The daily pitch from Sports Editor : Aug. 13, 2026

Aug. 13—➜ . At least from a sports perspective. Thursday marks the first day for an Illini athletic event (soccer) and also the first day for area high school sporting events (boys' golf and girls' golf) for the 2026-27 school year. ➜ , one of 65 players to do so in what is essentially college soccer's version of the Heisman Trophy. ➜ , joining (2014, 2015) and (2011, 2012, 2013). Both Flaws and DiBernardo are in the Illinois athletics Hall of Fame. seasons for as the Illinois offensive coordinator. That's the most consecutive seasons by a Big Ten offensive coordinator at the same school entering the 2026 season. Of the 18 Big Ten teams, eight — Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State and UCLA — will employ first-year offensive coordinators this season. A ninth team, Washington, will have coach calling the Huskies' plays this season. ➜ . A chance for the Illini to start their season off on the right foot when the 19th-ranked Bulldogs visit Demirjian Park in Champaign. First touch is set for 6 p.m. Thursday. ➜ . Former Illini quarterback should receive ample playing time on Thursday with the Lions in their preseason opener. That probably won't be the case for former Illini and with the Bengals when the game kicks off at 6 p.m. from Paycor Stadium. ➜ . Champaign Central boys' golf hosts this annual tournament on Friday at the University of Illinois Golf Course in Savoy. ➜ Tom Brady, LeBron James and Stephen Curry. ➜ "Game of Thrones." ➜ obnoxiously loud people.