Colleen Kane
@colleenkane.bsky.social
College sports writer for the Chicago Tribune; previously Bears, White Sox. Ideas/tips: ckane@chicagotribune.com
Reposted by Colleen Kane
In a game with 48 fouls Friday night, the last one made the difference.
Nick Martinelli’s two free throws with 3.5 seconds left gave Northwestern an 81-79 win over DePaul.
@colleenkane.bsky.social reporting from Wintrust Arena.
Nick Martinelli’s two free throws with 3.5 seconds left gave Northwestern an 81-79 win over DePaul.
@colleenkane.bsky.social reporting from Wintrust Arena.
Nick Martinelli’s free throws with 3.5 seconds left lift Northwestern to an 81-79 win over DePaul
In a game with 48 fouls Friday night, the last one made the difference. Nick Martinelli’s two free throws with 3.5 seconds left gave Northwestern an 81-79 win over DePaul.
trib.al
November 15, 2025 at 6:12 AM
In a game with 48 fouls Friday night, the last one made the difference.
Nick Martinelli’s two free throws with 3.5 seconds left gave Northwestern an 81-79 win over DePaul.
@colleenkane.bsky.social reporting from Wintrust Arena.
Nick Martinelli’s two free throws with 3.5 seconds left gave Northwestern an 81-79 win over DePaul.
@colleenkane.bsky.social reporting from Wintrust Arena.
From Andrej Stojakovic’s smooth scoring and timely defense to Kylan Boswell’s steady presence on both sides to the energy of Zvonimir Ivisic, this looked like an Illinois team worthy of some hype in an 81-77 win over Texas Tech: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/12/i...
Andrej Stojaković leads No. 14 Illinois over No. 11 Texas Tech in front of ‘amazing’ packed State Farm Center
Andrej Stojaković scored a team-high 23 points and had three steals and two blocks — including a crucial late play — to help No. 14 Illinois beat No. 11 Texas Tech 81-77.
www.chicagotribune.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:21 PM
From Andrej Stojakovic’s smooth scoring and timely defense to Kylan Boswell’s steady presence on both sides to the energy of Zvonimir Ivisic, this looked like an Illinois team worthy of some hype in an 81-77 win over Texas Tech: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/12/i...
The first College Football Playoff rankings come out tonight. What's the path for Big Ten teams and for Notre Dame? Here's a look: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/04/c...
College Football Playoff’s 1st rankings are out tonight. What’s the path for Notre Dame and Big Ten teams?
Ohio State, Indiana and Notre Dame have clear paths to College Football Playoff berths. Will they deliver down the stretch?
www.chicagotribune.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:51 PM
The first College Football Playoff rankings come out tonight. What's the path for Big Ten teams and for Notre Dame? Here's a look: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/04/c...
College basketball season is upon us. Here's how No. 17 Illinois’ "Balkan Five" came together through recruiting foresight and shared connections: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/02/i...
How Illinois’ ‘Balkan Five’ came together — and are giving the No. 17 Illini a new sound
Illinois men’s basketball has five players with Balkan heritage this season — the latest product of the Illini’s internationally focused recruiting operation.
www.chicagotribune.com
November 2, 2025 at 4:15 PM
College basketball season is upon us. Here's how No. 17 Illinois’ "Balkan Five" came together through recruiting foresight and shared connections: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/02/i...
Reposted by Colleen Kane
Despite pleas from Gov. JB Pritzker to pause federal immigration enforcement operations while children celebrate Halloween, teams of Border Patrol agents tore through Chicago’s Northwest Side and nearby suburbs Friday, sparking violent clashes with community members throughout the day.
On Halloween, ‘state-sponsored terror’ in Chicago and the north suburbs
Despite pleas from Gov. JB Pritzker to pause federal immigration enforcement operations while children celebrate Halloween, Border Patrol agents tore through Chicago and the suburbs.
trib.al
November 1, 2025 at 12:33 AM
Despite pleas from Gov. JB Pritzker to pause federal immigration enforcement operations while children celebrate Halloween, teams of Border Patrol agents tore through Chicago’s Northwest Side and nearby suburbs Friday, sparking violent clashes with community members throughout the day.
Reposted by Colleen Kane
Washington trampled Illinois’ playoff hopes.
Northwestern couldn’t get the stop this time.
And NIU finally pulled off its first MAC win.
@colleenkane.bsky.social's takeaways from Week 9 in college football.
Northwestern couldn’t get the stop this time.
And NIU finally pulled off its first MAC win.
@colleenkane.bsky.social's takeaways from Week 9 in college football.
Illinois’ playoff hopes are done, and Northwestern can’t get a stop. 4 takeaways from college football Week 9.
Coach Bret Bielema said Illinois needs to examine its defense after a 42-25 loss to Washington snuffed out any hopes of making the College Football Playoff.
trib.al
October 26, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Washington trampled Illinois’ playoff hopes.
