TCR Daily Brief: Tuesday, Sept. 29

· Yahoo Sports

Good morning, Illini fans! Here’s what you need to know today:

🏈 The Big Story

Illinois’ defense enters a new era

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The Illini are moving forward without defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck after he and Bret Bielema agreed to part ways following four games. Bielema said Hauck approached him Sunday morning and felt the situation “wasn’t working for him.”

Illinois is keeping its defensive plans under wraps this week ahead of Saturday’s Homecoming matchup with Purdue. 

🏀 Basketball

Fall practice is underway

Illinois basketball has officially kicked off fall practices as Brad Underwood’s team begins preparations for the 2026-27 season. David Mirkovic was seen practicing without the foot support he had previously worn following August surgery, while Zvonimir Ivisic has also returned to the court after a hand injury. 

Illinois basketball media day is Friday.

🏐 Volleyball

Two Illini earn Big Ten honors

Kenna Phelan was named Big Ten Setter of the Week, while Talita Goncalves earned Defensive Player of the Week honors following Illinois’ ranked wins over No. 15 Minnesota and No. 23 USC. The Illini have won six straight and are 2-0 in Big Ten play. 

⚽ Soccer

Illinois is coming off a 2-0 win over Oregon on Sunday, with Gabriella Garcia-Terrell and Ashleigh Vizek scoring in the second half. The Illini improved to 4-2-5 overall and 1-2-2 in Big Ten play. 

👀 Coming up

  • 🏈 Saturday, 3:15 p.m. — Illinois vs. Purdue
  • 🏈 Oct. 10, 2:30 p.m. — Illinois at Michigan State
  • 🏐 Friday, 9 p.m. — Illinois at No. 22 Washington
  • 🏐 Sunday, 3 p.m. — Illinois at No. 17 Oregon

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