CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - University of Illinois Athletics Director, Josh Whitman, hosted his annual media roundtable on Thursday. Each year, journalists are invited to a discussion reflecting on the past sports season involving all Illini athletics, as well as plans for the future.

Whitman referred to this year's theme as the program's "commitment to excellence", not just with performance in competition, but also behind the scenes. Additionally, Whiteman addressed areas he feels they need to improve, as well as the direction of sports as a whole across the NCAA.

Terrence Shannon Jr. to have banner raised in State Farm Center

Following conversations with other athletic administrators, Illini athletics will raise a #0 banner to honor Terrence Shannon Jr, this coming season. Shannon cemented himself as one of the best men's basketball players in the country and had a leading role in helping Illini basketball to their Big Ten Tournament title and the furthest run in March Madness since 2005.

Shannon had been kept off the unanimous All-American list, due to legal battles in Kansas regarding an alleged rape case. Following the jury's "not guilty" decision and the university naming him Male Athlete of the Year, leaders within Illinois athletics determined to make an exception to criteria that would normally prohibit him for having his jersey lifted.

AD Josh Whitman had a FaceTime conversation with Shannon where he shared the news. Discussions regarding a time when the banner raising will take place will happen once Shannon's move to the pros is complete and a schedule finalized.

Financial Compensation for Student-Athletes

A proposed settlement involving the NCAA means it's only a matter of time before student-athletes at Power Five institutions can begin receiving pay.

Whitman went into detail regarding discussions in the Big Ten Conference and a model of how this system would work.

  1. In the Fall of 2025, collegiate athletic programs would replace limits on scholarship per team with limits on roster size. This allows coaches and leaders to distribute scholarship funds as they see fit, but can only have a select number of players per team.
  2. Revenue sharing with athletes will be based on average revenue accumulated from three categories - media, sponsorship, and ticket sales. The average for these figures across all Big Ten programs is roughly $100 million. A proposed cap of $22 million (22% of revenue) can be allocated to pay student athletes.
  3. Each school has the same cap. While some schools may earn more annual revenue than others, each program will have an identical amount of spending power to grant student-athletes committed to their universities. As Whitman referenced, while the athletics revenue of Ohio State University is more than that of the University of Illinois, they pay the same amount in total to their players. It is up to them to determine how to do so.

With these expected changes comes a new strategy Illini Athletics must form for making/distributing money. The estimated $22 million is not a grant from the NCAA or another entity but must come from the program itself.

As a result, careful financial decisions have to be made for a system such as this to work. Whitman announced today that an ongoing construction project for a new wrestling practice facility will now be halted due to the financial investment.

Commemorating Memorial Stadium's 100th Anniversary

On October 19, 2024, Illinois football will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the dedication of Memorial Stadium. The game went down in Illini history as Red Grange scored six touchdowns on Oct. 18, 1924 en route to a victory over the Michigan Wolverines. They will host the maize and blue yet again this fall.

The team will celebrate the occasion throughout the season, with numerous options for fans to be a part of the experience. On the field, the team previously announced they will wear varying helmets throughout the season, honoring the eras of Illini football through the years. Whitman also announced special throwback uniforms will be worn in the contest against Michigan, with designs to be released at a later date.

Other notes

This past season, Illinois won four conference championships, their most since 2015.

Men's Basketball

Third most single-season wins in program history

Fifth consecutive season with 20+ wins

Football

Over $10 million dollars have been spent on Memorial Stadium renovations

New lighting, video board, sound system, and in-stadium Wi-Fi expected to be ready following 2025 season

Women's Basketball

Won first ever WBIT

Fifth highest attendance in school history for WBB

Academics

3.47 overall GPA

125 graduates

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