Illini Men’s Golf Enjoying a Hunting Postseason Mentality Rather Than Defending 

Illinois trying to find momentum from a comeback effort in a second-place finish last week at the 2026 Big Ten Championships. 

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

May 15, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

URBANA — A few months ago Illinois men’s golf head coach Mike Small has what he calls a running joke assessment with assistant coaches Ruben Sondjaja and Eric Gilpin about the 2025-26 team. 

“I was casually mentioning to them in passing at (the Demirjian Golf Practice Facility) in fun that this team seems like everything is great until something hits the fan,” Small . . .

 

Premium Members Only. Please Subscribe To View The Full Article

  • One-stop destination for Illini sports news, analysis and interactive contents.
  • Weekly podcasts including "Sturdy for 30" and "I on the Illini"
  • Illini Guys Zoom Calls" during games and special events
  • Special appearances by "Illini Legends" and other national sports personalities
  • Video breakdowns and game analysis
  • Owned, managed and run by diehard Illini fans for Illini fans everywhere

Podcasts

Illini Football Depth Chart Talk #600

Listen

Wagler Debut, Illini Hoops Update & Bielema on Dodd Watch List

Listen

599 - Illini Basketball & Football Expectation Setting

Listen

7.3.26 Illini Becoming NBA Guard U, Who's "Replacing" Keaton & Illini Football Update

Listen

598 Illini Basketball Update – Summer Ball & Recruiting

Listen

6.26.26 Illini Stand Tall in NBA, State of Illini Athletics & Hoops and Football Updates

Listen

Wagler #5 in NBA Draft & Ayo Signs Biggest Illini NBA Contract Ever

Listen

6.19.26 Illini Basketball & Football Recruiting Updates

Listen

596 Illini Basketball & Football Recruiting Updates, NBA Finals & More

Listen

6.12.26 - Illini Basketball & Football Updates with NBA Finals & World Cup Talk

Listen

6.6.26 - How Good Is Illini Commit Quentin Coleman & Why Illini Ranked #1

Listen

595 Why Illinois is #1 with the Athletic's CJ Moore

Listen

5.29.26 - Illini Hoops Roster Update - He's Back ... Again!

Listen

594 Talking Illini 4-Star Hoops Commit Quinton Kitt

Listen

593 - Logan Wagler (Keaton's Dad) Talks to the IlliniGuys

Listen

Subscriber Testimonials:

"I am a member of three different paid sites, [but] I wanted to tell you that the collective insight from the leadership of this place is second to none.  
 
It is remarkable how often I feel like I know what is going to happen before it happens. I am so appreciative of the obvious hard work that you guys are giving ....
 
You guys, in a short time, have shown me that you are the best at what you do."
Join the conversation here!

Not a member? Join our mailing list:

© 2025 LMBC Sports, LLC. All rights reserved. 

Use of any part of this site constitutes express acceptance of the Site Terms. LMBC Sports, LLC, including its Illini Guys website, is an independent media organization, and is not affiliated with the University of Illinois.