By Zeno Jo - IlliniGuys Staff Writer
May 9, 2026
(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The portal giveth and the portal taketh, right? Longtime Illini Ty Rodgers,
who has been out of action since the 2024 team’s Elite Eight run, and rising sophomore Brandon Lee have found new homes in the transfer portal, landing at Boise State and James Madison.
Brad Underwood and his staff have completed one of the most impressive retention efforts seen in the modern era, and with Ubben welcoming in Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks and the 10th-best freshman recruiting class in the nation . . .
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