2 months ago
Good morning, Illini fans! Football is getting closer, and Illinois soccer has its second match of the season tonight. Here's what you need to know today.
Illinois named six captains for the 2026 season: Matthew Bailey, Collin Dixon, Katin Houser, Aidan Laughery, Jake Renfro and Xavier Scott. The captains were selected by a team vote, giving Houser and several key veterans prominent leadership roles heading into the season.
WR Jayshon Platt was also named to the preseason Biletnikoff Award watch list, joining 43 other pass catchers considered among the nation's top receivers.
The NBA's decision to play preseason games at college arenas has sparked a fun question for Illini fans: Could State Farm Center eventually host an NBA game?
TCR's Robby Nardini makes the case, pointing to the arena's atmosphere and proximity to Illinois alums now starring in the ***** ociation.
#season
Illinois named six captains for the 2026 season: Matthew Bailey, Collin Dixon, Katin Houser, Aidan Laughery, Jake Renfro and Xavier Scott. The captains were selected by a team vote, giving Houser and several key veterans prominent leadership roles heading into the season.
WR Jayshon Platt was also named to the preseason Biletnikoff Award watch list, joining 43 other pass catchers considered among the nation's top receivers.
The NBA's decision to play preseason games at college arenas has sparked a fun question for Illini fans: Could State Farm Center eventually host an NBA game?
TCR's Robby Nardini makes the case, pointing to the arena's atmosphere and proximity to Illinois alums now starring in the ***** ociation.
#season
3 months ago
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) - Rick Renfro couldn't hold in the tears when his son, Jake, committed to Illinois in January of 2026.
Rick Renfro played for the Illini in the 1980s, winning a Big Ten ******* le in '83, and playing in the '84 Rose Bowl.
Now, Jake Renfro joins U of I football for his seventh and final year of college football, transferring in from Wisconsin. Like his father, Jake plays offensive line. He is projected to start at center for Illinois.
"I sat and cried," Rick said regarding his reaction when he found out Jake would play for Illinois.
Rick says then-Illini head coach Lovie Smith recruited Jake, out of Mokena, Ill., a little bit in high school. Then, when Jake entered the transfer portal to depart from Cincinnati, following the 2022 season, Bret Bielema reached out. However, Jake opted to follow head coach Luke Fickell as he made the move from Cincinnati to Madison.
#rick #renfro #coach #champaign
Rick Renfro played for the Illini in the 1980s, winning a Big Ten ******* le in '83, and playing in the '84 Rose Bowl.
Now, Jake Renfro joins U of I football for his seventh and final year of college football, transferring in from Wisconsin. Like his father, Jake plays offensive line. He is projected to start at center for Illinois.
"I sat and cried," Rick said regarding his reaction when he found out Jake would play for Illinois.
Rick says then-Illini head coach Lovie Smith recruited Jake, out of Mokena, Ill., a little bit in high school. Then, when Jake entered the transfer portal to depart from Cincinnati, following the 2022 season, Bret Bielema reached out. However, Jake opted to follow head coach Luke Fickell as he made the move from Cincinnati to Madison.
#rick #renfro #coach #champaign
4 months ago
On Saturday, Virginia Tech pitcher Brett Renfrow heard his name called in the 2026 MLB Draft, selected No. 74 overall by the Minnesota Twins.
Major League Baseball wrapped up the draft on Sunday, and three more Hokies heard their names called. Here are those Hokies:
P Luke Craytor: Selected 255th overall (9th round) by the Chicago White Sox
P Griffin Stieg: Selected 378th overall (13th) round by the Pittsburgh Pirates
P Madden Clement: Selected 449th overall (15th round) by the Kansas City Royals
Major League Baseball wrapped up the draft on Sunday, and three more Hokies heard their names called. Here are those Hokies:
P Luke Craytor: Selected 255th overall (9th round) by the Chicago White Sox
P Griffin Stieg: Selected 378th overall (13th) round by the Pittsburgh Pirates
P Madden Clement: Selected 449th overall (15th round) by the Kansas City Royals
