Zain Bando

Zain Bando is an alumnus of not one but two Big Ten institutions. He attended Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism with a focus on journalism and Sports Media. His heart, however, still lies with the Orange and Blue (I-L-L), where he was a member of the Orange Krush and Block I student sections during undergrad. Bando was part of the FanSided Network as a contributor from May 2019 to October 2023. He has vast experience covering Illinois, Northwestern, Combat Sports and one-off feature-style stories. All opinions are his own. You can email him at zainbando99@gmail.com. He is open to any feedback.

Buffalo Bills v Cincinnati Bengals

Troy Aikman almost came out of retirement to play for surprise team

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Bills quarterback Josh Allen looks to hand off the ball during practice.

Bills practice gets heated with controversy from Josh Allen

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Dec 24, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) drops back to pass against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Are Bears making a big mistake with preseason plan for Justin Fields?

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Iowa State head football coach Matt Campbell talks with quarterback Hunter Dekkers during the Cy-Hawk Series football game against Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.Cyhawkfootball 20220910 Bh

Projected Iowa State starting QB accused of betting on Cyclones sports, including football

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Nov 19, 2022; College Park, MD, USA; The Ohio State Buckeyes will wear a helmet decal during the game at Maryland in honor of the three Virginia football players who were killed in an on-campus shooting last weekend.Ceb Osu22mar Kwr 11

4-star CB trolled Michigan during Ohio State commitment

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SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 20: Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball against the San Diego Chargers at Levi's Stadium on December 20, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

49ers bring back legendary fan favorite in front office role

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Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

Miami football beats out Georgia, Ohio State, Florida State for 2024 5-star

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Feb 1, 2023; Brian Hartline talks with the media during an off-season news conference. He and other Ohio State football coaches addressed the media in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Doral Chenoweth/The Columbus DispatchOhio State Football 04 Jpg

Michigan media plants seed to get Ohio State’s biggest weapon poached

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Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (88) gestures to fans against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter of Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Goedert has really bad news for Eagles opponents, Hurts haters

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney (19) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Feb. 12, 2023.Nfl Super Bowl Lvii Kansas City Chiefs Vs Philadelphia Eagles

Patrick Mahomes invented a rule-bending hack that helped win Super Bowl

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Nov 26, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald leads his team on the field against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Everything to know about Northwestern football hazing allegations [Updated]

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Dec 31, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas State Wildcats running back Deuce Vaughn (22) celebrates his touchdown scored against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half in the 2022 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Deuce Vaughn pick delivers special moment in Cowboys draft room (Video)

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Mar 18, 2023; Sacramento, CA, USA; March Madness and Final Four signage is seen prior to a game between the Princeton Tigers and the Missouri Tigers at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Final Four Ticket Prices 2023: How much does it cost to attend men’s and women’s tournaments?

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Mar 12, 2023; Chicago, IL, USA; Purdue Boilermakers players celebrate after winning Big Ten Conference Tournament Championship against the Penn State Nittany Lions at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Big Ten Tournament: Purdue edges Penn State 67-65 to win title

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Mar 10, 2023; Chicago, IL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Andrew Funk (10) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats in overtime at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Big Ten Tournament: Penn State upends Northwestern in 67-65 slugfest

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Mar 1, 2023; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Camren Wynter (11) hits the game winning three point basket against the Northwestern Wildcats during overtime at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Camren Wynter, Penn State spoil Senior Night in Evanston

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