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Why Jim Knowles walked: Philosophical clash at Ohio State leads to fresh start, historic payday at Penn State
Jim Knowles’ defense is not static and is certainly malleable to suggestions, but even a veteran coach has a breaking point with directives.

The coordinator reached his limit after three years at Ohio State, where he successfully revamped and revitalized a struggling unit into a championship caliber group in short order — but not without interference and pressures from head coach Ryan Day, who inserted himself in defensive meetings more often this season and asked for changes to be made midway through the season, sources told CBS Sports. Last week, their short marriage ended with Knowles bolting for rival Penn State. A bigger payday and more autonomy to run his scheme awaits him in State College, where he will be introduced Tuesday in a press conference.

Chip Kelly leaves Ohio State for Raiders: Buckeyes facing significant staff overhaul after national title win

Will Backus

The departure was not a surprise for Ohio State staffers. Knowles also fielded discussions with Oklahoma and Notre Dame, and rumors of a departure for the Sooners hit a fever pitch as the Buckeyes prepared for the national championship game against the Irish. It never distracted Ohio State, particularly because Knowles, lovingly referred to as a hermit with a coach’s whistle, never relented from his habits: locking himself in his office, studying opponents’ film and developing concise game plans before emerging from behind closed doors with a plan that always seemed to wow his players.

“I always called him Batman,” Buckeyes defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau said before Ohio State’s win against the Irish in the national championship. “He is in his cave, and he comes out and you never know what he has in store, but you’ve got to get to know him. Once you get to know him, that’s one guy you’ll have on your side. To be able to play for him as a DC, it’s a blessing.”

The Buckeyes won the national championship and Knowles polished the “Silver Bullets” into the nation’s best defense (12.9 points per game), but did so rebuilding the unit over three years with the understanding that mixing his three-man front schemes would never be a hallmark in Columbus, sources told CBS Sports. The crux was longtime defensive line coach Larry Johnson, whose four-man front philosophies are ingrained in the Buckeyes’ culture. It was Knowles, not the Buckeyes, who had to adjust philosophically. That didn’t necessarily eliminate Knowles’ three-man looks and mixing coverages, but his love of utilizing a “Jack” hybrid on and off the line was never the touchstone it was previously at Oklahoma State and Duke.

Meanwhile, Day’s appearances in the defensive meeting room increased after the Buckeyes’ 32-31 loss at Oregon in Week 7. They allowed nearly 500 yards of offense, including 341 yards passing, as superstars like cornerback Denzel Burke struggled in coverage.

It’s not unusual for a head coach to take an added interest in a particular unit after a loss, but what made this development more personal and political was Day’s background as an offensive coordinator. As Day left mentor Chip Kelly on his own to develop game plans and call games, it was the veteran defensive coordinator who instead had to deal with his boss breathing down his neck.

That didn’t mix well with Knowles’ lone ranger attitude. The Cornell graduate, who also got his coaching start in the Ivy League, is not your typical play-caller. He enjoys cigars and sushi, and is quite the reflective intellectual.

“He’s smart, and he just so happens to like football,” an Ohio State source said. “He’s a guy you could see being a curator of art or maybe a professor discussing World War II history.”

Still, Knowles and Day worked well together. The defense allowed only 9.7 points per game for the remainder of the regular season, including the 13-10 loss to Michigan in the finale, before the offense exploded in the playoffs with double-digit wins in all four rounds, including the 34-23 capper against Notre Dame for the national title.

“When he was at Oklahoma State, they didn’t have four down D-linemen, and then certainly no depth behind it,” Day said of Knowles in late October. “So, he had to be creative about what he was doing there. Decision was made a long time ago that we have the D-linemen here at Ohio State that can play with four down linemen.”

Shortly after the national championship game on Jan. 20, Knowles, 59, began fielding phone calls from suitors, sources told CBS Sports. The flirtations led to counter offers from Ohio State, and though their pitches were in the same pay-day ranges discussed with Oklahoma and Penn State, there was a caveat: if you don’t commit now to the Buckeyes, you will be barred from the team’s championship celebration inside Ohio Stadium on Jan. 26. At that point, negotiations broke down and Knowles, who already had one foot out the door, made up his mind, and subsequently agreed to join Penn State. Not long after Day told 30,000 fans celebrating inside Ohio Stadium that Knowles was “the defensive coordinator of the best defense in the country,” the play-caller wrapped up a deal with the Nittany Lions. Penn State announced Knowles as DC less than 24 hours later.

