Illinois Fighting Illini news: Big Ten title, transfer portal, big win streak, & more

A Big Ten title is on the line, the transfer portal is heating up, Illinois is on a big winning streak, and Illinois football has multiple players signing in the NFL.
Michigan v Illinois
Michigan v Illinois | Michael Hickey/GettyImages

A lot is always happening in the world of Illinois Fighting Illini sports, and it is time to cover some of the hot topics.

With the NFL Draft coming to an end, and multiple spring sports heating up, the Illini look to have numerous players entering the NFL and multiple trophies to set on the mantle.

Illinois men’s golf looking to cruise to Big Ten title

The Big Ten men’s golf championship is being held, and after two rounds, Illinois has a six-shot lead.

Illinois, the No. 13 team in the country, lit up the scoreboard in round one, shooting a scorching score of -10. This led the pack by seven strokes and set the tone for day two. Going into the final round on Sunday, the Illini are -8 as a team with the trailer, No. 36 Oregon, at -2.

Shockingly, the current leader for medalist isn’t coming out of Champaign. Oregon and Minnesota have golfers in the top two. Illinois then has Jake Birdwell (-4) in a tie for third and Max Herendeen (-3) in a tie for seventh. They both trail UCLA’s Omar Morales (-7) for the individual title.

Bret Bielema keeps stacking offensive linemen

If it wasn’t already impressive that Bret Bielema went out to California and secured the return of JC Davis, now the head coach is building depth.

Over the weekend, Illinois added Idaho transfer portal talent Nathan Knapik. He is a freshman who played in five games and is ready to take his talents to the big leagues. He is also the brother of Illinois offensive lineman transfer Ayden Knapik.

Two Illinois football players sign as undrafted free agents

While the 2025 NFL Draft is over, the Illini aren’t done sending players to the NFL. Quickly after the draft wrapped up, Illinois had two players sign on with franchises.

TeRah Edwards was the first ball to drop. He signed a deal with the Los Angeles Chargers. Later in the night, it was announced that Seth Coleman had a deal with the Seattle Seahawks. Both players will now compete to make their respective rosters.

Illinois baseball extends winning streak

The Illini baseball team is on a hot streak right now. They knocked off the second game of three against Purdue, 3-1. This gives the Orange and Blue a four-game winning streak and a record of 25-15 overall.

Illinois will look to bring out the brooms for a sweep of the Boilermakers on Sunday. A win would also help strengthen our incredible home record of 14-2 on the season.