The transfer portal carousel continues to spin, but one key piece for the Illinois Fighting Illini is staying put. Andrej Stojakovic, the talented forward who proved himself as a high-impact player in the Big Ten this past season, has decided to return to Champaign for another year.

This decision is a major win for a Final Four program looking to run it back. After beginning his collegiate career with stops at Stanford and Cal, Stojakovic found a home at Illinois, where he averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 campaign.

While his legendary NBA-sharpshooter father, Peja Stojakovic, was known for his three-point prowess, Andrej has carved out his own identity. His game is defined by a relentless attack on the basket, making him a versatile and physical scoring threat. His return provides crucial continuity and experience for a squad with championship aspirations.

Had he entered the portal, Stojakovic would have undoubtedly been one of the most sought-after names available. Instead, Illinois fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their dynamic forward is locked in for another season, ready to help lead another deep March run.