WPXN Sports Page Thursday September 10 2026

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MLB

Milwaukee Brewers def Chicago Cubs 8-6

SF Giants def St. Louis Cardinals 7-6

Pittsburgh Pirates def Chicago White Sox 4-2

NFL

Seattle Seahawks def NE Patriots 13-10

IHSA Volleyball

St. Thomas More def Cissna Park 13-25, 25-17, 25-17

(Clinton–jc) A second area school is canceling the remainder of its football schedule. School officials at Clinton High School say the varsity Maroons are canceling the remainder of the season due to injuries and participation numbers. The Maroons were Oh and 3 heading into week 4. Clinton High School will continue to have JV football. Earlier this week, Hoopeston Area High School officials are planning to play one more game this season and forfeiting the rest. Watseka High School also is not playing varsity football this year. They continue to have a J V team.

(Texas–jc)  – Illinois women's golf wrapped up season-opening play at The Bruzzy on Wednesday in Texas. The Orange and Blue tied for fourth as a team, carding three-straight below par rounds to finish the event -12. Individually, Sofia Vargas scored 10-under-par to earn co-champion honors from the Trophy Club Country Club.

(Illinois–jc) It’s racing at Worldwide Technology Raceway in Madison this Saturday and Sunday. Nascar Cup Series Driver Joey Logano talks about his confidence to get to the winners circle on Sunday…

Nascar Cup Series Driver Joey Logano

(Fisher–jc)  The Fisher Bunnies Girls Volleyball team is 7 and One on the year. They host Okaw Valley tonight. Fisher Volleyball Coach Laura Collins talks about the winning streak that started in the Cissna Park Tip Off Tournament…

Fisher Volleyball Coach Laura Collins

IHSA Volleyball Schedule

Clinton @ Rantoul

Iroquois West @ Watseka

Armstrong @ Salt Fork

Flanagan Cornell @ Gibson City Melvin Sibley

Mahomet Seymour @ Mt Zion

Cissna Park @ Chrisman

Fisher vs Okaw Valley

MLB

Chicago Cubs and St Louis Cardinals have the day off

1-20pm Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago White Sox

NFL

LA Rams vs SF 49ers from Melbourne Australia

MLB

Milwaukee Brewers def Chicago Cubs 4-3 10 innings

SF Giants def St. Louis Cardinals 2-1

Pittsburgh Pirates def Chicago White Sox 9-3

IHSA Volleyball

PBL def Milford 25-14, 25-22

Rantoul def Oakwood 14-25, 25-16, 25-23

Salt Fork def Cissna Park 26-24, 22-25, 25-20

Dee Mack def GCMS 25-14, 25-18

St. Joe Ogden def Casey Westfield 18-25, 25-20, 25-21

Unity def Clinton 25-14, 25-16

(Hoopeston-jm) – Hoopeston Area High School  has announced the are forfeiting 5 of their last 6 football games this season.  The school says they are forfeiting this week's game against Bismarck Henning Rossville Alvin, before they play their week 5 game against Momence.  Then they will be forfeiting the rest of the games. The school says injuries are the reason for the forfeitures. In addition to the Bismarck Henning game, the other games affected are Georgetown Ridge Farm, Oakwood, Clifton Central and Westville. Hoopeston co-ops with Armstrong Potomac High School for football.

(Gibson City–jc)  The Gibson City Melvin Sibley Falcons football team is one and two on the year heading into a week four matchup with Tuscola. Gibson City Melvin Sibley Football Coach Seeff Grauer talks about his defensive coordinator in Luke Stout…

Gibson City Melvin Sibley Football Coach Seeff Grauer

(Paxton–jc)  The Paxton Buckley Loda Panther Volleyball squad is now 4 and 4 on the year after a two set win over Milford last night in Paxton. Paxton Buckley Loda Volleyball Coach Tyler Rubarts talks about the play of one of his Liberos in Peyton Luebchow…

Paxton Buckley Loda Volleyball Coach Tyler Rubarts

(Undated–jc)  It’s year two for Chase Briscoe driving the number 19 car in the Nascar Cup Series for Joe Gibbs racing. Briscoe says he is more comfortable in the seat in year two..

Nascar Cup Driver Chase Briscoe

(Paxton–jc)  The Milford Bearcats lost to Paxton Buckley Loda last night in I H S A Volleyball. One positive for Milford is they played through being down by 9 points in the second set, to come back and take the lead in set two. Milford Volleyball Coach Shawn Lane talks about the team starting to work together more and play tough…

Milford Volleyball Coach Shawn Lane

IHSA Girls Volleyball Tonight

St. Joseph Ogden @ Oakwood

Momence @ Iroquois West

Cissna Park @ St. Thomas More

NFL returns tonight with Super Bowl rematch

New England Patriots @ Seattle Seahawks

MLB Today

St. Louis Cardinals @ San Francisco Giants - 2:45

Chicago Cubs @ Milwaukee Brewers - 6:40

Pittsburgh Pirates @ Chicago White Sox - 6:40

MLB

Milwaukee Brewers def Chicago Cubs 4-3

SF Giants def St. Louis Cardinals 5-4 11 innings

Sox were off

IHSA Volleyball

Fisher def GCMS 25-19, 21-25, 25-21

630am

(Champaign–jc)  The University of Illinois’ second football game is now sold out. The Illini take on Duke Saturday afternoon  The Illinois vs. Duke game is scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. The game airs live on WPXN starting at 1-30pm 

(Paxton–jc)  The Paxton Buckley Loda Volleyball team uses two setters with their offense this year. They include Kylie Rust and Logan Loschen. Paxton Buckley Loda Volleyball Coach Tyler Rubarts talks about his pair of setters…

Paxton Buckley Loda Volleyball Coach Tyler Rubarts

(St Joe–jc)  The look to the playoffs for I H S A Football is still a ways into the fall, but area coaches are always looking at where their team might go. For the St Joe Ogden Spartans, any post season birth would be in Class 3-A says St Joe Ogden Football Coach Shawn Skinner…

St Joe Ogden Football Coach Shawn Skinner

IHSA Volleyball Schedule

Milford @ PBL

Casey Westfield @ St. Joseph Ogden

Rantoul @ Oakwood

Armstrong @ Judah Christian

Deer Creek Mackinaw @ GCMS

Mattoon @ Mahomet Seymour

Cissna Park @ Salt Fork

MLB

640pm Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers

845pm St Louis Cardinals at San Francisco Giants

640pm Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago White Sox

Tonight on WPXN its IHSA Volleyball as the PBL Panthers host the Milford Bearcats. Pregame at 6:45 with opening volley around 7pm.

