Column: Win or lose vs. Purdue, Northwestern basketball accomplished its 25-26 mission

Coming off an offseason where Northwestern coach Chris Collins landed his best recruiting class of all time, NU had to make sure those kids grew into Big Ten players. Here's why that mission is accomplished.

Trump targets NIL pay in college sports as athletes cash in: Telander

As NIL deals reshape college sports, President Donald Trump and NCAA leaders are pushing to limit athlete pay while top college football and basketball players continue earning millions.

Bulls' latest rebuild echoes the Jordan-Krause dynasty: Telander

As the Chicago Bulls begin another rebuild after a brutal losing streak, a new look back at Jerry Krause and Michael Jordan’s dynasty highlights how the franchise rose — and fell — and what it must rediscover to matter again.

Column: If Brad Underwood took the blame, it's on him to lift Illinois basketball to its potential

If Brad Underwood is going to take the onus of a loss like Friday night, then the obligation to get over that hump solely lies in his lap now with a team that could be his best in Champaign.

The NFL Combine begins with the Bears' to-do list and shopping list set | Telander

A terrifying edge rusher is the mightiest Bears need of all. That's at the top of their grocery list as the 2026 NFL Combine begins. Don't forget about their to-do list, either.

Why Amber Glenn, Mikaela Shiffrin and redemption shined brightest for Team USA in Milan

Team USA suffered early in Milan, succumbing to pressure and suffering devastating injuries. But, what I'll remember most is how Amber Glenn, Mikaela Shiffrin and more earned their Olympic moments.

Super Bowl LX reminds us football's biggest game is bigger than the game itself | Telander

From the redemptions stories, to the halftime show and even the advertisements, Super Bowl LX reminded us how Super Bowl Sunday is about more than a mere championship sporting event.

The ‘train wreck’ of college sports is actually a cash machine: Telander

FOX Chicago contributing sports columnist Rick Telander argues that while the transfer portal and NIL era may look messy, college sports aren’t dying at all—they’re booming now that the long-running fiction of amateurism is finally gone.

Unlikely Super Bowl QB duel has some Bears fans wondering 'what if?': Telander

Super Bowl LX features an unlikely quarterback matchup between Seahawks veteran Sam Darnold and Patriots rising star Drake Maye. One is chasing redemption, the other arriving ahead of schedule — and for some Bears fans, Maye’s rise revives familiar questions about draft-day decisions and how quickly quarterback paths can change.

How Indiana football became a national power in the new age of college sports: Telander

Fox Chicago Sports contributor Rick Telander reflects on Indiana football’s improbable rise, using it as a window into how money, transfers, and adaptation have completely reshaped college football.

Final Word: The Chicago Bears have equalized their rivalry with Green Bay

No matter what happens in the Divisional round or beyond, the 2025 Bears have dealt the Packers and their fans two of the most devastating losses in this decade and equalized the oldest rivalry in the NFL.

Caleb Williams is electric — but are the Bears asking too much too soon: Telander

A close loss to San Francisco puts Caleb Williams under the microscope again, raising familiar questions about whether brilliance, inconsistency, or something in between will ultimately define the Chicago Bears’ franchise quarterback.

Final Word: In a Wild West shootout, the Chicago Bears' offense proves its playoff ready

Losing to the 49ers in a game where they just ran out of time isn’t a death knell. Instead, the Bears deserve to hold their heads high. We learned this team's offense is ready for the playoffs.

How Notre Dame should fit itself into the Wild West of college football | Telander

As Notre Dame screamed and hollered for being left out of the 12-team tourney, it really had nobody to blame but itself. To avoid that, they should adhere to the "Wild West" that is present-day college football.