Illinois football enters 2025 with six captains, blending veteran experience and new leadership.
CHAMPAIGN - The Fighting Illini football team will enter the 2025 season with six captains, a group selected by team vote that blends established leaders and first-time honorees.
Quarterback Luke Altmyer, tight end Tanner Arkin, linebacker Gabe Jacas, center Josh Kreutz, linebacker Dylan Rosiek, and defensive back Miles Scott will wear the captain’s patch this fall.
For Altmyer, the role marks his first as a team captain. The junior signal caller became one of the nation’s most efficient passers last season, throwing for 2,717 yards and 22 touchdowns. His steady play helped guide Illinois to its first 10-win campaign since 2001, a season that ended with a New Year’s Day bowl appearance.
Arkin returns as a captain for the second straight year. The senior tight end, a Mackey Award watch list selection, has grown into a reliable option in the Illini passing game, scoring five touchdowns over his first two seasons in Champaign.
Jacas, a senior outside linebacker, will serve as a captain for the first time. Considered one of the top defensive players in the country, he enters the season as a preseason All-American and a key piece in Illinois’ defensive front.
Kreutz will once again anchor the offensive line in both role and leadership. The veteran center is a two-time All-Big Ten selection and returns for his third season as a starter, bringing stability to an offense that will look to build on last year’s success.
Rosiek provides leadership at the heart of the defense. The middle linebacker, also a two-time All-Big Ten honoree, was named captain for the second straight season and enters his third year as a defensive starter.
Scott rounds out the group, earning captain status for the second time. A steady presence in the secondary, the senior free safety has started 24 games over the past two seasons, compiling 118 tackles, two interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns.
The six captains reflect both experience and continuity, with four returning leaders and two new additions. Their leadership will be tested as Illinois looks to follow up a milestone season and continue its climb in the Big Ten.
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Tags:Illinois Fighting Illini 2025 football team captains,Luke Altmyer Illinois quarterback captain 2025, Gabe Jacas preseason All-American Illinois football, Josh Kreutz Illinois offensive line leadership 2025, Dylan Rosiek and Miles Scott Illini defensive captains
Quarterback Dane Eisenmenger rolls out behind a solid wall of Unity blockers during their second-round playoff game against St. Joseph-Ogden. Eisenmenger, who was 9-for-14 passing, threw four TD passes to advance the Rockets past the Spartans last November. The senior announced his commitment on August 1 to continue is football career for the Mules of the University of Central Missouri.
URBANA - High school football season is here, and we’re kicking off something new for our readers — Friday Night Forecast. Each week, we’ll highlight the top Illini Prairie Conference matchups and invite you to put your football instincts to the test.
Less reliable than the weatherman, but twice as fun, join us in predicting the Illini Prairie Conference wins and upsets. May your predictions be slightly more accurate than a coin flip!
With the opening kickoff for the conference just two weeks away, we've opened up voting early to see who IPC fans think will start their 2025 campaign with the 'dub'.
Think you can spot the upsets before they happen? Ready to back your hometown team with more than just school spirit?
Submit your picks for the opening week forecast and see how your calls stack up against fellow Illini Prairie Conference football fans all season long. Drop back by OurSentinell.com Friday morning to see which teams are predicted to win as they work to qualify for this year's state football playoffs.
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Illini Prairie Conference football predictions 2025, Friday Night Forecast high school football picks, Small-town Illinois high school football rivalries, Weekly high school football score predictions Illinois, Fan contest Illini Prairie Conference football games
Winterizing your home doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Here a few budget-friendly ways to get your home ready for the colder months.
Photo: Elana Clark/Unsplash
Heavy curtains, sunlight, energy-efficient windows and a fireplace will keep you warm all winter-long. SNS - As the temperature drops and the first signs of frost settle in, homeowners begin preparing for winter. But keeping your home warm and protected from the elements doesn’t have to mean draining your bank account.
With a little planning and some strategic action, you can winterize your home affordably while still staying cozy and energy-efficient. This guide will walk you through smart, budget-friendly ways to get your home ready for the colder months. Whether you're a new homeowner or a seasoned pro looking to cut costs, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s dive into practical and cost-effective steps that make a big difference.
Seal Drafts Around Doors and Windows
One of the biggest culprits of heat loss is air leakage through windows and doors. Even tiny gaps can let in cold air and make your heating system work overtime. The good news is, sealing these leaks is simple and inexpensive. Weatherstripping tape or foam sealant is widely available and easy to apply yourself. Just run your hand around the edges of windows and doors to feel for any cold spots. Then seal them up. You’ll be surprised how much warmer your home feels with just this one fix.
Winterize Your Home: Add Thermal Curtains for Extra Insulation
Curtains aren’t just for privacy or decoration—they can be a powerful line of defense against winter chills. Thermal curtains are designed with insulation layers that help keep warm air inside and block drafts. Hang them over windows in living rooms, bedrooms, and even entryways. They’re affordable, easy to install, and come in various styles that can complement your decor while improving comfort.