Penn State poaching Jim Knowles sends clear message: James Franklin, Nittany Lions ready to take next step

Tom Fornelli

Interestingly, Knowles leaves Ohio State for a similar ready-made situation to win a title that he had with the Buckeyes a year ago. It was in late January 2024, shortly after Ross Bjork was hired as Ohio State’s athletics director, that the school committed to go full speed with a $20 million NIL treasure chest, and attacked the transfer portal with relentlessness, effectively transforming a championship-worthy roster into unquestionably the most talented team in the sport.

MORE: What Bucknuts247 heard about Knowles’ departure from Ohio State

Penn State has money to spend, and isn’t afraid to show it. They made Knowles the highest-paid assistant coach in college football with a deal averaging $3.1 million, with a bonus structure that could push that annual total over $4 million, according to CBS Sports sources. Head coach James Franklin has received three contract extensions and raises since last winning a Big Ten title in 2016, and is paid an average of $8.5 million annually, according to a 10-year deal he signed in November 2021.

Penn State’s total revenue jumped nearly $18 million to a record $220.8 million in its most recent annual fiscal report released last month. Where that stands nationally is not entirely clear as the NCAA releases financial reports this month, but it’s behind goliaths Texas ($331.9 million) and Ohio State ($254.9 million), according to documents obtained by USA TODAY last week. Penn State has usually ranked third in the Big Ten in operating revenue behind the Buckeyes and Michigan.

How Penn State plans to attack the spring portal window remains to be seen, but it stands to return one of the nation’s more talented rosters. The Nittany Lions lose future first-round pass rusher Abdul Carter but returns a plethora of stars, including Dani Dennis-Sutton, who accounted for 8.5 sacks last season. The offense is loaded, again, with running backs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton returning, too.

Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles hopes to light victory cigar, add CFP title to lengthy resume

Brandon Marcello

Meanwhile, Ohio State loses eight starters on defense, including its entire defensive front, led by Ohio State legend Jack Sawyer, whose fumble return against Texas in the CFP semifinals will forever be remembered as the biggest play of the Buckeyes’ title run.

Also tugging at Knowles? Returning home for the first time in his 37-year coaching career. “Penn State was everything. It was everything. That’s what we aspired to be and I couldn’t get there as a player, but through a lot of work, a lot of time, a lot of really good players, that allowed me to reach that point in my career where I could really pick wherever I wanted to be,” Knowles told Penn State players during a team meeting last week.

Knowles grew up in north Philadelphia, the son of a police officer, which he often refers to as the framework for his coaching style. “Raised by a Philly cop,” he said two days before the national championship. “So there’s an intensity that goes with that.”

Dennis Dodd contributed to this report

After a successful tenure as the defensive coordinator at Ohio State, Jim Knowles shocked the college football world by announcing his departure for Penn State. Many fans and analysts were left scratching their heads, wondering why Knowles would leave a top program like Ohio State for a conference rival like Penn State.

The answer, it seems, lies in a philosophical clash at Ohio State that ultimately led Knowles to seek a fresh start and a historic payday at Penn State. Knowles, known for his aggressive and attacking defensive schemes, reportedly clashed with Ohio State head coach Ryan Day over the direction of the defense. Day, a more conservative coach, reportedly wanted a more traditional and conservative defensive approach, while Knowles wanted to continue his aggressive style.

Ultimately, the two could not see eye to eye, leading Knowles to make the difficult decision to leave Ohio State and seek a new opportunity at Penn State. The move was not only a chance for Knowles to start fresh and implement his preferred defensive schemes, but also a chance to make history with a historic payday at Penn State.

Knowles’ decision to walk away from a top program like Ohio State may have been surprising to many, but for Knowles, it was a necessary step to stay true to his coaching philosophy and continue to grow as a coach. And with a new challenge and a historic payday awaiting him at Penn State, Knowles is ready to make his mark on the college football landscape once again.

Tags:
1. Jim Knowles departure
2. Ohio State vs Penn State
3. Coaching philosophy clash
4. Big Ten coaching changes
5. Jim Knowles Penn State contract
6. Ohio State defensive coordinator
7. Penn State football news
8. College football coaching drama
9. Big Ten coaching salaries
10. Jim Knowles coaching decision
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February 3, 2025
Ohio State Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly Leaving Buckeyes for NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders

Ohio State will have two new coordinators in 2025.