Northwestern couldn’t get the stop this time.
And NIU finally pulled off its first MAC win.
@colleenkane.bsky.social's takeaways from Week 9 in college football.
Northwestern couldn’t get the stop this time.
And NIU finally pulled off its first MAC win.
@colleenkane.bsky.social's takeaways from Week 9 in college football.
Northwestern is on a four-game winning streak and doing things the Wildcats haven't done in years thanks in large part to its Top 25 defense. We're about to find out if they're for real over a challenging - but not impossible - back half of the season. www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/24/n...
Is Northwestern — and its top-25 defense — for real? The Wildcats will find out in back half of schedule.
Northwestern has won four straight games after a 1-2 start and is doing things it hasn’t done in years, thanks in large part to its defense.
www.chicagotribune.com
October 24, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Northwestern is on a four-game winning streak and doing things the Wildcats haven't done in years thanks in large part to its Top 25 defense. We're about to find out if they're for real over a challenging - but not impossible - back half of the season. www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/24/n...
How a trio of small-town, central Illinois players --Hank Beatty, Kaden Feagin and Aidan Laughery -- became key forces in the Illini offense. On their roots near Champaign, the transition from small schools to the Big Ten and their communities' support: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/23/i...
How a trio of small-town, central Illinois players became key forces in the Illini offense
The emergence this season of Illini players Hank Beatty, Kaden Feagin and Aidan Laughery — all from small central Illinois towns — is not entirely coincidental.
www.chicagotribune.com
October 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM
How a trio of small-town, central Illinois players --Hank Beatty, Kaden Feagin and Aidan Laughery -- became key forces in the Illini offense. On their roots near Champaign, the transition from small schools to the Big Ten and their communities' support: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/23/i...
Jeremiyah Love's career night, Jadarian Price’s big return lift No. 13 Notre Dame to 34-24 win over No. 20 USC in latest riveting chapter of rivalry. More from last night in South Bend: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/19/n...
Jeremiyah Love’s career night lifts Notre Dame to 34-24 win over No. 20 USC in latest chapter of storied rivalry
Jeremiyah Love added his own chapter to the storied Notre Dame-USC rivalry Saturday, running for a career-high 228 yards in the 13th-ranked Irish’s 34-24 victory.
www.chicagotribune.com
October 19, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Jeremiyah Love's career night, Jadarian Price’s big return lift No. 13 Notre Dame to 34-24 win over No. 20 USC in latest riveting chapter of rivalry. More from last night in South Bend: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/19/n...
How Jordan Faison manages his 'extraordinary' 2-sport career at Notre Dame -- and how he has taken it to a new level this season on the football field: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/16/j...
How Jordan Faison manages his ‘extraordinary’ 2-sport career — now as Notre Dame’s go-to receiver
After competing for national championships in football and lacrosse at Notre Dame, Jordan Faison is taking his football contributions to new levels this season.
www.chicagotribune.com
October 17, 2025 at 4:34 PM
How Jordan Faison manages his 'extraordinary' 2-sport career at Notre Dame -- and how he has taken it to a new level this season on the football field: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/16/j...
I wrote two sad stories recently on deaths under different circumstances - one person 20, one 106. But it was beautiful how the loved ones of both spoke of their joy and kindness toward others and wanting to carry that on.
The first, on Chase Stegall:
The first, on Chase Stegall:
Chase Stegall’s family and DePaul soccer have a mission in the wake of 20-year-old’s death: To spread his joy
DePaul soccer player Chase Stegall, who died in June, is remembered for his positivity. His family and former team are trying to lift each other up to honor him.
www.chicagotribune.com
October 17, 2025 at 2:56 PM
I wrote two sad stories recently on deaths under different circumstances - one person 20, one 106. But it was beautiful how the loved ones of both spoke of their joy and kindness toward others and wanting to carry that on.
The first, on Chase Stegall:
The first, on Chase Stegall:
Loyola says goodbye to Sister Jean — ‘a friend to many’ — at a packed on-campus funeral. Here are some of the memories that were shared: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/16/l...
Loyola says goodbye to Sister Jean — ‘a friend to many’ — at a packed on-campus funeral
Loyola’s Madonna della Strada chapel was filled to capacity for Sister Jean’s funeral as people celebrated her friendship, kindness and joyful spirit.
www.chicagotribune.com
October 17, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Loyola says goodbye to Sister Jean — ‘a friend to many’ — at a packed on-campus funeral. Here are some of the memories that were shared: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/16/l...
The crowd gathered for FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff as Illinois gets ready to play No. 1 Ohio State.
October 11, 2025 at 3:10 PM
The crowd gathered for FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff as Illinois gets ready to play No. 1 Ohio State.