MLB

Milwaukee Brewers def Chicago Cubs 9-5

St. Louis Cardinals def LA Dodgers 8-6 10 innings

Houston Astros def Chicago White Sox  2-0

IHSA Volleyball

Decatur MacArthur def Rantoul 25-23, 25-12

Tri Valley def Cissna Park 25-11, 25-10

(Milford–jc) The Milford Cissna Park Bearcats are one and one on the year in 8 man football play. M-CP Football Coach Clint Schwartz looks at getting physical at the varsity level…

Milford Cissna Park Football Coach Clint Schwartz

(Darlington–jc)  It’s a grueling race. That is the way Nascar Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney describes the upcoming race on Sunday at Darlington South Carolina…

Nascar Cup Series Driver Ryan Blaney

IHSA Volleyball

Watseka @ PBL

Teutopolis @ St. Joseph Ogden

Rantoul @ Urbana

Armstrong @ LeRoy

GCMS @ El Paso Gridley

MLB

Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs 6:15pm

St. Louis Cardinals at LA Dodgers 9:10pm

Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros 1:10pm

Big Ten Football

UAB at Illinois

UMass at Rutgers

Eastern Illinois at Minnesota

Tonight on WPXN its Fighting Illini football as the Fighting Illini host the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Pregame at 7pm with kickoff at 8pm.

MLB

Milwaukee Brewers def Chicago Cubs 9-4

St. Louis Cardinals def LA Dodgers 13-8

Chicago White Sox def Houston Astros 5-1

IHSA Volleyball

GCMS def PBL 25-22, 25-15

Mahomet Seymour def St. Joe Ogden 25-23, 25-19

Iroquois West def Illinois Lutheran 25–22, 19-25, 25-23 

(St Joe–jc)  The Illini Prairie Football conference is one where not only do you face the top talent in the area, but one of diverse schemes both offensively and defensively.  St Joe Ogden Football Coach Shawn Skinner talks about the diversity in the Illini Prairie…

St Joe Ogden Football Coach Shawn Skinner

(Darlington–jc) Its the Southern 500 from Darlington, South Carolina for the Nascar Cup Series. Nascar Driver Christopher Bell looks at preparing for this popular race…

Nascar Cup Series Driver Christopher Bell

The race airs live on Sunday on WPXN at 3pm

IHSA Volleyball

Rantoul @ Decatur MacArthur

Beecher @ Cissna Park

Iroquois West @ Grant Park

Armstrong Potomac @ St. Joseph Ogden

MLB

6-40pm Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs

9-10pm St Louis Cardinals at L A Dodgers

7-10pm Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros

MLB

Chicago Cubs def Milwaukee Brewers 17-3

Houston Astros def Chicago White Sox 6-3

Cards were off

IHSA Volleyball

Bismarck Henning Rossville Alvin def PBL 18-25, 25-19, 25-16

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics will host the 2026 Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and 10th-Anniversary Gala, presented by the University of Illinois Foundation, on Friday, Sept. 11. Some of the greatest names in Fighting Illini Athletics are expected to be in attendance on the floor of State Farm Center for the evening's festivities. 

This year's 10th-anniversary ceremony is a ticketed event for all attendees that includes a plated dinner at a tabled seat, open bar, and program that will induct the 2026 class and also welcome back what is approaching 30 Illinois Athletics Hall of Famers from the previous nine classes. A limited number of tickets remain and can be purchased online at FightingIllini.com. Tickets are $150, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Formal attire is required; black tie is encouraged.

(St Joseph–jc)  St Joe Ogden schools are set to honor their next class of Hall of Fame members in September. . The 2026 St. Joseph-Ogden Hall of Fame induction ceremony is on Friday, September 18th. . The 2026 SJO Hall of Fame Class is Marla Dickerson, Bob Glazier, Lucas Marrs, & Stephanie (Canfield) Stinnett.

The induction ceremony is during the homecoming game between the St Joe Ogden Spartans and the Rantoul Eagles. 

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Fighting Illini senior men's golfer Max Herendeen was selected today as a Preseason Second Team All-American by Golf Channel as one of the top-20 competitors in the nation entering the 2026-27 season. As a team, the Illini were also tabbed as the No. 11 squad in the Golf Channel Preseason Top 30 ranking.

(St Joe–jc)  One area football coach is praising the athletes of the Illini Prairie Conference. St Joe Ogden Football Coach Shawn Skinner says schools in the conference have players that excel in multiple sports during the entire school year and that is one reason the Illini Prairie is a high rated conference…

St Joe Ogden Football Coach Shawn Skinner

(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Buckley Loda Volleyball Team is 2 and 2 on the young season. Paxton Buckley  Loda Volleyball Coach Tyler Rubarts says this group of ladies is competitive on the court and in practices too…

Paxton Buckley Loda Volleyball Coach Tyler Rubarts

MLB

6-40pm Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs

9-10pm St Louis Cardinals at L  A Dodgers

7-10am Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros

IHSA Volleyball

Paxston Buckley Loda at Gibson City Melvin Sibley

St. Joseph Ogden @ Mahomet Seymour

Iroquois West @ Illinois Lutheran 

Tonight on WPXN It’s IHSA Volleyball as the Paxton Buckley Loda Panthers travel to take on their county rival, the  Gibson City Melvin Sibley Falcons. Pre match begins around 6-45 and the opening tip at 7pm