Chip Kelly is leaving the Buckeyes after one year as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach to become the offensive coordinator of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Pete Thamel.

He becomes the third assistant coach to leave Ohio State this offseason, joining defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and offensive line coach Justin Frye. Knowles left the Buckeyes to become the defensive coordinator at Penn State while Frye left Ohio State to become the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive line coach.

Per the terms of the three-year contract Kelly signed with Ohio State last year, Kelly will owe Ohio State a $350,000 buyout for leaving Ohio State to become an NFL assistant coach.

Kelly had expressed interest in becoming an NFL offensive coordinator last offseason before he became Ohio State’s offensive coordinator. Kelly joined Ohio State’s staff last February, replacing Bill O’Brien when he left Ohio State after just three weeks as offensive coordinator to become the head coach at Boston College.

Ryan Day turned to Kelly, who Day’s had a close relationship with since Kelly was his offensive coordinator during his playing days at the University of New Hampshire, to take over Ohio State’s offensive play calling in 2024, marking the first time in Day’s six-year tenure as head coach that he delegated play-calling duties.

With Kelly calling Ohio State’s offensive plays and coaching the Buckeyes’ quarterbacks, Ohio State scored 35.7 points per game – an increase of more than five points per game from 2023 – and Will Howard completed a school-record 73% of his passes while leading the Buckeyes to a national championship.

Now, Ohio State will be looking for a new offensive coordinator for the third year in a row. The Buckeyes previously promoted Brian Hartline to offensive coordinator in 2023 after Kevin Wilson left to become the head coach at Tulsa, though Hartline – who now holds the title of co-offensive coordinator – was not the primary play-caller in that role.

While it’s possible Ohio State could turn to a familiar face like Wilson (who remains in the job market after Tulsa fired him in November) or Hartline to be the offensive coordinator again in 2025, Ohio State should have no shortage of interest from coordinators around the country in the opportunity to lead an offense that will feature a host of talented players led by superstar wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

Kelly returns to the NFL for the first time since he was the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles from 2013-15 and the San Francisco 49ers in 2016. He went on to be the head coach at UCLA from 2018-23 before leaving that post to join Day’s staff last offseason, citing a desire to spend more time coaching football rather than the CEO aspects of being a head coach.

Ohio State Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly Leaving Buckeyes for NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders

In a shocking turn of events, Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has announced that he will be leaving the Buckeyes to join the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders as their new offensive coordinator. Kelly, who has been with Ohio State for the past two seasons, has reportedly been offered a lucrative contract by the Raiders that he simply couldn’t turn down.

Kelly’s departure comes as a blow to Ohio State fans, who have grown accustomed to his innovative offensive schemes and play-calling. Under Kelly’s guidance, the Buckeyes’ offense has been one of the most explosive in college football, averaging over 40 points per game during his tenure.

While Ohio State will undoubtedly miss Kelly’s coaching prowess, the Raiders are getting a proven offensive mastermind who has had success at both the college and professional levels. Kelly’s up-tempo, high-scoring offense should fit right in with the Raiders’ aggressive style of play, and fans in Las Vegas can expect to see some exciting football in the coming seasons.

As for Ohio State, the search for a new offensive coordinator is already underway. While Kelly’s shoes will be tough to fill, the Buckeyes are sure to attract top coaching talent as they look to maintain their status as one of the premier college football programs in the country.

Tags:

Ohio State, Offensive Coordinator, Chip Kelly, NFL, Las Vegas Raiders, Buckeyes, coaching change, college football, professional football, Ohio State football, Chip Kelly news, Las Vegas Raiders news

#Ohio #State #Offensive #Coordinator #Chip #Kelly #Leaving #Buckeyes #NFLs #Las #Vegas #Raiders

February 2, 2025
Illinois vs. Ohio State where to watch: TV channel, college basketball game odds, spread, prediction, pick

An exciting weekend of college basketball continues Sunday when No. 18 Illinois plays host to Ohio State in a marquee Big Ten matchup on CBS. This will mark the only scheduled meeting between the Fighting Illini and the Buckeyes this season and will be a rematch of Illinois’ 77-74 win over Ohio State in last season’s conference tournament.

Illinois has dropped four of its last six games, including a loss earlier this week on the road to Nebraska. During their cold streak, the Fighting Illini have suffered losses against USC, Michigan State, Maryland, and Nebraska. Illinois is 6-5 in conference play.

