A former United High School graduate, Jack Jungmann has turned a hobby he picked up during the COVID-19 pandemic into an opportunity working behind the scenes of collegiate athletics. While studying agricultural communications at the University of Illinois, Jungmann owns and operates JJ Media and works as a creative photo and video intern for the University of Illinois Athletics, covering football, men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, and more.
In addition to his work with Illinois Athletics, Jungmann also serves as an assistant site manager for The Champaign Room, an Illinois-focused sports outlet.
JJ Media began as an Instagram account during the pandemic but has since grown into much more. The turning point for Jungmann came in February 2022, when he was given the opportunity to photograph an Illinois men’s basketball game, opening the door to covering college athletics at a higher level.
“I was bored during COVID, honestly, started an Instagram account, and it has morphed into running my own business over in Champaign, where I go to school,” Jungmann said. “It started in February 2022 when I photographed an Illinois men’s basketball game against Northwestern. From there it has turned into, I have my own photo team that I manage, and I’ve also gotten a job with the Illinois athletic department as a creative photo and video student intern. So that’s something I’m super proud of and something I can thank my JJ Media business for.”
Jungmann’s work has grown to the point where fans may have already seen his photography without even realizing it. His images have appeared across Illinois Athletics social media platforms, capturing moments from multiple programs across the department.
This season has included some of Jungmann’s biggest opportunities yet, as he traveled to Indiana to photograph Illinois at the home of the defending national champions. He was also in St. Louis this year for the annual Braggin’ Rights game against Missouri, which ended in the most lopsided finish in the rivalry’s history.
From a young age, Jungmann dreamed of being on the court at State Farm Center playing for the University of Illinois. As he got older, he realized that dream was not going to be possible through playing, which led him to pick up a camera as another way to stay connected to the program. As a lifelong Illinois fan, shooting for University of Illinois Athletics has since become a dream come true.
“I’ve just been a huge Illinois sports fan my entire life, and my dream was to be on the court at State Farm Center,” Jungmann said. “I’m not athletic enough for that, so I had to find another way to get there and as a junior in high school, the best way to get there was a photo credential.”
Throughout Jungmann’s journey in media, the University of Illinois athletic programs have also seen significant growth. With leadership throughout the athletic department, including Bret Bielema leading the football program and Brad Underwood at the helm of men’s basketball, the Fighting Illini have turned a corner in the new era of NIL.
As someone who grew up an Illinois fan, Jungmann says being around the program during that transformation has been special.
“It’s crazy to see what Illinois athletics was in 2016 and now what it is in 2026,” Jungmann said. “It’s been great to be there for it and awesome to witness.”
Jungmann is currently a junior at the University of Illinois and is set to graduate next May. While he is still exploring what comes next, he says he hopes to continue shooting University of Illinois Athletics and stay connected to the programs he loves.
