Stevens: Illini Counting On Freshmen Impact in NCAA Championships

Illinois head coach Mike Small has elected to go with a pair of freshmen, Jake Birdwell and Trey Marrion, in his opening round lineup for the NCAA Championships starting Friday.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

May 23, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

URBANA, Ill. — Regardless of the particular order, Illinois head coach Mike Small knew the first three names he’d be writing down on his lineup card when first round tee times were created for the 2025 NCAA Championships.

It’s the final two names, and what the Illini can count on for production out of those . . .

 

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