Ohio State enters the weekend on a three-game winning streak. The Buckeyes started their win streak with a comeback win on the road against Purdue and have since defeated Iowa and Penn State to improve to 5-5 in Big Ten play.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of this weekend’s matchup.

How to watch Illinois vs. Ohio State live

Date: Sunday, Feb. 2 | Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: State Farm Center — Champaign, Illinois
TV: CBS | Live stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free)
Streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime (Try It Free)

Illinois vs. Ohio State prediction, picks

Odds via SportsLine consensus

Ohio State has been outstanding during its winning streak. The comeback win on the road against Purdue fueled blowout wins over Iowa and Penn State. This matchup against Illinois will be arguably Ohio State’s toughest challenge during that stretch. This game will come down to guard play between Ohio State’s Bruce Thornton and Illinois’ Kasparas Jakučionis. Illinois wins this game behind a big day from Jakučionis and snaps Ohio State’s win streak. Pick: Illinois -6.5

Who will win and cover in every college basketball game? Visit SportsLine to get picks from the model that simulates each game 10,000 times and is up more than $1,200 for $100 players on its top-rated spread picks the past six years.

Illinois vs. Ohio State: Where to Watch College Basketball Game

The highly anticipated matchup between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Ohio State Buckeyes is set to take place on Saturday, March 6th at 4:00 PM ET. Fans can catch all the action live on CBS.

Heading into this game, the odds are in favor of Ohio State, with a spread of -4.5 points. The Buckeyes have been on a hot streak recently, winning four of their last five games. However, the Fighting Illini are not to be underestimated, as they have also been playing well, with a record of 18-6 overall.

In terms of predictions, this game is expected to be a close one. Both teams have talented players and strong coaching staffs, making it anyone’s game. That being said, I predict that Ohio State will come out on top in a close matchup.

So, make sure to tune in to CBS on Saturday to catch all the action as Illinois takes on Ohio State in what is sure to be an exciting college basketball game.

Tags:

Illinois vs. Ohio State, college basketball, TV channel, game odds, spread, prediction, pick, Big Ten basketball, NCAA basketball, March Madness, sports betting, basketball betting, Illinois Fighting Illini, Ohio State Buckeyes, college basketball match-up

#Illinois #Ohio #State #watch #channel #college #basketball #game #odds #spread #prediction #pick

February 2, 2025
Ohio State vs. Illinois odds, how to watch, stream: Model reveals college basketball picks for Feb. 2, 2025
The Ohio State Buckeyes (13-8, 5-5 Big Ten) will try to extend their three-game winning streak when they face the No. 18 Illinois Fighting Illini (14-7, 6-5) on Sunday on CBS and Paramount+. Ohio State went through a rough patch during the opening portion of January, but it has responded with a critical three-game hot streak. The Buckeyes were able to maintain their winning ways with a convincing 83-64 win at Penn State on Thursday, despite entering that game as 3-point underdogs. Illinois has lost three of its last four games, falling to Nebraska in overtime earlier this week.

Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. ET at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. The latest Illinois vs. Ohio State odds from SportsLine consensus list the Illini as 5.5-point favorites, while the over/under for total points scored is 154.5. You can watch Sunday’s game on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, which you can get free for the first week when you sign up here.

A Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscription also gives you access to other sports content including the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, NWSL, Big Ten on CBS, the NFL on CBS and countless movies and shows. Get it all plus your first week free when you sign up here.

How to watch Ohio State vs. Illinois
- Illinois vs. Ohio State date: Sunday, Feb. 2
- Illinois vs. Ohio State time: 1 p.m. ET
- Illinois vs. Ohio State live stream: Paramount+ (Get a free 7-day trial)
College basketball picks for Ohio State vs. Illinois

Before tuning into the Ohio State vs. Illinois game, you need to see the college basketball picks from SportsLine’s advanced computer model. The model simulates every Division 1 college basketball game 10,000 times. It enters Week 13 of the 2024-25 season on a 202-142 betting roll (+2468) on all top-rated college basketball picks dating back to 2023. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.

For Illinois vs. Ohio State, the model is backing Under 154.5 points to be scored, projecting the teams to combine for 151 points. Illinois enters Sunday’s showdown featuring one of the nation’s most explosive offenses. The Fighting Illini are scoring 85.2 points per game on average, which ranks eighth in college basketball. However, Illinois has failed to score more than 78 points in three of its last four games, all of which were losses.

