Illinois linebacker Buchanan breaks jaw in fight

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) An Illinois spokesman says defensive end Michael Buchanan broke his jaw in a weekend fight.

Illinois sports information director Kent Brown said Wednesday that Buchanan's jaw is wired shut after a fight Saturday night somewhere in the Champaign area. Brown said the university was still trying to determine exactly what happened.

Brown said coach Tim Beckman hopes Buchanan will be able to play again by the time preseason training starts in early August.

Buchanan is a 6-6, 240-pound senior and was fourth in the Big Ten in sacks last fall. He is expected to anchor Illinois' defense this season.

Updated June 13, 2012