MLB

Cincinnati Reds def Chicago Cubs 7-5

Pittsburgh Pirates def St. Louis Cardinals 5-4

Minnesota Twins def Chicago White Sox 5-1

NFL Preseason

Green Bay Packers def Arizona Cardinals 42-38

Detroit Lions def Indianapolis Colts 25-16

Chicago Bears def Tennessee Titans 24-15

NASCAR

Known for two violent wrecks at Daytona International Speedway, Ryan Preece experienced a much different ride Saturday night: A trip to victory lane. Preece won the Cup Series regular season finale at Daytona in overtime to secure the final playoff spot. Daniel Suarez finished second, followed by Michael McDowell, Tyler Reddick and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Youth Football Scores

Flag Football

PBL def Central 32-13

Herscher def  Iroquois West 32-29

Dwight def Momence 42-8

Mighty Mites

PBL def Central 19-6

GCMS def Watseka 43-12

Herscher def Iroquois West 36-6

Dwight def Momence 41-14

Juniors

Central def PBL 36-13

GCMS def Watseka 40-8

Iroquois West def Herscher 14-8

Momence def Dwight 34-13

Seniors

PBL def Central 30-28

GCMS def Watseka 30-0

Herscher def Iroquois West 31-12

Dwight def Momence 71-39

(Undated–jc)  Week two is now complete for IHSA Football. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the wrap up…

(Paxton–jc)  Competing is the key for the Paxton Buckley Loda Panthers football team. PBL Football Coach Josh Pritchard says it's striving to get better and then into November…

Paxton Buckley Loda Football Coach Josh Pritchard

(Undated–jc)  The finals of the 20-26 Cissna Park Tip Off Volleyball Tournament were held on Saturday. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the results and the all tournament team…

(Daytona–jc)  –The NASCAR Cup Series returned to the World Center of Racing with the final spots in the Chase up for grabs. MRN had all the coverage…

   Ryan Preece captured the final spot in the Chase along with his first NASCAR Cup Series points-paying victory. Motor Racing Network will return Sunday, September 6th with coverage of the “Cook Out Southern 500” from Darlington Raceway at 3:00 pm on WPXN.

MLB

640pm Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs

910pm St Louis Cardinals at Los Angeles Dodgers

710pm Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros

IHSA Volleyball

Bismarck Henning Rossville Alvin @ Paxton Buckley Loda

MLB

Arizona Diamondbacks def Chicago Cubs 2-0

Baltimore Orioles def St. Louis Cardinals 8-7

Chicago White Sox def Texas Rangers 10-4

IHSA Volleyball

Danville def Rantoul 25-17, 25-12

Champaign Central def St. Thomas More 25-22, 25-23

Cissna Park Tipoff

Cissna Park def Clifton Central 25-9, 25-16

Clifton Central def GCMS 26-24, 25-20

Cissna Park def GCMS 18-25, 27-25, 15-8

(Champaign–jc) The 20-27 Big Ten Wrestling Championships are headed to Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio This marks the first time that the championships will be held at a neutral venue and not on a member school's campus.  The championships will take place the first weekend in March with all 14 conference wrestling programs participating. Kannon Webster leads the University of Illinois, returning for his senior season after becoming the Big Ten bronze medalist at 157 pounds last season and earning his first All-America honors later that season along with a fifth-place finish at the NCAA Championships.

(Champaign–jc)  –. – The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics  announced today a sponsorship with Caterpillar Incorporated., the global leader in construction and mining equipment, and gas engines and locomotives . Through a multi-year agreement facilitated by Learfield, the two iconic Illinois brands will come together every game day, with the Caterpillar logo prominently displayed on the 25-yard lines of Zuppke Field in Gies Memorial Stadium.

For more than 100 years, Caterpillar has played a key role in Illinois communities. Today, more than 17,000 Cat employees work in Illinois 

(Champaign–jc)  - Madison Rayam was named the Illinois football program's Director of Recruiting & Transition Coordinator, head coach Bret Bielema announced. Rayam previously served as an Associate Director of Academic Services and worked directly with the Illini football team for several years

(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Buckley Loda Volleyball team is one and one on the year after a win against Hoopeston Area High School. This year's team features some senior leadership but also a big junior class of athletes. Paxton Buckley Loda Volleyball Coach Tyler Rubarts says over the summer and in these early matches it’s a time for the team to work together…

Paxton Buckley Loda Volleyball Coach Tyler Rubarts

(St Joe–jc)  The St Joe Ogden Spartans are one and oh on the season. They take on the Paxton Buckley Panthers tomorrow night. St Joe Ogden Football Coach Shawn Skinner says one big plus for the Spartans going into week two is how well they tackled in the opener…

St Joe Ogden Football Coach Shawn Skinner

(Paxton–jc)  It’s a learning process between weeks one and two for most High School football teams. The season for the Paxton Buckley Loda Panthers has two state ranked opponents to start this season with Bloomington Central Catholic and St Joe Ogden. Paxton Buckley Loda Football Coach Josh Pritchard says you will learn a lot about yourself and your team in the Illini Prairie Conference…

Paxton Buckley Loda Football Coach Josh Pritchard

The Panthers host St Joe Ogden Friday night at 7. Our coverage begins at 6-oh-5pm

(Daytona–jc)  It’s Florida racing for the Nascar Cup Series this weekend. The Coke Zero  Sugar 400 airs at 5-30 on Saturday afternoon, here on WPXN. Nascar Cup Series Driver Christopher Bell talks points and position at Daytona…