Give Your Heating System a Check-Up
Before winter hits full force, make sure your heating system is working efficiently. A quick inspection and cleaning can prevent bigger problems down the road. If you have a furnace, replacing the air filter is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to help it run better. Dirty filters restrict airflow, making your system work harder and costing you more in energy bills. You don’t necessarily need a full professional tune-up if you’re trying to save money—just keep things clean, listen for odd noises, and check that vents aren’t blocked.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
This might surprise you, but your ceiling fan isn’t just for summer. Many models have a small switch that reverses the direction of the blades. When set to spin clockwise at a low speed, the fan gently pushes warm air (which naturally rises) back down into the room. This trick can make a noticeable difference in how warm a space feels, especially in rooms with high ceilings.
Use Draft Stoppers at the Bottom of Doors
Even if your doors fit well, cold air can sneak in through the bottom edge. A simple draft stopper, sometimes called a door snake, is a quick fix. You can buy one or make your own with some fabric and rice or beans. Place it at the foot of your door to block those pesky breezes. It’s a low-cost solution that’s surprisingly effective.
Insulate Outlets and Switch Plates
Another sneaky source of heat loss is the electrical outlets and switch plates on exterior walls. Cold air can seep in through the gaps around them. For just a few dollars, you can buy foam gaskets that fit behind these plates to reduce drafts. It’s a subtle improvement, but when combined with other measures, it helps keep your rooms warmer and more energy-efficient.
Install Window Insulation Film
If your windows are older or single-pane, consider applying a window insulation film. This transparent plastic film sticks directly to your window frame using double-sided tape and a hairdryer to seal it tightly. It creates an insulating barrier that helps keep cold air out and warm air in. It’s an easy DIY project and a cost-effective alternative to replacing your windows.
Keep the Warm Air Flowing Freely
Sometimes winter discomfort isn’t about a lack of heat—it’s about poor air circulation. Make sure your heating vents or radiators aren’t being blocked by furniture, rugs, or heavy drapes. Rearranging a room might not cost a dime, but it can greatly improve how effectively your home warms up. Similarly, use interior fans sparingly to help distribute warm air evenly if you feel certain rooms stay colder than others.
Photo: Pexels/Pixabay
If you’re trying to winterize your home, using area rugs and mats can make a difference.
Make Use of Area Rugs and Mats
Cold floors are a common complaint in winter, especially if you have tile or wood flooring. Rugs do more than decorate—they provide insulation and help retain warmth. Add area rugs to high-traffic areas and anywhere your feet touch the floor frequently, like next to the bed or in front of the couch. Not only will it feel more comfortable underfoot, but it can also slightly reduce your heating needs.
Store Your Seasonal Items with Purpose
When winter rolls around, there’s a natural shift in what you need within reach. Now is a good time to reorganize your storage. Pack away summer gear and make space for cold-weather necessities. When storing your winter items—whether it's extra blankets, coats, or holiday decor—choose airtight containers to prevent moisture buildup and damage. Smart organization now helps you avoid cluttering later and keeps your home functioning smoothly throughout the season.
Take Advantage of Natural Sunlight
Sunlight is free, and it can help heat your home—at least during the day. Open curtains on south-facing windows to let in as much natural light as possible. Just remember to close them once the sun goes down to trap that warmth inside. This simple habit is completely free and works surprisingly well, especially in sunny climates or during those clear, chilly days.
Wrap Your Pipes to Prevent Freezing
Frozen pipes can lead to costly and damaging repairs. One way to avoid this is to insulate your pipes, especially those located in colder spots like attics, crawl spaces, or near exterior walls. Foam pipe sleeves are affordable and simple to install. This one-time effort can prevent a lot of headaches later, and it can also help retain hot water longer, which is a bonus for reducing energy costs.
Plan for Long-Term Savings
While the focus here is on affordable solutions, it’s also worth considering small investments that can pay off over time. Things like programmable thermostats, improved insulation, or storm doors may cost a bit upfront, but can significantly lower your heating bills year after year. Think of them as smart spending—not just added expense.
Keep the Fireplace Efficient
If you have a fireplace, it can be a cozy addition to your winter setup—but only if used correctly. Make sure the damper is closed when not in use to prevent warm indoor air from escaping up the chimney. You might also consider a chimney balloon or inflatable plug to seal off drafts more effectively. Fireplaces can be charming, but they can also be energy sinks if not managed properly.
Winterizing your home doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With a bit of planning and some cost-effective strategies, you can stay warm and comfortable all season long without putting a strain on your budget. From sealing drafts to making the most of natural sunlight, each small effort adds up to big results.
When you take the time to winterize your home properly, you’re not just protecting your space—you’re also investing in lower energy bills and a cozier living environment. So, as the temperatures start to drop, make the smart choice: winterize your home the affordable way and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with being prepared.
Tags: winterizing your home in the Midwest on a budget, preventing heat loss from your home in Urbana, use foam sleeves to protect pipes from freezing, rugs with add warmth to a room, use ceiling fans to keep warm
ST. JOSEPH - St. Joseph-Ogden's Tyler Hess is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal in the first half. The junior led the team to a 5-3 win over University High on Wednesday at Dick Duval Field. Hess, who is the top finisher in the area with a hat trick in the team's first three matches this season, will try to make it four in a row in the undefeated Spartans' road game against the Vermilion Valley Conference's Hoopeston Area Cornjerkers on Friday. More photos and a game recap coming soon.