Ohio State, meanwhile, has been playing spectacularly on the defensive end of the floor. The Buckeyes have given up 65 or fewer points in their last two games and have allowed only one team to score more than 75 in their past six outings. In addition, the total has gone Under in seven of Ohio State’s last 10 games against an opponent from the Big Ten. Stream the game here.

How to watch, live stream college basketball on CBS

Now that you know what to pick, get ready to watch NCAA on CBS games on Paramount+ on any device you want. Visit Paramount+ now to stream your live local CBS sporting events, including the NFL on CBS and much more.
Are you ready for some college basketball action? The Ohio State Buckeyes will be facing off against the Illinois Fighting Illini on February 2, 2025, and it’s bound to be an exciting game. If you’re looking to place a bet or just catch the game, here are the odds and ways to watch or stream the game.

According to our model, the odds for this game are currently in favor of Ohio State, but the Fighting Illini are known for putting up a tough fight. It’s sure to be a close match-up that you won’t want to miss.

If you’re looking to watch the game from the comfort of your own home, you can tune in to ESPN or stream it on the ESPN app. Make sure to check your local listings for the exact time and channel.

And if you’re looking to place a bet on the game, be sure to do your research and consider our model’s college basketball picks. Whether you’re rooting for the Buckeyes or the Illini, it’s sure to be a game full of excitement and suspense.

Tags:

Ohio State vs. Illinois odds, college basketball picks, Feb. 2 2025, watch Ohio State vs. Illinois, stream college basketball, Model picks Ohio State vs. Illinois, college basketball betting tips

#Ohio #State #Illinois #odds #watch #stream #Model #reveals #college #basketball #picks #Feb
February 2, 2025
#18 Illini Host Ohio State Sunday in Sold-Out Coaches vs. Cancer Matchup
No. 18 Illinois returns to sold-out State Farm Center on Sunday, hosting Ohio State at 12 p.m. CT in a nationally televised game on CBS.

The Fighting Illini are coming off an overtime road loss at Nebraska (80-74) on Thursday night, looking for consecutive Big Ten home wins after an 83-74 victory over Northwestern last Sunday.

Illinois is 111-82 all-time vs. Ohio State in a series that dates back 110 years to 1914-15.

Head coach Brad Underwood is 6-6 against Ohio State and has led Illinois to wins in five of the last seven meetings, including a road win in Columbus in the lone regular-season matchup last year, and a 77-74 come-from-behind win in the quarterfinal to open the Illini’s 2024 Big Ten Tournament Championship run.

Illinois is the nation’s top rebounding team, leading the NCAA in rebounds per game (45.6 rpg) and rebound margin (+11.7 rpg).

Illinois is No. 14 in the latest NCAA NET rankings, second in the Big Ten. The Illini are tied for 10th nationally with four Quad 1 wins.

The Illini are looking to secure at least 10 wins at State Farm Center for the sixth-consecutive season under Brad Underwood. Since 2019-20, the Illini boast the third-best home record in the Big Ten at 78-16 (.830). Nationally, that ranks 13th among teams that have played each of the last six seasons in a power conference.

Illinois is a combined 5-4 away from State Farm Center this season, with a 3-3 mark in true road contests. The Illini had won three straight conference road games prior to an 80-78 heartbreaker at No. 12 Michigan State on Jan. 19, and an 80-74 overtime loss at Nebraska on Jan. 30.

Illinois has the Big Ten’s best road record since the start of the 2019-20 season. During this span, the Illini are 32-24 (.571) in conference road games.

At 3-3 in conference road games so far this season, the Illini are on pace to finish .500 or better on the road in league play for the fifth time in the last six seasons.

Kasparas Jakucionis is a unanimous selection to the five-player Freshman All-America Team by The Athletic.

Jakucionis has also been named Midseason All-America third team by The Sporting News. Jakucionis was one of just two freshmen among the 15 players recognized, along with Duke’s Cooper Flagg.

Jakucionis recorded 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists last Thursday vs. Maryland, his eighth 20-point game of the season which ties the Illinois program freshman record. He followed that performance with back-to-back double-doubles vs. Northwestern (11-point, 10-rebound) and at Nebraska (18 points, 13 rebounds).

Illinois is No. 18 in the latest KenPom net rating at 24.42. The Fighting Illini are on pace for their fourth top-20 rating in the last five seasons under Brad Underwood.

