year varsity volleyball letter winner
• Earned All-District honorable mention and helped team to district championship in 2021
• First-team All-Conference, First-team All-District 11, First-team All-Central District, Second-team All-State, First-team All-Adidas 3SSB, and helped team to district championship in 2022
• First-team All-Conference, First-team All-District 11, First-team All-Central District, First-team All-State, Adidas Eurocamp National Team, and helped team to district and regional championships in 2023
• High School Stat Lines:
  • 2022-23: 15.1 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG
  • 2021-22: 14.6 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.6 APG, 2.1 SPG, 1.0 BPG
  • 2020-21: 11.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG
• Honor roll all three years of high school
• Member of the National Honor Society and class president
• Parents are Chris and Brandi Wallace
• Four brothers (Evan, Garner, Isaiah, Adae) and four sisters (Bailey, Bexley, Brooklyn, Blossom)
• College Basketball Ties: Older sister, Bexley, played two seasons each at Penn State and Kent State
• AAU Team: United Family 3SSB

Why she chose Illinois: "I chose Illinois because of the coaches' vision for the team and for their dedication to their players and program. Illinois has all the academic perks that I could want and the support I know I can rely on in all aspects of life."

... but this is the type of crap they have to deal with now:

Illinois wins it 80-52. 18 points for DGL. 16 for Shannon.

Good defense in the second half.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– University of Illinois head coach Brad Underwood announced Wednesday the signing of top-35 national recruit Morez Johnson Jr. and three-star prospects Jason Jakstys and Jase Butler to national letters of intent on the first day of the early signing period. This is the fifth top-20 class of Underwood's Illini tenure, currently ranked No. 17 by 247Sports Composite and No. 19 by Rivals.

"We hit a homerun in this class; I couldn't be happier," Underwood said. "We set out with specific needs, and we addressed those with the additions of Morez, Jason and Jase. I think we've got one of the top classes, not just in the Big Ten, but in the country. And you partner these three young men with the group that we'll have back, and I'm really excited. I look forward to coaching these guys and helping them reach their dreams and goals."

"The transfer portal has changed things from the standpoint of getting old, but we're still a program of development and growth," Underwood continued. "Finding high-character guys that want to be a part of Adam Fletcher's workout program, the strength and conditioning piece, the nutrition piece, the player development with our coaches on the floor, all of that played a big part in the recruitment with these three. Again, you feel great when you've met your needs and hit exactly what you wanted to hit, and we did that with this class."

MOREZ JOHNSON JR.
F, 6-9, 225
Riverdale, Ill.
Thornton Township H.S.

Notes: 4-star, top-35 power forward … Top-ranked player in the state of Illinois … Ranked No. 29 by 247Sports Composite, No. 29 by Rivals150, No. 30 by On3, No. 31 by ESPN100, No. 35 by Top247 and No. 36 by On3 Industry … Attending Thornton Township High School as a senior, playing for coach Tai Streets … Also plays for Streets in AAU with MeanStreets … Previously attended St. Rita High School … Averaged 18 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks as a junior, earning first-team All-State, All-City, and All-Conference honors … Led St. Rita to 23-11 record, Class 4A Sectional Semifinal, and Catholic League Blue title … Nike EYBL Peach Jam first-team selection by The Circuit, averaging 17 points and leading the tournament with average of 13.2 rebounds … Peach Jam pool play MVP.

Underwood: "We've had Morez committed for two years now; it's been fun to watch him blossom and grow and get better. He's extremely physical, a great runner. Early on he was a tremendous motor guy, great defender, great rebounder. He still is all those things, but his offensive game has expanded. He's now stepping out and shooting threes, can play in pick and rolls, and he's evolved into who I feel is the best two-way big in this class.

"When you're the University of Illinois, you want to keep your best prospects at home. Morez has turned into that, there's no doubt. He's the leading candidate for Mr. Basketball in this state. He loves the city of Chicago. He loves the University. He has stayed true to staying in the city and completing his high school basketball career. We're excited about that. It's always a key for us to target those players, and to sign Morez, as we did with Ayo Dosunmu, obviously bodes well for our program."

Why Illinois? "I chose Illinois because I wanted to stay home to represent my home state. I also love the coaching staff; I've built a great relationship with all the coaches. I trust that this program can help me get to the next level."

JASON JAKSTYS
F, 6-10, 200
Yorkville, Ill.
Yorkville H.S.

Notes: 3-star forward … No. 4-ranked player in state of Illinois … Ranked No. 110 by Top247, No. 144 by On3, No. 162 by 247Sports Composite, and No. 182 by On3 Industry … Attends Yorkville High School, playing for coach John Holakovsky … Averaged 11.5 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks as a junior, earning All-Area, All-Conference and special mention All-State honors … Led Yorkville to 26-6 record and Class 4A Regional Final … Plays for Breakaway on the AAU circuit, playing for coach Greg Ktistou … Father, Tom, played college basketball at Illinois Wesleyan.

