Ty Rodgers returning to Illinois following redshirt season

The Illini officially have a confirmed returner for next season.

Ty Rodgers made his plans clear on Tuesday night with an X post that contained two simple words: “I’m back.”

Rodgers elected to redshirt this past season, a decision that was made public the night of the Illini’s season opener against Eastern Illinois on Nov. 4.

The soon-to-be redshirt junior played two seasons for the Illini prior to his year of development, including a sophomore season in which he started all 38 games and helped Illinois reach the Elite Eight for the first time in 19 years. He averaged 6.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2 assists while shooting 52.7% from the floor.

Rodgers’ return provides Illinois a much-needed physical presence after the losses of both Morez Johnson and Tre White with the versatility to play a variety of different spots. He showcased the ability to handle the ball at times as a sophomore while also being a potential option on the wing for an Illini team that is likely to have many new faces once again next fall.

Even though he wasn’t on the floor this season, Rodgers is the first Illini to publicly announce his return.