Nascar Cup Series Driver Christopher Bell

IHSA Volleyball

Urbana @ Paxton Buckley Loda

Bismarck Henning @ St. Joseph Ogden

Armstrong-Potomac @ Rantoul

Iroquois West @ Tri-Point

Mahomet Seymour @ Danville

Cissna Park Tipoff

GCMS vs Milford-5pm

Watseka vs Milford-6pm

Watseka vs GCMS-7pm

MLB

1-15pm Baltimore Orioles at St Louis Cardinals

The Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox have the day off

MLB

Arizona Diamondbacks def Chicago Cubs 5-4

Baltimore Orioles def St. Louis Cardinals 13-1

Chicago White Sox def 11-7

IHSA Volleyball

PBL def Hoopeston Area 25-21, 25-15

Prairie Central def GCMS 16-25, 25-21, 25-23

St. Joe Ogden def Champaign Central 23-25, 25-19, 25-23

Unity def LeRoy 25-22, 18-25, 25-22

Cissna Park Tipoff

Grant Park def Watseka  27-25, 25-17

Manteno def Grant Park  25-20, 25-15

Manteno def Watseka 25-22, 25-16

(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Buckley Loda Football team has another matchup against a top team in the state with the St Joe Ogden Spartans on Friday night. It's varsity time for one sophomore running back. Paxton BuckleyLoda Football Coach Josh Pritchard says there is a large upside to  Sophomore Hunter Shedd…

Paxton Buckley Loda Football Coach Josh Pritchard

(Daytona–jc)  It’s Daytona Florida racing with the Nascar Cup Series on Saturday. Nascar Cup Series Driver Ryan Blaney looks at being prepared for the unexpected at Daytona on Saturday…

Nascar Cup Series Driver Ryan Blaney

The race airs live on WPXN after our coverage of the Cissna Park Timberwolves volleyball tip off tournament

IHSA Volleyball

Rantoul @ Danville

Heritage @ Armstrong

Cissna Park Tip Off Tournament

5pm Cissna Park vs Central Clifton

6pm Central Clifton  vs Gibson City Melvin Sibley

7[m Cissna Park vs Gibson City Melvin Sibley

MLB

2-40pm Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks

6-45 Baltimore Orioles at St Louis Cardinals

6-40pm Texas Rangers at Chicago White Sox

MLB

Chicago Cubs def Arizona Diamondbacks 7-0

Texas Rangers def Chicago White Sox 11-2

Cards were off

IHSA Volleyball

Champaign Centennial over Paxton Buckley Loda  23-25, 25-11, 25-22 

Kills: Ellie Dirks 13

Assists:  Kylie Rust and Logan Loschen 10 each

Digs: Josie Kaufmann 10

Aces: Ellie Dirks 2

Blocks: Rylie Gillespie and Morgan Goss 2 each

St. Joe Ogden def Maroa Forsyth 25-17, 21-25, 25-10

Unity def Bismarck Henning Rossville Alvin 27-25, 25-21

Cissna Park tip Off Tournament from Monday

Fisher def. Milford 25-15, 25-9

Bishop McNamara def. Milford 25-11, 25-10

Bishop McNamara def. Fisher 25-19, 25-18

Updated for 630am

(Champaign–jc) – Fighting Illini Football defensive back Matthew Bailey, wide receiver Hudson Clement, quarterback Katin Houser, offensive lineman Jake Renfro, and defensive back Xavier Scott have been named among the top players eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft as part of the Panini Senior Bowl Top 300. The  20-27 Panini Senior Bowl is on Saturday, January 30, 2027, at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.

(Paxton–jc)  The Paxton Buckley Loda Panther’s Football team ran into a state ranked and tough opponent in the Bloomington Central Catholic Saints on Friday. This version of the Panthers needs varsity time on the grid iron says Paxton Buckley Loda Football Coach Josh Pritchard…

Paxton Buckley Loda Football Coach Josh Pritchard

Next up for PBL is a home game on Friday night against the Spartans of St Joe Ogden

(Gibson City–jc)  The Gibson City Melvin Sibley Football Falcons lost a tough game against the Tri Valley Vikings on Friday night in the season opener for both schools. Gibson City Melvin Sibley Football Coach Seeff Grauer talks about his quarterback, Tucker Muehler and some tall athletic receivers…

Gibson City Melvin Sibley Football Coach Seeff Grauer

(Champaign–jc)  When University of Illinois Football fans attend games at Gies Memorial Stadium, there are 10 new things to enjoy. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the list…

IHSA Volleyball today

Hoopeston Area @ Paxton Buckley Loda

St. Joseph Ogden @ Champaign Central

Rantoul @ Westville

Iroquois West @ Donovan

GCMS @ Prairie Central

Cissna Park Tip Off Tournament

5pm Watseka vs Grant Park

6pm Manteno vs Grant Park

7pm Manteno vs Watseka

MLB

8-40pm Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks

6-45pm Baltimore Orioles at St Louis Cardinals

6-40pm Texas Rangers at Chicago White Sox

MLB

Chicago Cubs def Seattle Mariners 19-2

Philadelphia Phillies def St. Louis Cardinals 6-4

Chicago White Sox def NY Mets 2-1

CIFL

Flag Football

Dwight def Iroquois West 45-25

Momence def Central 26-8

Mighty Mites 

PBL def Watseka 48-12

Herscher def GCMS 26-20

Dwight def Iroquois West 20-7

Central def Momence 26-8

Juniors 

PBL def Watseka via Forfeit

GCMS def Herscher 38-8

Iroquois West def Dwight 32-0

Central def Momence 16-14

Seniors

PBL def Watseka 14-0

Herscher def GCMS 20-18

Dwight def Iroquois West 34-26

Momence def Central 52-32

NASCAR

Ryan Blaney earned his second consecutive win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. After a pit crew blunder, Blaney raced from 17th to 1st and led the final 74 laps to beat Bubba Wallace. Josh Berry finished a season best third, Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson rounded out the top 5. 

630am

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois DB Matthew Bailey has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2026 Chuck Bednarik Award, released Friday by the Maxwell Football Club. Bailey is among 91 players listed in consideration for the College Defensive Player of the Year honor. He is one of 19 Big Ten players on the watch list.

630am

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois soccer  recorded a scoreless draw against UIC  on Sunday Night in Demirjian Park. Izzy Lee made three saves to keep her second clean sheet of the season. Hedda Ornberg made her first start as an Illini tonight where she led the team in shots with six and had three shots on goal.