Underwood: "Jason is a guy we watched last spring and summer. Tim Anderson got involved with him early. One of the things that we were very dialed in with was trying to find a big that had a certain skill set and athleticism. Jason is a pick and pop guy. He can really shoot it, can handle it. He's got great bounce and quickness. He just needs strength, and he knows that coming in. He knows that the future is where his best basketball lies. Jason wanted to be a part of the Illini Nation, part of our family. We're excited about what his future holds in our program."

Why Illinois? "I grew up a huge Illini fan, watching Illinois sports. I've always had the dream to play here and can't wait to live out my dream."

JASE BUTLER
G, 6-5, 190
San Anselmo, Calif.
The Branson School

Notes: 3-star guard … Top-ranked player in Northern California … Ranked No. 132 by Rivals150, No. 155 by On3 Industry, and No. 169 by 247Sports Composite … Attends The Branson School, playing for coach Demetrius Roquemore … Averaged 17.5 points, five assists, five rebounds and two steals as a junior, earning first-team all-state honors … Led Branson to 28-4 record, including North Coast Section Division III title, Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) title, and CIF NorCal Division II quarterfinals … North Bay Player of the Year by San Francisco Chronicle … Marin Independent Journal Player of the year … MCAL Player of the Year … West Coast Preps All-Bay Area first team … AAU team is Jalen Green Elite, playing for coach Joey Fuca … Father, Jomar, played linebacker at San Diego State and was defensive team MVP in 2000.

Underwood: "We had been looking for a guard who is different from what we already have on the roster. Jase is a guy that Chester Frazier did a great job of finding and recruiting. As soon as I went out and saw Jase, I fell in love with his game. He's a big, physical guard, 50% three-point shooter, an elite passer, and very high IQ. You pair his decision making with his shooting ability and you've got a pretty lethal guard at either position. We like to play two or three guards who can all play in ball screens, and he's got that ability."

Why Illinois? "Illinois is a winning program with a great coaching staff. This felt like the best place where I can make an impact and achieve my goals."

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois volleyball head coach Chris Tamas announced the addition of the two newest members of the Fighting Illini volleyball program. Ashlyn Philpot and Laynie Smith will don the Orange and Blue in 2024.

"This class has a ton of experience winning at a high level, both in club and high school," Tamas said. "They have been invited to our National Team Development Program over the last several years with the nation's top prospects. They are not only great players but great people and will add to the culture and values of Illini volleyball and Illinois athletics. They will have an impact on the program from day one and will be a tremendous addition to the Illini FamILLy."

ASHLYN PHILPOT // GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA // DH CONLEY HIGH SCHOOL // TRIANGLE VOLLEYBALL CLUB // MB // 6-4​

Notes: Named the No. 44 prospect by Prep Volleyball for the Class of 2024… Won an NCHSAA 3A state championship in 2020… Earned All-State honorable mention honors in 2021… Received all-conference recognition for 2020 and 2021… Named a U17 club All-American by Prep Volleyball in 2023… Earned a JVA All-National team nod in 2023… Has played with Laynie Smith at Triangle Volleyball Club.

Coach Tamas on Philpot: "Ashlyn is an elite level blocker with great reading ability and lateral speed. She is a non-stop worker both on the competition court and in the practice gym. Ashlyn brings a ton of passion and energy to the game, and she has an inspiring competitive drive that helps will her team(s) to win."

Why Illinois? "I chose Illinois because the coaching staff is amazing as well as the people and the environment. Also, I've always wanted to play in the Big Ten."

LAYNIE SMITH // DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA// CHAPEL HILL HIGH SCHOOL// TRIANGLE VOLLEYBALL CLUB // OH/OPP // 6-3​

Notes: Named to the top-125 for the Class of 2024 by Prep Volleyball… Four-year varsity letter winner… Three-time all-state honoree… Named all-conference four times for both volleyball and basketball… Earned recognition on the AVCA watch list… Named to the Prep Volleyball nationals' all-tournament teams twice… Selected to compete in the Under Armour All-American games… Has played with Ashlyn Philpot at Triangle Volleyball Club.

Coach Tamas on Smith " "Laynie is perhaps one of the more versatile players I have seen and has proven to be an incredible learner and student of the game. She came to camp a few years ago as an opposite. Her club team needed her to play middle this last season. Most recently, she helped her successful high school team at the outside position. She has embraced whatever the team has needed her to do to win and excelled at each position with a great attitude. Laynie will be trained as an outside hitter and an opposite with us."

Why Illinois? "I chose Illinois because I have always dreamed about playing in the Big Ten, and I loved campus and the great coaching staff."

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Fired David Ross. Signed Craig Counsell for $40m over 5 years.

Bold moves by the Cubbies.