Four of Illinois’ last six wins have come by 25+ points. The Illini defeated Chicago State, 117-64 (+53), recorded an historic 109-77 (+32) victory at No. 9 Oregon, earned a 91-52 (+39) home win over Penn State, and rolled to a 94-69 (+25) victory at Indiana. The Illini have led by 25+ points in nine games this season.

Illinois is averaging 85.2 points, the team’s highest output since the 1988-89 Flyin’ Illini averaged 86.4 ppg. Illinois is on pace for the No. 6 scoring offense mark in program history.

Illinois ranks second in the Big Ten with a scoring margin of +15.2 points. That is on pace for No. 3 in the Illini record book behind the 1942-43 team, which outscored opponents by 20.6 points per game, and the 2004-05 Illini that posted a scoring margin of +15.9 ppg., the team’s best mark since 1960.

Illinois leads the nation in rebounding at 45.6 boards per game, on pace for the program’s best average in 53 seasons, since ( 48.0 rpg in 1971-72). The Orange and Blue have outrebounded their opponent in 18 of 21 games this season.

The Illini rank No. 12 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (93.7), on pace for its highest ranking since reaching seventh during the 2021 season, and the second-best number of the Underwood era (88.9 in 2021).

Illinois is sixth nationally in KenPom’s effective field goal percentage defense (.439), ranking seventh in 3-point defense (.284) and 15th in 2-point defense (.445). Illinois and Florida are the only two programs to rank in the top 15 of both categories.

According to KenPom, the Illini rank third nationally, and first among Power Conference programs, with a 3-point attempt rate (3-point attempts/total field goal attempts) of 30.1%. Among major conference teams, Illinois ranks first nationally with five games of 15+ made 3-pointers.

Illinois is 3-3 against Top-25 ranked teams this season with wins over No. 19 Arkansas, No. 20 Wisconsin, and at No. 9 Oregon. The Illini’s three ranked wins are tied for 10th most in the nation.

Brad Underwood has led the Illini program to Top-25 rankings in seven consecutive seasons, currently at No. 18 in the latest AP poll and 20th in the coaches poll. Illinois has been ranked for a total of eight weeks this season, including an active streak of six -consecutive weeks, and has reached as high as 13th.

Illinois has registered 75 wins in league play since the start of the 2019-20 season, one behind Purdue for the most in the conference over the last six seasons. And when including the conference tournament, the Illini have 80 wins during this time span, also one behind Purdue’s mark.

The Illini won the 2024 Big Ten Tournament championship as the #2 seed, captured the regular season championship in 2022, and led the conference in wins while adding a B1G Tournament crown in 2021, and the team’s three total championships during that span are tied with Purdue for the most in the Big Ten.

Following the 2024 Elite Eight appearance and Big Ten Tournament Championship, Illinois has a dramatically different roster this season. The program returns just one rotation player – last year’s ninth-leading scorer Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn – and returns just 2.9% of its minutes, 2.2% of its points, and 2.0% of its rebounds overall.

Eight different Illini players have recorded a 20-point game this season, tied for the top mark in the NCAA, and the most by any Big Ten program since at least 2004-05.

Newcomers to the Illini roster have accounted for 91.5% of the team’s scoring so far (1,619 of 1,770 total points), with UI freshmen accounting for 40.5% of those points (656).

Four of the Illinois’ top scorers and rebounders are all in their first year of collegiate basketball. Freshman G Kasparas Jakucionis ranks first in scoring (16.0 ppg) and third in rebounding (5.8 rpg). Sophomore C Tomislav Ivisic nearly averages a double-double at 13.0 points (second on team) and team-leading 8.5 rebounds. Freshman F Will Riley is the Illini’s No. 4 scorer at 10.4 points per game. And Freshman F Morez Johnson Jr. ranks second on the team at 6.5 rebounds per game with a team-leading 52 offensive boards (2.5 per game).

At 16.0 points per game, point guard Kasparas Jakucionis is on pace to break the Illini freshman scoring average record of 15.9 ppg set by Kiwane Garris 31 years ago.

Jakucionis has posted four game this season with 20+ points, 6+ rebounds and 5+ assists, tied for third nationally with Auburn fifth-year senior Johni Broome and Purdue junior Braden Smith.