7am

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Two Illinois team captains, offensive lineman Jake Renfro and defensive back Xavier Scott, have been named to the preseason watch list for the 2026 College Football Comeback Player of the Year Award. The list was released by the College Sports Communicators in association with the Associated Press and the Fiesta Bowl. 

(Undated–jc)  Week One of IHSA Football is in the books. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has a wrap on all the action…

(Bloomington–jc) The Paxton Buckley Loda Panthers lost their opening football game against state ranked Bloomington Central Catholic on Friday. Paxton Buckley Loda Football Coach Josh Pritchard talks about the athletic play of the Saints…

Paxton Buckley Loda Football Coach Josh Pritchard

(Undated–jc)  Week one of 8 Man Football is in the books. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the results…

(St Joseph–jc)  - The Spartans of St Joe Ogden are 1 and 0 after their victory over the Prairie Central Hawks. St Joe Ogden Spartan Football Coach Shawn Skinner says after a turnover to start, the spartans ground game was big in the initial win…

St Joe Ogden Football Coach Shawn Skinner

IHSA Volleyball

PBL @ Champaign Centennial

Maroa Forsyth @ St. Joseph Ogden

Blue Ridge @ Iroquois West

The 2026 Timberwolf Tip Off from Cissna Park High School

5pm Fisher vs Milford

6pm Kankakee Bishop Mac vs Milford

7pm Fisher vs Kankakee Bishop Mac

MLB

Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks 8:40pm

Texas Rangers at Chicago White Sox 6:40pm

MLB

St. Louis Cardinals def Cincinnati Red 10-9

Atlanta Braves def Chicago White Sox 2-0

Cubs were off

(Bloomignton–jc)  The Bloomington Central Catholic Saints are the week one opponent for the Paxton Buckley Loda Panthers  in I H S A Football. Bloomington Central Catholic Football Coach Kevin Braucht (brat) talks about his returning 7 on offense with some new faces on defense…

Bloomington Central Catholic Football Coach Kevin Braucht

(Gibson city–jc)  – The Gibson City Melvin Sibley Falcons football team starts the new year on the road at Heart of Illinois Conference rival Tri Valley, Friday night. The Falcons have a new head coach, but a familiar coach in Seeff Grauer. New Gibson City Melvin Sibley Coach Seeff Grauer talks about his coaching resume…

Gibson City Melvin Sibley Football Coach Seeff Grauer

(Loudon–jc) Loudon is a “tricky track” according to one Nascar Cup Series Driver. Cup Series Driver Christopher Bell says it’s managing the track and always  the bumps and more in turn three…

Nascar Cup Series Driver Christopher Bell

The Dollar Tree 301 is live on WPXN at 1pm on Sunday

(Paxton–jc)  The Paxton Buckley Loda Panther football team heads to Bloomington Central Catholic tonight to take on the Saints in week one of the 

I H S A Football season. Paxton Buckley Loda Football Coach Josh Pritchard says the team will be young, but have a good number of returners from last year…

Paxton Buckley Loda Football Coach Josh Pritchard

Our coverage tonight begins at 6-oh-5pm

MLB

Chicago Cubs at Seattle Mariners 9:10pm

St. Louis Cardinals at Philadelphia Phillies 5:40pm

NY Mets at Chicago White Sox 6:40pm

IHSA Football

Week 1- August 21

PBL @ Bloomington Central Catholic

Tolono Unity @ Rantoul

Prairie Central @ St. Joseph Ogden

Illinois Valley Central @ Monticello

Coal City @ Pontiac

Westville @ Iroquois West

Tri-Valley @ GCMS

Cumberland @ Fisher

Morton @ Mahomet Seymour

Danville @ Champaign Central

Urbana @ Champaign Centennial - Saturday, August 22nd - noon

8Man Football-Saturday

Milford Cissna Park vs Hiwatha

St. Thomas More vs Peoria Heights

NFL Preseason

Friday

Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos

Saturday 

Atlanta Falcons at Indianapolis Colts

Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals

Tonight on WPXN its IHSA Football as the PBL Panthers are on the road at Bloomington Central Catholic. Our coverage begins at 6-oh-5 with the Friday Night Preview Show. We’ll join Jay Eshleman and Rocky Maron at 6-35 with their pre-game show and the kick off is set for 7pm. 

Saturday morning it’s the Illini Guys radio program from 6am to 7am. Get the latest on U of I Sports and more. Sponsored by Popejoy Roofing and the Shields Auto Group.

Then its On the Sidelines from 7-8. Sponsored by Angel Auto Services of Onarga, Matco Fire Protection Services of Paxton, Elite Performance-Gibson Area Hospital and The Roofing Dog

Sunday on WPXN its NASCAR Cup Series Racing with the Dollar Tree 301 from Loudon, New Hampshire.  Broadcast at 1pm

MLB

Chicago White Sox def Chicago Cubs 3-0

Cincinnati Reds def St. Louis Cardinals 5-4

(Paxton–jc)  The Paxton Buckley Loda Football team begins the season on the road at Bloomington Central Catholic tomorrow night. The Illini Prairie Conference is considered one of the best conferences in the state and will have its elite teams again this year, says Paxton Buckley Loda Football Coach Josh Pritchard…

Paxton Buckley Loda Football Coach Josh Pritchard

Our coverage begins at 6-oh-5 tomorrow night with the Friday Night Preview Show. We join Jay Eshlemann and Rocky Maron at 6-35 with their pre-game show and the kick off is set for 7pm from Bloomington. 

(Loudon–jc)  It’s Nascar racing at Loudon New Hampshire on Sunday. Nascar Cup Series Driver Christopher Bell looks at the challenges of the track, especially in the third corner…

Nascar Cup Series Driver Christopher Bell

The race airs live on Sunday, on WPXN. 

