Western Illinois, Year 19, 2025-2026 now on SB Nation

I’m moving the series back to SB Nation for now.

Here’s the link to the newest story: Western Illinois, Year 19, 2025-2026.

I don’t think anything will change with the series other than the extra long intro I put on this one. We’re still doing the bracket contest. We’re still doing Twitch streams — the next one is this Sunday, Aug. 9 at 8:30 p.m. I remain fully invested in finishing the series out through all 40 years.

I would really appreciate if y’all could comment over on the SB Nation post. We’re trying out a new commenting system, and I’d love to bring the full community over there. Of course, you can still reach out to me directly just by responding to this email.

Thank you so much to everyone for the support. It has truly meant the world to me. Here are some bonus links for the diehards over here:

• Readers David and legendary Dayton forward Matt Boswell got together to do 2026 NCAA tournament preview show. This the greatest thing ever.

• Our beat writer Matt Morrow dropped another piece on the state of the program.

• This Reddit thread trashing our point guard Angel Keita made my day. We have taken away like seven minutes away from him and given them to Tron ahead of the tournament stream on Sunday.

• Umm, should we buy a brick at Western Illinois? I think we have to.

• I know everyone wants an update on our first bracket contest winner, Matt Boswell. All he did as a sophomore was lead Dayton in scoring again. Dude seems like he’s on the fast track to becoming a lottery pick.

The two new created recruits Ben Remis (Charlotte) and Steve Frye (George Washington) didn’t play much as freshmen, but both look like they’ll be really good long-term.

Thanks to everyone who has participated in the bracket contest. Let’s keep it going strong.

Read Year 19 at Western Illinois on SB Nation

It’s live now.

Drop a comment on the SB Nation post. Join the NCAA tournament Twitch stream this Sunday Aug. 9 at 8:30 p.m. ET. Love you all.

Go ‘Necks.