Chase Stegall’s family and friends, including the DePaul soccer team, have a mission in the wake of the 20-year-old's death: To spread his joy. How remembering Stegall’s positivity — and sharing it with each other — is helping them through their grief: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/09/c...
Chase Stegall’s family and DePaul soccer have a mission in the wake of 20-year-old’s death: To spread his joy
DePaul soccer player Chase Stegall, who died in June, is remembered for his positivity. His family and former team are trying to lift each other up to honor him.
www.chicagotribune.com
October 9, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Chase Stegall’s family and friends, including the DePaul soccer team, have a mission in the wake of the 20-year-old's death: To spread his joy. How remembering Stegall’s positivity — and sharing it with each other — is helping them through their grief: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/09/c...
Big Ten basketball media days takeaways: Northwestern’s Joe McKeown on retirement, JuJu Watkins' off-court role at USC during her recovery, the unknown for Illinois’ Shauna Green and Lauren Betts on playing with her sister at UCLA: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/08/b...
4 takeaways on Big Ten basketball, including Joe McKeown’s retirement reasons and JuJu Watkins’ off-court role
Joe McKeown announced in March that he will retire after this season, his 18th at Northwestern and 40th overall as a head coach.
www.chicagotribune.com
October 9, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Big Ten basketball media days takeaways: Northwestern’s Joe McKeown on retirement, JuJu Watkins' off-court role at USC during her recovery, the unknown for Illinois’ Shauna Green and Lauren Betts on playing with her sister at UCLA: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/08/b...
5 takeaways from Notre Dame's win over Boise State, including Leonard Moore's return, the defense rounding back into form, the fourth-down failures, Marcus Freeman on the roughing the passer calls and Jadarian Price’s big run:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/04/n...
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/04/n...
5 takeaways from Notre Dame’s win over Boise State, including Leonard Moore’s return and the defense stepping up
Notre Dame appeared to have its defensive mojo back as it topped Boise State 28-7 on Saturday in the Broncos’ first trip to Notre Dame Stadium.
www.chicagotribune.com
October 5, 2025 at 3:57 AM
5 takeaways from Notre Dame's win over Boise State, including Leonard Moore's return, the defense rounding back into form, the fourth-down failures, Marcus Freeman on the roughing the passer calls and Jadarian Price’s big run:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/04/n...
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/04/n...
College football Week 5 takeaways: Illinois maintains confidence, Notre Dame keeps rebuilding its CFP case, Northwestern leans on run game in first Big Ten win and more: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/28/c...
College football Week 5 takeaways: Illinois maintains confidence, while Notre Dame rebuilds its CFP case
If there was any question about how Illinois would respond after its embarrassing 53-point loss at Indiana, the Illini answered it early — and late — vs. USC.
www.chicagotribune.com
September 28, 2025 at 6:48 PM
College football Week 5 takeaways: Illinois maintains confidence, Notre Dame keeps rebuilding its CFP case, Northwestern leans on run game in first Big Ten win and more: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/28/c...
Griffin Wilde transferred to Northwestern from South Dakota State to show he belongs playing against "big-time names" in the Big Ten. “And hopefully I will be able to make a name for myself as well.” On the Wildcats receiver's step up: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/26/n...
Griffin Wilde transferred to Northwestern to play vs. ‘big-time names’ in Big Ten — and he’s showing he belongs
Wide receiver Griffin Wilde loved South Dakota State, but Northwestern gives him the opportunity to show he can thrive on a bigger stage.
www.chicagotribune.com
September 26, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Griffin Wilde transferred to Northwestern from South Dakota State to show he belongs playing against "big-time names" in the Big Ten. “And hopefully I will be able to make a name for myself as well.” On the Wildcats receiver's step up: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/26/n...
After “sickening” 53-point loss to Indiana, Illini say they need to “eat this shit sandwich and keep moving.” On the night the Illinois hype crashed back down to earth against a Hoosiers team that looks like a repeat CFP contender: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/21/i...
No. 9 Illinois completely outclassed from start to finish in ‘sickening’ 63-10 loss to No. 19 Indiana
In a rare ranked matchup Saturday night, No. 19 Indiana looked like a repeat College Football Playoff contender. No. 9 Illinois looked outclassed in a 63-10 loss.
www.chicagotribune.com
September 21, 2025 at 5:07 PM
After “sickening” 53-point loss to Indiana, Illini say they need to “eat this shit sandwich and keep moving.” On the night the Illinois hype crashed back down to earth against a Hoosiers team that looks like a repeat CFP contender: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/21/i...
Illinois’ Gabe Jacas is determined to keep rising — for his team, his family and eventually his future. The Illini OLB on how his family shaped him, his work to get better and how he wants to be a leader in his fourth season in Champaign: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/17/g...