MLB

11-40am St Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds

1-10pm Atlanta Braves at Chicago White Sox

Chicago Cubs have the day off

MLB

Chicago Cubs def Chicago White Sox 4-3

St. Louis Cardinals def Cincinnati Reds 3-0

630am

(Urbana–jc)   University of Illinois Running Back Ca'Lil Valentine has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2026 Doak Walker Award, released Tuesday by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum. Valentine, a junior from Hayward, Calif., is one of 62 players on the list, overall, and one of 12 from the Big Ten.

The Illini take on The University of Alabama Birmingham on Thursday September 3rd at 8pm the game, and all football games,  air live on WPXN

(Milford–jc)  The Milford Cissna Park 8 Man Football team made the playoffs again last year, losing eventually to the state champions in Amboy High School. Milford Cissna Park 8 Man Football Coach Clint Schwartz talks about two of his returning leaders…

Milford Cissna Park 8 Man Football Coach Clint Schwartz

(Loudon–jc)  It’s New Hampshire racing on Sunday as the Nascar Cup Series season continues. Nascar Cup Series Driver Joey Logano talks about momentum going to  New  Hampshire…

Nascar Cup Series Driver Joey Logano.

MLB

1-20pm Chicago White Sox at Chicago Cubs

5-40pm St Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds

MLB

Chicago Cubs def Chicago White Sox 7-5 in 10 innings

St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds split a double header 

Cardinals won game one 2-1, Reds won game two 6-5 in 10 innings

The Rantoul/PBL Boys Golf team finished 8th in the Tiger Kickoff Classic at the U of I Blue Course. Lucas Rodeen tied for 16th place with a score of 79. Avery Busboom and Jack Flessner each tied for 30th with a score of 84.

The Iroquois West Girls golf team participated in a head to head match against Manteno on 8/17 at Aspen Ridge. Manteno took the match by 1 point, winning 221 to 222. IW’s Kaia Kimmel was the meet medalist with a 42. Other scores for IW were Karsyn Arie 55, Paige Miller 58, and Alivia Albrecht with a 67 to round out the top 4 scores. The team was completed by Jovie Herscher and Presley Schunke.

(Richmond–jc)  With the race at Richmond completed, and racing headed to New Hampshire on Sunday, some extended practice time continues for Nascar Cup Drivers. Nascar Cup Driver Austin Dillon talks about more time on the track…

Nascar Cup Series Driver Austin Dillon

(Urbana–jc)  The University of Illinois Football team continues to practice and get ready for the upcoming season. University of Illinois Defensive Lineman Pat Ferrell says they continue to work on the new defense…

University of Illinois Defensive Lineman Pat Ferrell.

WPXN is your local source for Illinois Football, again this year. The first broadcast is Thursday September 4th at 7pm with the network

MLB

7-oh-5pm Chicago White Sox at Chicago Cubs

5-40pm St Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds

MLB

St. Louis Cardinals def Chicago Cubs 11-4

Chicago White Sox def Detroit Tigers 7-5

NFL Preseason

Saturday

Chicago Bears def Cleveland Browns 34-10

CIFL

Flag Football

Momence def PBL 40-23

Dwight def Herscher 42-8

Mighty Mites

PBL def Momence 37-6

GCMS def Central 27-0

Watseka def Iroquois West 40-27

Dwight def Hescher 19-18

Juniors

PBL def Momence 24-20

GCMS def Central 33-6

Iroquois west def Watseka 12-8

Hescher def Dwight 18-0

Seniors

Momence def PBL 51-22

GCMS def Central 16-0

Iroquois West def Watseka 24-6

Dwight def Herscher 28-18

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The University of Illinois Varsity "I" Association will host members of the Illinois football team's 2001 Big Ten championship football team for a 25th anniversary reunion on campus the weekend of Sept. 11-12. Former Fighting Illini are invited back to Brandon Lloyd's Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame induction on Friday, Sept. 11, before the Illini take on Duke at Gies Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 12. 

(Richmond–jc)  It was a sell out crowd in Richmond on Saturday night for the Nascar Cup Series. MRN was there with all the action…

 Joey Logano outdueled Chase Briscoe to capture his 2nd checkered flag of 2026. . 

(Urbana–jc)  There are some changes for rosters and eligibility for collegiate football players. University of Illinois Football Coach Bret Bielema talks about those options…

University of Illinois Football Coach Bret Bielema

You can hear the Illini football games live on WPXN, again this year starting with game one on Thursday September 3rd

 MLB

7-oh-5pm Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs

5-40pm St Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds

MLB

Washington Nationals def Chicago cubs 7-0

Cincinnati Reds def Chicago White Sox 9-8

NFL Pre season

Pittsburgh Steelers def Green Bay Packers 28-9

Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots end in 13-13 tie

(Richmond–jc)  It’s where you race in Richmond that can help you to the front and a top finish in the race. Nascar Cup Series Driver Ryan Preece says the center is the key…

Nascar Cup Series Driver Ryan Preece

The cup race airs live on Saturday afternoon starting at 5pm

(Urbana–jc)  The University of Illinois Football program has a new  defensive coordinator in Bobby Hauck. It’s also a new defensive scheme for this year with a Three-Three-Five Defense. University of Illinois Junior Defensive Lineman Pat Ferrell says learning the new system has been a learning experience but also exciting…

University of Illinois Football Defensive Lineman Pat Ferrell.

WPXN will carry all the Illinois football games live again, this year. 

MLB

St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs 1:20pm

Chicago White Sox at Detroit Tigers 5:40pm

NFL Preseason Saturday

Noon Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears

Saturday morning it’s the Illini Guys radio program from 6am to 7am. Get the latest on U of I Sports and more. Sponsored by Popejoy Roofing and the Shields Auto Group.

Then its On the Sidelines from 7-8. Sponsored by Angel Auto Services of Onarga, Matco Fire Protection Services of Paxton, Elite Performance-Gibson Area Hospital and The Roofing Dog

Following On the sidelines it's our WPXN Live Action Auction starting at 8am.

