Illinois - March 25
Following the Tigers' first two SEC series, they will head to Grizzlies Ballpark in Sauget, Illinois, for the 2025 edition of the Arch Series against the University of Illinois. After the Fighting Illini, who finished 35-21 (18-6) last season, dominated Mizzou with an 11-3 victory in 2024, the Tigers are eager to avoid a repeat performance. Illini head coach Dan Hartleb, now in his 20th season, aims to rebound from the team’s 2024 Regionals exit at the Lexington Regional.
On the offensive side, the Fighting Illini will be without several key hitters from last year, losing three to graduation, one to the MLB Draft, and one to the transfer portal. Despite these departures, they retain most of their lineup beyond those losses. Leading the charge in 2025 will be graduate Jacob Schroeder, senior Coltin Quagliano, and sophomore Cameron Chee-Aloy, all of whom were offensive standouts in 2024, each batting above .300 in at least 30 games. Schroeder ended the 2024 season as the team leader in OPS and slugging percentage and ranked second in home runs.
Of the seven players who made 50 or more starts in 2024 (out of 56 games), four have moved on. To address these gaps, the Illini will rely on returning players and new additions, including seven transfer players and two freshman fielders. These newcomers will aim to fill the void left by the departed players and contribute to the team’s success in 2025.
The Illini also lost key contributors on the pitching side, with one of their two 2024 starters being selected in the MLB Draft and the other graduating. Additionally, five bullpen pitchers have departed, creating significant gaps in their pitching staff. However, the team retains the remainder of their bullpen for 2025 and has added several new arms to fill the void.
The only returning starter from last season with potential to step into a leading role is Jake Swartz, who made nine starts in 2024 but finished with a 7.50 ERA. Among the bullpen returners, senior Evan Clark stands out after posting a stellar 1.23 ERA across nine appearances in 2024, while redshirt junior Ben Plumley, who ranked second on the team with 23 outings and recorded a 4.33 ERA, will also play a key role.
To round out their starting rotation and bullpen, the Illini have brought in six transfer pitchers and three freshmen. Freshman Luke Weber, who reached 91 mph on the mound during his senior year of high school, is one to watch. Another key addition is Tyler Schmitt, a transfer from UW-La Crosse, who finished the 2024 season with a 4.37 ERA in 12 starts. These new faces will look to bolster the pitching staff and fill critical roles heading into the 2025 season.
Players to look out for:
- Jack Zebig
- Nick Groves
- Even Clark
- Regan Hall