About Me

Hello, my name is Said Nonoal Bravo (pronounced: Sa*eed Nono*al). I am a Multimedia Journalism student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, I am passionate about storytelling, particularly the intersection between sports and our broader culture. I am pursuing a career in sports media because I believe journalism can exact a positive change through its power of scrutiny and attention.

Sportswriting - The Champaign Room

Below is some of my latest work in sportswriting.

‘Different but similar’: How two distinct coaches’ destinies collided at Illinois

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — It was just three years ago when now-Illinois co-outside linebackers coach Trent Harris was jumping from roster to roster in the NFL as a ‘bubble’ guy. He would come into the facility every day with an uncertain future awaiting — cut at a moment's notice.
His next stop was always an unknown.
Harris had a four-year NFL career before spending a pair of seasons in the UFL and the XFL, until he decided to pivot to coaching.
“I lost the fun in the football playing-wise, so I knew i...

‘There was no panic’: Inside the final minute of Illinois’ last-second win over Rutgers

PISCATAWAY, NJ — Illinois had failed to stop Rutgers’ offense in critical moments all game, including what would have been the late game-winning drive as the Scarlet Knights took a 31-30 lead with 1:08 left, leaving Rutgers in prime position to seal the deal.
But clinching the win was contingent on one final stop.
Quickly, the Illini traveled 35 yards while only taking 54 seconds off the clock, ending at the Rutgers 40-yard line.
With a 4th-and-13 and 14 seconds left on the clock, Illinois quar...

Illinois falls short of fourth-quarter comeback, fails to stop red-hot Minnesota

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — It was a chilly November morning kickoff as Illinois came into the game ‘with the best week of preparation for the season.’ But the Illini struggled to muster offensive consistency and failed to stop Minnesota on key possessions, as they fell to the Golden Gophers, 25-17.
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema had been undefeated against Minnesota in his career, winning all 10 meetings — the last three as Illinois’ head man. That streak ended on Saturday, as the Illini struggled all...

‘I battled some demons’: Michigan victory more than just a win for Bielema

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Following Illinois’ 21-7 victory over Michigan, an emotional Bret Bielema took to the podium for his postgame press conference.
For many programs, beating Michigan at football is a special feat, but for Bielema, it means much more than football.
“Last time we played these guys, I lost my mom,” Bielema said. “I told our team on Sunday I battled some demons, more than you can ever imagine.”
That was in 2022. When Bielema was an Iowa defensive Lineman in 1990, his sister passed a...

‘We bounced back’: Despite early struggles, Illinois powers through CMU

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — After an uninspiring first half of offensive football, Illinois comfortably powered past Central Michigan, 30-9 for Homecoming on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
However, this was one of those games where the final score was not indicative of the product on the field.
“We knew we had our work cut out for us,” said Illinois head coach Bret Bielema after the win to extend Illinois’ start to 3-0. “Unfortunately, I think we made it a little more difficult than needed to be.”
CMU ca...

Brad Underwood’s three approaches to the transfer portal

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — As the college basketball player carousel winds down and schools begin planning their offseason programs, this summer has left Illinois basketball with its most roster turnover in recent memory.
Last year, head coach Brad Underwood had the opportunity to emphasize continuity with the number of players returning for the 2023-24 season. It was a roster supplemented by transfer portal additions, most of them graduate transfers.
This upcoming season, the roster will be almost entir...

‘I’m playing the game I love’: How Keith Randolph Jr. is adjusting to the NFL

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Former Illinois defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. is in the midst of his transition from college football to the NFL.
The former Illini captain now finds himself spending some of his days running errands getting food and carrying pads for NFL veterans, a stark contrast to his days at Illinois.
It’s a new league, a new organization, new teammates and a new coaching staff for Randolph.
But his goal remains the same: Make plays and help the team win.
“It’s been a fantastic...

Illinois made big additions to its frontcourt this offseason

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Following Illinois’ WBIT championship run, the 2024-25 roster began to crystallize with Kendall Bostic, Genesis Bryant and Makira Cook all announcing they would be coming back to complete their fifth year of eligibility at Illinois.
Illinois’ main core is set to return for a third season, and it will be the final act of a run that has seen an NCAA Tournament appearance and a WBIT championship.
And now Illinois head coach Shauna Green and her coaching staff have added depth to t...

Sports Reporter Reel

Below is my latest sports reporter reel, featuring some of my work with Big Ten Plus, Illini Sports Night and independent reporting. 

Podcast - Illini Audible Podcast

In August of 2024, I decided to start a podcast based on my coverage of Illinois football. On this podcast, I preview games with sportswriters and journalists across the country as well as react to games following my sportswriting coverage responsibilities. My goal is to deliver informed and entertaining Illinois football talk and make the listener smarter. Every episode is hosted and produced by me. 

Live Sport Broadcast Producer Reel

In 2024, I earned the opportunity to act as Illinois' primary basketball producer. The experience has taught me a lot, but our trials and tribulations have allowed us to deliver a high quality product for Illinois audiences.

Background

I am a first-generation American, from Des Plaines, Illinois. I grew up in a hard-working household, where I saw my parents work countless years to build a successful small Mexican Bakery in my hometown of Des Plaines.

Their hard work has granted me the privilege to attend an American University. Their ambition and work ethic inspires me to do the same while following my passion -- something they did not have the opportunity to do.

 My love of sports was passed on by my father, who developed an affinity for the MLB and NFL during his upbringing in Mexico City. 

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