From redshirting to returning. Illinois forward Ty Rodgers announced on Tuesday that he will return to Illinois after redshirting the 2024-25 season. Rodgers started all 38 games for the 2023-24 Illini team that made it to the Elite Eight and did not discuss publicly why he redshirted last season.
Known for his toughness, tenacity and rebounding as well as an ability to create for teammates and get to the rim, Rodgers averaged 6.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 17.4 minutes per game during the 2023-24 season.
Rodgers averaged 3.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in 17.4 minutes per game as a freshman during the 2022-23 season.
Why it matters: Rodgers gives needed continuity and leadership for the Illini, who have lost two key contributors to the transfer portal (Morez Johnson Jr. and Tre White) and are expected to lose two star freshmen playmakers to the NBA Draft (Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley). Also, the news was quite a palette cleanser (and interestingly well-timed) following Johnson’s commitment to rival Michigan.
Rodgers told Illini Inquirer of his redshirt season two weeks ago: “It has been a lot of work, man. Just working, working, working. Getting mentally stronger, just staying uncomfortable for me. That’s been the biggest thing. …Man, [working on] everything. Just my overall game and my mental, man. That’s the biggest thing for me. Just being mentally strong and just finding ways to work on that, and I’ve done a great job.
”I would say it has helped me in some ways. …I think it just reminds me and shows me that I can do everything, so it gives me a little confidence boost for sure.”
— Ty Rodgers (@Ty_rodgers20) April 2, 2025
What it means: Rodgers is pulling a rare redshirt to return, but this move makes a lot more sense following the exits of Johnson and White. Rodgers has been a non-shooter for most of his career, and it was difficult to envision Illinois playing him and Johnson together.
The Illini also lost White, who played a key supporting role last season, especially down the stretch. But Rodgers fills some significant gaps that those two left with his athleticism and rebounding.
In an offense with Tomislav Ivisic and likely three other shooters, he can find ways to score as a driver and cutter, and we’ll see if his shooting has improved. Rodgers also should improve as a defender now that he should be guarding more wings and forwards than guards, as he did in 2023-24.
As important, Rodgers provides a no-doubt vocal leader and a carrier of Brad Underwood’s “everyday guy” culture.
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