Sport: Basketball Category: Scores & Results

Daniel Brown may return for Illinois against Southern Illinois

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 2:47 PM

Last updated Sep 18, 2026

Basketball

Summary

Illinois coach Bret Bielema discussed the status of linebacker Daniel Brown during a media session ahead of Saturday's game against Southern Illinois. Brown, who has missed the first two games of the season due to a soft tissue injury, has been practicing this week and could see limited action in the game. His return comes as the Illini aim to strengthen their linebacker depth, after using Mason Muragin and Ean Rhea to fill the void. Bielema indicated that there is a good chance Brown will be fully available for the game against Ohio State next week if he does not play on Saturday.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Daniel Brown has played in 11 games over two-plus seasons at Illinois.
•Brown missed 11 games in 2024 and four in 2025 due to injuries.
•Mason Muragin and Ean Rhea have substituted for Brown during his absence.
•Bret Bielema confirmed that if Brown plays Saturday, it would be in a limited role.
•Bielema also mentioned potential replacements for injured right guard Brandon Henderson.

Latest Updates

2:47 PMYahoo Sports — Quick hits Daniel Brown could return at MIKE linebacker

What they're saying

"
Sep. 18—Illinois coach Bret Bielema had his final pregame media availability of the week on Thursday. Here's some of what he said before his team faces Southern Illinois on Saturday, courtesy beat writer Scott Richey: Checking in on linebacker depth Daniel Brown has played in 11 games across his two-plus seasons at Illinois, as injuries have derailed the former junior college All-American and ...
— Yahoo Sports

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