Saturday evening its the NASCAR Cup Series Race Cook Out 400 from Richmond Raceway.  Broadcast at 6pm

MLB

Chicago Cubs def Washington Nationals 12-6

St. Louis Cardinals def Philadelphia Phillies 7-1

Chicago White Sox def Cincinnati Reds 5-0

(Kansas City–jc)  –– Fifth year Illini goalkeeper Izzy Lee was named to the 2026 MAC-Herman Trophy Watch List. She becomes the third Illini in program history to be named to the prestigious award watchlist and first since Janelle Flaws in 2015. The Herman Trophy is presented annually by the Missouri Athletic Club  and is the nation's highest individual honor recognizing the National Player of the Year.

(Richmond–jc)  What is the fastest lane and path around Richmond Raceway? Nascar Cup Series Driver Ryan Blaney has some ideas…

Nascar Cup Series Driver Ryan Blaney

(Urbana–jc)  The University of Illinois football team is now in full preparation time for the upcoming season which starts on Thursday September 3rd at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign. University of Illinois Football Coach Bret Bielema provides an update on the kickers…

University of Illinois Football Coach Bret Bielema

You can hear all the Illini games live on WPXN again this year

MLB

3-oh-5pm Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals

1-10pm Cincinnati Reds at Chicago White Sox

The Cardinals have the day off before starting a weekend series against the Chicago Cubs.

MLB

Chicago Cubs def Washington Nationals 8-6

St. Louis Cardinals def Philadelphia Phillies 2-0

Cincinnati Reds def Chicago White Sox 5-4 10 innings

(Urbana–jc)  University of Illinois Football Player, Offensive lineman Brandon Henderson,  has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, released Tuesday by The Wuerffel Foundation. 

The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, a member of the National College Football Awards Association, is college football's premier award for community service.

(Richmond–jc)  It’s Richmond Raceway this weekend for the Nascar Xfinity and Cup Series. Nascar Cup Series Driver Austin Dillon says he has a good “feel” for this weekend’s track…

Nascar Cup Series Driver Austin Dillon

(Paxton–jc)  – IHSA Football is set to begin one week from Friday around the area and state. Paxton Buckley Loda Football Coach Josh Pritchard says the size of P-B-L puts them in Class 2-A…

Paxton Buckley Loda Football Coach Josh Pritchard

(Urbana–jc)  University of Illinois soccer returns to Demirjian Park to kick off the 20-26 season against Nationally ranked  Georgia on Thursday  evening. The match starts at 6pm. University of Illinois Women’s Soccer Coach  Katie Hultin is back for her second year at the helm after leading the team back to the NCAA Tournament in her first season last year.

MLB

5-45pm Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals

1-15pm Philadelphia Phillies at St Louis Cardinals

6-40pm Cincinnati Reds at Chicago White Sox

MLB

Philadelphia Phillies def St. Louis Cardinals 6-5

Cubs and Sox were off

(Nasscar–dm)-After Sunday’s race in Iowa, Nascar Driver Chrisopher Bell was asked if he frequently monitors the series points standings?

Nascar Driver Christopher Bell

(Urbana–jc)  The first University of Illinois Football game is set for Gies Memorial Stadium on Thursday September 3rd. University of Illinois Football Coach Bret Bielema talks about some of the team’s offensive line…

University of Illinois Football Coach Bret Bielema

MLB

5-45pm Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals

6-45pm Philadelphia Phillies at St Louis Cardinals

6-40pm Cincinnati Reds at Chicago White Sox

MLB

Chicago Cubs def Kansas City Royals 10-2

St. Louis Cardinals def Colorado Rockies 7-4

Chicago White Sox def Cleveland Guardians 5-3

E.I. League

The Royal Giants won a best of three series over the Paxton Swedes to become the E. I. Baseball League Champs. On Saturday Royal won in Paxton  11-5. On Sunday the Swedes won game two 11-9 in 10 innings, then Royal won game three 16-4 in five innings. 

CIFL

Flag football 

Dwight def PBL 40-34

Momence def Herscher 32-12

Mighty Mites

PBL def Dwight 13-12

GCMS def Iroquois West 19-0

Central def Watseka 32-21

Herscher def Momence 26-0

Juniors

PBL def Dwight 39-0

GCMS def Iroquois West 27-0

Central def Watseka 12-6

Momence def Herscher 31-6

Seniors

Dwight def PBL 47-18

Iroquois West def GCMS 24-22

Momence def Herscher 40-20

(Iowa–jc)    The NASCAR Cup Series returned to Iowa Speedway for its third straight sell-out & MRN had all the coverage…

Ty Gibbs held his hard-charging teammate Christopher Bell in the closing laps to secure the victory at Iowa Speedway. The Motor Racing Network will return Saturday, August 15th with coverage of the “Cook out 400” from Richmond Raceway at 6 pm ET.

MLB

6-45pm Philadelphia Phillies at St Louis Cardinals

Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox have the day off

MLB

Chicago Cubs def Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 10 innings

Red Sox def White Sox 12-11 13 innings

Cards were off

(Iowa–jc) It’s the Iowa Speedway on Sunday for the Nascar Cup Series. Nascar Cup Series Driver Michael McDowell says there is always a challenge in Iowa…

Nascar Cup Series Driver Michael McDowell

The Iowa Corn 350 airs at 1-30 Sunday afternoon here on WPXN. 

(Paxton–jc)  The Paxton Swedes are in the final best of 3 league tournament on Saturday and Sunday in games in Paxton and St Joseph. Paxton Swedes Manager Mark Prina says keys include using a number of pitchers and playing some small ball…

Paxton Swedes Manager Mark Prina

Game one of the tournament finals is 2pm on Saturday at Memorial Field in Paxton. 

(Champaign–jc)  – The Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced the hiring of MaKayla Gayler as the University's next Head Cheerleading Coach. In addition to leading the Fighting Illini Cheerleading program, Gayler will serve in a role within the Athletics Department in marketing and fan engagement, helping elevate the Illinois game day experience while supporting fan-focused initiatives across all sports.