Jakucionis scored 20+ points in six straight games from Nov. 25-Dec. 22, shattering the Illini freshman record for consecutive 20-point games (previous record was two).

Jakucionis became the fourth Big Ten freshman since 1996-97 with at least six-straight 20-point games, and the first to do so since Indiana’s Eric Gordon had seven in a row in 2007.

Jakucionis has eight 20-point games this season, tying the Illini all-time record for 20-point games by a freshman with Cory Bradford who set the current mark as a redshirt freshman in 1998-99.

Over his last 14 games, Jakucionis is averaging 17.9 points (251), 5.7 rebounds (81), and 5.2 assists (73), knocking down an average of 2.3 threes per game (32) on 39.0% from 3-point range (32-82) along with 87.5% from the foul line (63-72).

Tomislav Ivisic is the No. 6 rebounder in the Big Ten at 8.5 rpg. Ivisic has led the Illini rebounding effort, which ranks No. 1 nationally in total rebounds per game, in 11 of the 18 games in which he has played.

Ivisic, classified as sophomore in his first season of collegiate competition, has recorded seven double-doubles through 18 games, ranking fifth in the Big Ten, tied for 40th in the NCAA overall, and tied for first among power conference underclassmen.

Ben Humrichous has knocked down at least one 3-pointer in 19 of 21 games this season. He leads the team and ranks 13th in the Big Ten averaging 2.0 triples per contest.

After opening the year averaging 7.1 points and 5.0 rebounds in eight games, Tre White has found a rhythm on the court for the Illini. Beginning with a 23-point, 8 rebound effort vs. #20 Wisconsin on Dec. 10, White is averaging 12.1 points (157) and 6.2 rebounds (80) over the last 13 games, scoring in double figures seven times.

During that same 13-game stretch, Kylan Boswell is averaging 13.9 points (181), 6.4 rebounds (83), and 3.9 assists (51). He scored a career-high 22 points in the Illini’s win at Indiana (Jan. 14).

Boswell recorded the seventh triple-double in Illinois history and fifth of the Underwood era against Chicago State (Dec. 29), tallying 18 points, career-high 10 rebounds, and career-high 10 assists.

Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn continues to make a big impact off the bench for the Illini in his sophomore season. Over his last 11 games, Gibbs-Lawhorn is averaging 10.4 points (114) while shooting 54.5% (42-77) from the field.

Morez Johnson Jr. is also excelling for the Illini. Over his last 11 games Johnson is averaging 8.0 points (88) and 6.9 rebounds (76), highlighted by a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double in the win over Penn State (Jan. 8), and a 15-point, nine-rebound effort in his second-career start vs. Northwestern on Jan. 26.

Johnson, at 6.5 rebounds per game, is on track for the fourth-best freshman mark in Illini history.

Johnson posted his third double-double of the season in Illinois’ Jan. 8 win over Penn State, recording a career-high 20 points and pulling down a game-high 11 rebounds.

Through 21 games, Johnson has recorded 26 total blocks, tied for seventh in the Illini freshman record book with Giorgi Bezhanishvili (2018-19). Johnson is on pace to finish his freshman season third among Illini freshmen all-time behind only Deon Thomas (54 in 1990-91) and Kofi Cockburn (44 in 2019-20).

Illinois leads the Big Ten in seven team statistical categories, with the following NCAA rankings: total rebounds per game (1st in NCAA; 45.6), defensive rebounds per game (1st; 31.8), rebound margin (1st; 11.7), 3-point attempts per game (4th; 31.5), 3-point percentage defense (10th; .284), offensive rebounds per game (22nd; 13.8), and field goal percentage defense (25th; .397).

Three Illini scored 20+ points vs. Penn State – Ben Humrichous (21), Morez Johnson Jr. (20) and Tre White (20). It marked just the third time in the last 35 seasons that Illinois had a game featuring a trio of 20-point scorers.

Illinois’ 32-point road win over #9 Oregon was the largest margin of victory ever by a road team over an AP Top-10 opponent, and the largest road win in Illinois program history against any top-25 opponent.

In their 109-77 win at #9 Oregon, Illinois became the first Big Ten team since Feb. 9, 1989, to record 100+ points in a Top-10 road win (No. 10 Michigan defeated No. 8 Iowa, 108-107).

Illinois also posted a dominant 94-69 win at Indiana on Jan. 14. The 25-point margin of victory was the second-largest for a Hoosiers’ opponent in Assembly Hall history, while Illinois’ 94 points marked the most ever scored by a visiting team in a regulation game at Assembly Hall.