Illinois’ Gabe Jacas is determined to keep rising — for his team, his family and eventually his future
Illinois coach Bret Bielema called outside linebacker Gabe Jacas “extremely motivated” to improve after he decided last winter to give Champaign one more year.
www.chicagotribune.com
September 17, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Illinois’ Gabe Jacas is determined to keep rising — for his team, his family and eventually his future. The Illini OLB on how his family shaped him, his work to get better and how he wants to be a leader in his fourth season in Champaign: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/17/g...
Reposted by Colleen Kane
Marcus Freeman cited a number of potential factors in Notre Dame's lack of defensive execution Saturday, including focus, technique and personnel.
“All of those things are the responsibility of us as coaches.”
3 things @colleenkane.bsky.social learned from the Irish coach.
“All of those things are the responsibility of us as coaches.”
3 things @colleenkane.bsky.social learned from the Irish coach.
3 things we learned from Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, who might spend more time with the defense
After Notre Dame’s 0-2 start, coach Marcus Freeman put it on himself and his staff to figure out how to fix the execution problems on defense.
trib.al
September 15, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Marcus Freeman cited a number of potential factors in Notre Dame's lack of defensive execution Saturday, including focus, technique and personnel.
“All of those things are the responsibility of us as coaches.”
3 things @colleenkane.bsky.social learned from the Irish coach.
“All of those things are the responsibility of us as coaches.”
3 things @colleenkane.bsky.social learned from the Irish coach.
Notre Dame’s playoff future already "uncertain" after nail-biting loss to Texas A&M. On the riveting finish in South Bend last night, the many Notre Dame defensive problems and where the Irish go next after an 0-2 start: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/14/n...
Notre Dame’s playoff future already ‘uncertain’ after nail-biting loss to Texas A&M
A 41-40 loss to No. 16 Texas A&M in a riveting finish leaves No. 8 Notre Dame wondering where to go from here.
www.chicagotribune.com
September 14, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Notre Dame’s playoff future already "uncertain" after nail-biting loss to Texas A&M. On the riveting finish in South Bend last night, the many Notre Dame defensive problems and where the Irish go next after an 0-2 start: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/14/n...
Reposted by Colleen Kane
Illinois' nearly 102-year-old football stadium has a new name — Gies Memorial Stadium — after a $100 million donation from alumnus Larry Gies, the largest in the athletic department's history.
More from @colleenkane.bsky.social.
More from @colleenkane.bsky.social.
Illinois renames its football venue Gies Memorial Stadium after $100 million donation from alumnus
The Illinois athletic department announced the largest donation in its history Tuesday: a $100 million gift from alumnus Larry Gies.
trib.al
September 9, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Illinois' nearly 102-year-old football stadium has a new name — Gies Memorial Stadium — after a $100 million donation from alumnus Larry Gies, the largest in the athletic department's history.
More from @colleenkane.bsky.social.
More from @colleenkane.bsky.social.
Caught up with Northern Illinois’ Thomas Hammock to talk about his viral transfer portal comments, staying competitive amid major roster turnover and the remnants of the Notre Dame win last year: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/27/n...
NIU’s Thomas Hammock, who went ‘viral’ for transfer portal comments, tries to stay adaptable in a new era
Northern Illinois coach Thomas Hammock says he’s not against transfers or revenue sharing. He just wants players to consider other factors.
www.chicagotribune.com
August 27, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Caught up with Northern Illinois’ Thomas Hammock to talk about his viral transfer portal comments, staying competitive amid major roster turnover and the remnants of the Notre Dame win last year: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/27/n...
Reposted by Colleen Kane
@colleenkane.bsky.social's 5 questions for No. 12 Illinois:
- Can the Illini buck the up-then-down season trend?
- Will QB Luke Altmyer rise to the occasion?
- Who will step up at receiver?
- Can an experienced defense with several stars become more dangerous?
- How will they handle early tests?
- Can the Illini buck the up-then-down season trend?
- Will QB Luke Altmyer rise to the occasion?
- Who will step up at receiver?
- Can an experienced defense with several stars become more dangerous?
- How will they handle early tests?
Will QB Luke Altmyer rise to the occasion — and who will step up at WR? 5 questions for No. 12 Illinois.
No. 12 Illinois enters the season with high hopes but also questions about QB Luke Altmyer, the wide receivers — and historical shortcomings.
trib.al
August 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM
@colleenkane.bsky.social's 5 questions for No. 12 Illinois:
- Can the Illini buck the up-then-down season trend?
- Will QB Luke Altmyer rise to the occasion?
- Who will step up at receiver?
- Can an experienced defense with several stars become more dangerous?
- How will they handle early tests?
- Can the Illini buck the up-then-down season trend?
- Will QB Luke Altmyer rise to the occasion?
- Who will step up at receiver?
- Can an experienced defense with several stars become more dangerous?
- How will they handle early tests?