MLB

Chicago Cubs at Kansas City Royals 7:10pm

Colorado Rockies at St. Louis Cardinals 7:15pm

Cleveland Guardians at Chicago White Sox 6:40pm

E. I. Baseball

Best of 3 series

Saturday 

Royal Giants at Paxton Swedes 2pm

Sunday at Royal 

Game 2 at 1pm, game 3 to follow if necessary

Saturday morning it’s the Illini Guys radio program from 6am to 7am.

Get the latest on U of I Sports and more. Sponsored by Popejoy Roofing and the Shields Auto Group

Then its On the Sidelines from 7-8. Sponsored by Angel Auto Services of Onarga, Matco Fire Protection Services of Paxton, Elite Performance-Gibson Area Hospital and The Roofing Dog

Saturday afternoon its O’Reilly Auto Parts HyVee Perks 250 from Iowa Speedway at 3-30pm.

On Sunday its the NASCAR Cup Series Race Iowa corn 350 from Iowa Speedway.  Broadcast at 1:30pm

MLB

Chicago Cubs def LA Dodgers 7-6

St. Louis Cardinals def NY Yankees 3-1

Boston Red Sox def Chicago White Sox 4-0

(Iowa–jc)  It’s Iowa City Nascar racing this weekend for both the Xfinity and Cup Series. Nascar Driver Chris Buscher says the Iowa race is unique…

Nascar Cup Series driver Chris Buscher

(Urbana–jc)  Summer is all about preparation, learning, and more for the University of Illinois Men’s Basketball Team. University of Illinois Men’s Basketball Coach Brad Underwood talks about the importance of Adam Fletcher…

University of Illinois Men’s Basketball Coach Brad Underwood

You can hear all the Illini Men’s games live on WPXN, again this year.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Seven Illinois track and field athletes are set to compete in the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon today through-Sunday . There's a good mix of athletes who competed in the Orange and Blue last season and some incoming freshmen competing on the world scale.

Current Illini competing at the World Championships are Mireya Bugeja (1500m, Malta), Pol Molins (1500m, Spain), and Siun Quinn (high jump, Ireland). Incoming Illini freshmen competing at the World Championships are Charalampos Alivizatos (high jump, Greece), Kim Beard (hammer throw, USA), Joshua Mungin (800m, Great Britain) and Godfred Opoku

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Fighting Illini men's golf program was recognized Wednesday by the Golf Coaches Association of America  for its success in the classroom when the organization announced its  PLATFORM Golf Team Academic Awards. The PLATFORM Golf Team Academic Awards honor programs across all collegiate levels – with a grade point average of 3 point oh or better The Fighting Illini also earned the added distinction of being one of 88 NCAA Division I programs to earn the 2025-26 Presidents Special Recognition for having a team GPA of 3.5 or better.

MLB

1-20pm Toronto Blue Jays at Chicago Cubs

6-10pm Chicago White Sox at Boston Red Sox

The St Louis Cardinals have the day off

MLB 

Chicago Cubs def LA Dodgers 5-1

NY Yankees def St. Louis Cardinals 2-0

Boston Red Sox def Chicago White Sox 14-2

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– Illinois sophomore forward David Mirkovic (Niksic, Montenegro) underwent successful surgery today in Indianapolis after suffering a left foot injury during a team workout in Champaign on July 31. He is expected to make a full recovery. Mirkovic averaged 13.3 points, team-leading 8.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists last season, earning All-Big Ten honorable mention and Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors. He also was selected to the NCAA South All-Region Team, helping lead the Fighting Illini to a 2026 Final Four appearance.

(Paxton–jc)  Paxton and St Joseph are the locations for the end of the year best of 3 finals for E I Baseball. Paxton Swedes Manager Mark Prina talks about preparing the team from the start of the season to get to this point…

Paxton Swedes Manager Mark Prina

(Iowa–jc)  It’s racing in Iowa for the Nascar Xfinity and Cup Series this Saturday and Sunday.Nascar Cup Series driver William Byron talks about heading back to the track where he won last year…

Nascar Cup Series driver William Byron

The Iowa 350 airs Sunday afternoon on WPXN starting at 1-30.

MLB

1-20pm L A Dodgers at Chicago Cubs

6-0h-5pm St Louis Cardinals at New York Yankees

6-10pm Chicago White Sox at Boston Red Sox

MLB

Chicago Cubs def LA Dodgers 10-5

St. Louis Cardinals def NY Yankees 13-7

Sox were off 

ROSEMONT, Ill. – Three Illinois soccer players, Cayla Jackson, Izzy Lee and Emma Yee were named 2026 Big Ten Soccer Players to Watch, The Big 10  conference announced, Monday. Jackson begins her junior season in 2026 after having a stellar sophomore campaign in Illinois. Lee is slated to start her fifth season in 2026 after a record-breaking season in 2025.  Yee will start her junior season in 2026 for Illinois

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Four Fighting Illini men's golfers – Max Herendeen, Trey Marrion, Freddie Turnell, and Ryan Voois – were honored as NCAA Division I Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars for the 2025-26 season. The announcement was made Monday by the Golf Coaches Association of America .

(Paxton–jc)  IHSA Football games start on August 21st. For the Panthers of Paxton Buckley Loda, the first two games are with perennial state ranked teams in Bloomington Central Catholic and St Joe Ogden, says Paxton Buckley Loda Football Coach Josh Pritchard…

Paxton Buckley Loda Football Coach Josh Pritchard

WPXN sports will carry the Panthers on radio for the 42nd consecutive year.

(Urbana–jc)  University of Illinois football practices began today as the team officially starts preparing for the season. University of Illinois Football Coach Bret Bielema talks about always stepping up to the next level…

University of Illinois Football Coach Bret Bielema

MLB

7-0h-5pm L A Dodgers at Chicago Cubs

6-0h-5pm St Louis Cardinals at New York Yankees

6-10-pm Chicago White Sox at Boston Red Sox