The University of Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team is set to host the Ohio State Buckeyes this Sunday in a sold-out Coaches vs. Cancer matchup. The highly anticipated game will take place at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois, with both teams looking to secure a crucial victory in Big Ten play.

Illinois, currently ranked #18 in the nation, boasts a talented roster led by star players like Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn. The Illini have been playing strong basketball this season and will look to continue their winning ways against the Buckeyes.

Ohio State, on the other hand, is coming off a tough loss to Michigan State and will be hungry for a bounce-back win. Led by standout forward E.J. Liddell, the Buckeyes will look to challenge the Illini and come out on top in this exciting matchup.

In addition to the on-court action, Sunday’s game will also serve as a fundraising opportunity for the Coaches vs. Cancer initiative. Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches that aims to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and support programs.

With a sold-out crowd expected and two talented teams facing off, Sunday’s game between Illinois and Ohio State is sure to be an exciting and meaningful event. Tune in to watch the action and support a great cause! #Illini #Buckeyes #CoachesvsCancer

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The Ohio State Buckeyes (13-8, 5-5 Big Ten) visit the No. 20 Illinois Fighting Illini (14-7, 6-5) Sunday. Tip-off from Hilton Coliseum in Ames is set for 1 p.m. ET (CBS). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Ohio State vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Ohio State picked up its third straight win Thursday with an 83-64 road beatdown of the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Buckeyes cashed as a 3.5-point underdog as the Under 147.5 hit with ease. Illinos outrebounded Penn State 41-23. G John Mobley Jr. stuffed the stat sheet, dropping 19 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds.

Illinois is struggling, dropping 3 of its last 4 games after an 80-74 overtime loss Thursday to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. They failed to cover as a 4.5-point road underdog as the Under 157 cashed. G Kasparas Jakucionis was the only starter in double figures, putting up 18 points, with 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Turnovers were a killer, with the Illini giving it away 17 times.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

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Ohio State at Illinois odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 10:39 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Ohio State +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Illinois -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Ohio State +6.5 (-110) | Illinois -6.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 156.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Ohio State at Illinois picks and predictions

Prediction

Ohio State 81, Illinois 78

Moneyline

BET OHIO STATE (+220).

It’s a bit of a gamble, but these teams are heading in opposite directions. Momentum is huge in college hoops, and right now, Ohio State has it. The Buckeyes have won and covered 3 straight, including 2 on the road. Meanwhile, Illinois has failed to cover in 3 of its last 4 games, including a home loss in Champaign.

Ohio State is one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the Big Ten, hitting 37.3% from deep, with G Bruce Thornton knocking down a scorching 45.1%. They also lock down the perimeter, holding opponents under 30% on 3s.

The Buckeyes have covered in 4 of the last 6 meetings against Illinois, and with all the upsets we saw on Saturday, what’s one more on Sunday? I’m rolling with Ohio State to stay hot and get it done.

Against the spread

PASS.

If you’d feel more comfortable taking the points, that’s perfectly fine but I’m getting seduced by those +220 odds on the moneyline.

Over/Under

BET OVER 156.5 (-105).

This game has all the signs of a shootout. Both teams score 80-plus points a game and give up 70-plus points, so defense might be optional. The Over has cashed in 4 of their last 6 matchups, and Illinois has hit the Over in 4 of its last 6. Expect plenty of points.

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Ohio State at Illinois Odds, Picks and Predictions

The Ohio State Buckeyes will travel to Champaign to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini in a Big Ten showdown on Saturday. Both teams are coming off impressive wins and will be looking to continue their winning ways.

The Buckeyes are currently favored by 7.5 points in this matchup, with the over/under set at 135 points. Ohio State has been dominant this season, boasting a 13-4 record and sitting near the top of the Big Ten standings. Led by star player E.J. Liddell, the Buckeyes have a potent offense that averages over 75 points per game.

On the other hand, Illinois has had a solid season as well, with a 12-5 record and a top-25 ranking. They have a dynamic duo in Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn, who have been lighting up the scoreboard all season long.

In this matchup, I like Ohio State to cover the spread and come away with the victory. The Buckeyes have been playing at a high level and have the offensive firepower to outscore Illinois. However, I expect this game to be close and high-scoring, so I would take the over on the point total.

Prediction: Ohio State 78, Illinois 72.

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