Carson Gourdie

4 days ago | newschannel20.com | Carson Gourdie

It's a massive couple weeks for Illinois football. Top recruits JC Anderson and Mack Sutter are picking schools. Both are four-star tight ends from Central Illinois. Bret Bielema wants them both --- but has to swat away some SEC heavyweights. If they commit, it would spike Illinois' recruiting ranking, which, as of now, is already its highest in decades. Rivals has them pegged 9th, while 247 Sports has them 12th. For context, Illinois is usually in the 40s and 50s.

4 days ago | newschannel20.com | Carson Gourdie

The NBA season is over. The Oklahoma City Thunder are your 2025 NBA champions. But for Illinois basketball fans, the fun is just starting. Wednesday is the 2025 NBA Draft and there’s is consensus: both Illinois’ Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley will be first round draft picks. Illinois hasn’t had two in the same first round since 2005: that’s when Deron Williams and Luther Head had their names called. Here’s a list of projections for Jakucionis.

4 days ago | newschannel20.com | Carson Gourdie

This week is the Memorial Health Championship at Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield. It’s part of the Korn Ferry Series, which is essentially the sport’s Triple-A system. If golfers play well enough, they will earn a spot on the PGA Tour. While golfers see benefits of the Memorial Health Championship so does the Springfield economy. "It generates over 2000 hotel room nights. Really. It's a week long event," said Scott Dahl, Springfield's Tourism Director.

5 days ago | newschannel20.com | Carson Gourdie

Sunday marked the last day of the Summer Special Olympics in Bloomington. Hundreds of athletes were center-stage and there was plenty of STRONG showings. From bench pressing to cleans, the athletes brought their A game, and plenty of energy. Including Stephen Katz. “Yes his nickname is funny man," said his mother, Laurel. "Ha ha he he he!” Stephen deadpanned. The Chicago suburb native is 40 years old, and has racked up 300 medals. His parents make sure they attend this event each year.

1 week ago | newschannel20.com | Carson Gourdie

For years, Illinois football’s recruiting rankings were low. Ranging from the 40s to 50s. And Lovie Smith was infamous for not being able to land in-state players. Bret Bielema is throwing that narrative out the window. He has a real shot to land the top-three players in Illinois. Nationally, Illinois’ 2026 class is ranked 7th by Rivals. And 8th by 247 Sports. They’ve signed several four-stars. - Offensive lineman Kai Pritchard, who picked Illinois over Rutgers and Duke.