Good morning, Illini fans. Football camp is in full swing, volleyball gets underway today, and basketball recruiting is giving Illinois fans plenty to watch. Here are the things that matter this morning.
🏈 THE BIG STORY: WITHERSPOON CASHES IN
Former Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon is now the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history after agreeing to a $132 million extension with Seattle, according to ESPN. TCR has the news this morning.
🏀 RECRUITING: PETTIGREW IS THE ONE TO WATCH
The biggest basketball recruiting development of the past few days remains five-star Bolingbrook guard Brady Pettigrew’s Oct. 2 official visit to Illinois. He’s ranked No. 1 in Illinois and No. 18 nationally by 247Sports, and Illinois is competing with Michigan, Florida, Ohio State and Arkansas.
🏀 FOUR ILLINI IN THE 2027 NBA DRAFT?
TCR reported on Bleacher Report’s latest 2027 mock draft, which projects four Illinois players to be selected: Quentin Coleman at No. 17, Stefan Vaaks at No. 38, Zvonimir Ivisic at No. 44 and Andrej Stojakovic at No. 52.
🏐 TODAY: VOLLEYBALL RETURNS
Illinois volleyball has an exhibition match this afternoon against Bradley at Huff Hall.
⚽ WHAT HAPPENED IN SOCCER?
Illinois opened the soccer season Thursday with a 0-0 draw against No. 19 Georgia.