Chambana Sun

The Fighting Illini men's golf team has secured a share of the team title at the NCAA Urbana Regional, held at Atkins Golf Club. This victory ensures their participation in the 2025 NCAA Championship. The Illini, ranked No. 14, managed a team score of 15-under par and maintained their lead with a final round score of 279 (-5). They successfully fended off a strong challenge from No. 2 Oklahoma State, who also finished with a total score of 837 after an impressive final round.

This win marks Illinois' third team victory in the 2024-25 season and is their seventh NCAA Regional title under head coach Mike Small since 2013. It is also the first time since their four consecutive wins from 2013 to 2016 that they have won back-to-back regional championships.

Coach Small's seven regional titles place him tied for second in NCAA history alongside former Clemson head coach Larry Penley. Only Texas' John Fields and Oklahoma State's Alan Bratton have more regional titles.

Alongside Illinois and Oklahoma State, UNLV, Troy, and Texas Tech were the only teams to finish under par during the tournament. These teams secured spots in the championship round set to take place at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. Michigan's Hunter Thomson earned medalist honors and claimed the individual spot available for competitors not on advancing teams.

Junior Ryan Voois led Illinois with a runner-up finish at 9-under par. Senior Jackson Buchanan achieved his best regional finish as an Illini by tying for fifth place, while sophomore Max Herendeen tied for eleventh place. Freshman Jake Birdwell concluded his debut tournament tied for fifty-first, and classmate Trey Marrion finished seventy-second after participating in rounds two and three.

The Fighting Illini will now prepare to compete in the NCAA Championship at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa from May 23-28.