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Jack Crowder arrived as a highly touted recruit, suffered severe setbacks and had to rededicate himself to his craft before having a career-defining outing in his NCAA regional debut. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

June 1, 2024

LEXINGTON, Ky.  — Neither party in the player-head coach dynamic of Jack Crowder and Dan Hartleb would likely describe the past four-year University of Illinois experience as consistently pleasant. 

While Friday night’s eight-inning gem of a performance easily represents the high point of Crowder’s collegiate career, that peak national stage moment didn’t come without more than one noticeable valley.

Illinois pitcher Jack Crowder becomes the first Illini pitcher in 24 years to finish eight innings in a NCAA regional start and get the win. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

May 31, 2024

LEXINGTON, Ky.  — It’s very possible all that was needed was for Jack Crowder to get on a national platform.

In his first NCAA Regional start, the 21-year-old right-hander executed one of the better postseason pitching performances at Illinois in over two decades to lead the Illini to a 4-1 victory over Indiana State. 

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert

May 31, 2024

(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at some key official visits coming up over the next few weeks and Braylen Trimble’s new ranking.

Illinois has not won an NCAA regional game away from home in 11 years and enters the 2024 NCAA Lexington Regional knowing that taking the opening game vs. Indiana State is paramount.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

May 31, 2024

(Cover photo courtesy UK Athletics)

LEXINGTON, Ky.  — Yes, the term must-win game as a term in the lexicon of sports is overused. 

Friday night’s opening game for Illinois in the 2024 NCAA Lexington Regional is by the definition of the double elimination format is not a must-win game. However, if Illinois wants to win the program’s first ever NCAA regional away from home, winning the opening game and staying in the winner’s bracket all weekend is paramount to the optimal formula. 

“Besides working out our starting pitching plan for the next day, we’re going to stay focused on the game in front of us on that day,” Illinois head coach Dan Hartleb said. “Everybody knows that in tournament play, you need to stay in the winners bracket as long as possible to move on.” 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

May 31, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Illinois Women's Basketball program continues to add to their roster for the upcoming season. Head Coach Shauna Green and her staff, emphasizing the need for size, secured another piece.

As Illinois enters the 2024 NCAA Lexington Regional Friday night, Illini coaches may have more reliable bullpen options than when they started the season four months ago. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

May 31, 2024

LEXINGTON, Ky.  — For the better part of four months, the questions surrounding this Illinois baseball program have centered on the individuals inhabiting the pitching mound in the middle of the diamond. 

Indiana State electing to give its best reliever his first start of the 2024 season in this NCAA Lexington Regional opening game against the Illini. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

May 30, 2024

LEXINGTON, Ky.  — The riddle surrounding Illinois as they enter NCAA postseason play is simple: Which version will show up? 

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

May 29, 2024

If you're a legitimate high major prospect that lives in the 217-area code or 309-area code, you should expect Brett Bielema to be a fast and frequent visitor to your front door. No sooner had Mt. Zion's Brayden Trimble pledge to the Illini last week than Princeville's Kellen Francis joins Kaeden Faegin, Aiden Laughery, Declan Duley, Mac Resetich, Mathew Bailey, Malichi Hood, Jordan Anderson and Hank Beatty as Central Illinois players to join the Orange and Blue.

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

May 29, 2024

(Cover photo courtesy Baylor Athletics)

The Illinois women's basketball program has upgraded its roster by adding Lety Vasconcelos, a 6-foot-7 transfer from Baylor today. Vasconcelos, who played high school basketball at Montverde Academy in FL., was ranked 36th overall in the 2023 class by ESPN HoopGurlz. She teamed up with current Illini sophomore guard Cori Allen to lead the team to back-to-back GEICO High School National Championships.

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert

May 29, 2024

(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at the latest commitment for the Illini, a June visitor with a connection to the Illini and a decision timetable for Zakhari Franklin.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

May 28, 2024

 When IlliniGuys learned there was significant traction regarding Kasparas Jakucionis committing to Illinois, we sought insights from people familiar with his game over the past few years.

Georgia Tech used a furious back nine run to […]

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting May 28, 2024 […]

Georgia Tech will likely not have the services of […]

Illinois split a mid-week home-and-home series this season and have played Indiana State six times over the last three seasons. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

May 28, 2024

CHAMPAIGN — Scouting secrets aren’t likely to exist before Illinois head coach Dan Hartleb exchanges lineup cards at home plate this weekend in the opening game of the 2024 NCAA Lexington Regional. They’ve both done this before.