Illini Inquirer Podcast: An Illinois Fighting Illini athletics podcast

Episodios

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  Ep. 1235 - Hits & misses from Illini's 24-17 loss at Purdue 04.10.2026 53m

  Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to Illinois football's disappointing 24-17 loss to Purdue. The guys discuss whether this was the worst loss of the Bret Bielema era, if Bret Bielema can overcome a disaster of an offseason, Roger Cooper's impact as a play caller and Katin Houser's off day. The guys then discuss what's ahead for the season and this program.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz 
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  Ep. 1234 - Illinois vs. Purdue preview with Tom Dienhart & Joey Wagner 01.10.2026 1h 13m

  Jeremy Werner previews Illinois vs. Purdue with Gold & Black's Tom Dienhart and Illini Inquirer's Joey Wagner. Dienhart breaks down the state of the Purdue program, which is on a 19-game Big Ten losing streak, and he breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of the 2026 team and what the game at Illinois means for Purdue. Wagner then joins Werner to welcome Noah Cowell to the Illini Inquirer team and then answer a six-pack of questions about the Illini defense after Bobby Hauck, the latest on the injury report and the matchup against the Boilermakers. The guys wrap up by giving their picks to click and bold predictions for the game.0:00 - Intro 0:52 - Previewing Purdue Football with Tom Dienhart 24:30 - Noah Cowell welcomed to Illini Inquirer team 29:50 - State of Illini defense after Bobby Hauck 40:38 - Who needs to step up most on defense? 45:17 - Status of injured offensive lineman 49:20 - Injury Report notables 52:57 - Biggest concern against Purdue? 55:45 - Reasons for optimism outside of Katin Houser? 59:00 - Picks to Click 1:03:36 - Bold PredictionsFollow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz 
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  Ep. 1233 - J Leman on Bobby Hauck's exit, what's next 29.09.2026 56m

  All-American linebacker and Illini Inquirer football analyst J Leman joins Jeremy Werner to react to defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck's departure after just four games. They discuss what Bielema said of why it happened, what went so wrong and what must happen next for the defense to succeed this season. The guys then look ahead to Saturday's must-win game against Purdue and the keys to victory.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz 
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  Ep. 1232 - Bobby Hauck out as Illini defensive coordinator! 27.09.2026 49m

  Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to the news that Illinois and defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck have "mutually agreed" to part ways. The guys discuss why they think Bielema showed this urgency and what this means for the program and this season.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz 
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  Ep. 1231 - Hits & misses from Illini's 42-19 loss at Ohio State 26.09.2026 57m

  Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to Illinois football's game at No. 7 Ohio State. The guys discuss another defensive letdown and Jeremiah Smith's dominance and how Bret Bielema and Bobby Hauck address that side of the ball moving forward. Then the guys discuss positives on offense, including QB Katin Houser, the running game and a thin offensive line.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz 
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  Ep. 1230 - Illinois at No. 7 Ohio State preview 24.09.2026 1h 16m

  Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner preview Illinois football's Big Ten opener at No. 7 Ohio State. The guys break down the latest injury report and what it means for Illinois and how the Illini can compete with the Buckeyes' far more expensive and talented roster. The guys close out by making their picks to click and bold predictions for the game.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz 
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  Ep. 1229 - Illini shooting for the five-stars in recruiting 23.09.2026 1h 3m

  Illini Inquirer's Kyle Tausk and Jeremy Werner discuss a five-star-heavy fall of recruiting for Illinois basketball. The guys discuss the latest buzz following official visits for Darius Wabbington, Bentley Lusakueno and Moussa Kamissoko and an unofficial visit for Dylan Betts. The guys then discuss upcoming official visits for five-star prospects Brady Pettigrew and Benjamin Berrouet.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz (0:00) - Intro(3:30) - Early impressions from big recruiting weekend(14:50) - Moussa Kamissoko(17:45) - Bentley Lusakueno(20:16) - Dylan Betts(25:00) - Benjamin Berrouet(31:30) - Darius Wabbington(36:50) - Brady Pettigrew(43:22) - Biggest storylines of the start of fall practice
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  Ep. 1228 - Carey Davis evaluates Illini through 3 games; Dave Biddle on Ohio State 22.09.2026 42m

  Illini Sports Network analyst Carey Davis joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to evaluate the Illini through three games, including QB Katin Houser, WR Collin Dixon, the running backs and tight ends and the defense. Then Werner catches up with 247Sports Ohio State expert Dave Biddle of Bucknuts.com to preview the Illini's trip to No. 7 Ohio State. Biddle breaks down expectations in Columbus, the loss to Texas, WR Jeremiah Smith, QB Julian Sayin, the run game, a new-look defense and what Saturday's game against Illinois means for Ohio State.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz (0:00) - Intro(2:48) - Carey Davis on moving to booth(5:20) - Thoughts on QB Katin Houser(7:45) - What's behind WR Collin Dixon's success(8:43) - Evaluating the Illini run game(11:29) - Thoughts on RB Javari Barnett(13:09) - Evaluating the tight ends(15:20) - Evaluating the Illini defense(17:56) - Will Holmes impressing(18:58) - Previewing Ohio State challenge(20:20) - Davis on Illini recruiting(23:10) - Dave Biddle joins to talk Illibuck(24:30) - Expectations at Ohio State(26:00) - Jeremiah Smith's standing in OSU history(30:15) - Conversation around QB Julian Sayin(32:23) - Ohio State's run game(37:37) - What Illinois game means for OSU(40:54) - Wrapping up the pod(34:38) - Ohio State's defense
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  Ep. 1227 - J Leman reviews SIU win, previews Ohio State 21.09.2026 49m

  All-American linebacker J Leman joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to review Illinois football's 48-10 win over Southern Illinois. Leman breaks down another strong passing performance for Katin Houser, Collin Dixon and crew; what improvements he saw from the Illini defense; lingering concerns heading into Big Ten play; and flashes from some freshmen, including RB Javari Barnett. Then Leman looks ahead to the Illini's monumental task at No. 7 Ohio State on Saturday.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz (0:00) - Intro(2:08) - Leman's thoughts on SIU win(4:08) - Thoughts on Illini's strong passing attack(9:28) - Concerns in running game(12:30) - Freshman RB Javari Barnett's strong first impression(16:50) - Did defense take step forward?(20:30) - DB Tanner Heckel's strong game(21:59) - Defensive playmakers(27:05) - Memory lane of 2007 Illini win at Ohio State(40:50) - Keys for Illini against Ohio State(47:47) - Final thoughts
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  Ep. 1226 - Hits & misses from Illini's 48-10 win over SIU 20.09.2026 57m

  Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner break down Illinois football's 48-10 win over Southern Illinois. The guys discuss big games against from Katin Houser and Collin Dixon, getting more weapons involved offensively, piecing together an offensive line, freshman RB Javari Barnett and a far cleaner day for the defense. Then the guys look ahead to Saturday's game at No. 6 Ohio State.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz 
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  Ep. 1225 - Illinois vs. SIU preview with Matt Varney and Joey Wagner 17.09.2026 1h 19m

  Jeremy Werner chats with River Radio Group's Matt Varney and Illini Inquirer's Joey Wagner to preview Saturday's non-conference finale between Illinois and Southern Illinois. Varney breaks down SIU, including star QB DJ Williams, what the Salukis bring on defense and expectations against Illinois. Then Werner and Wagner break down the Illini side of the matchup with a six-pack of questions and their picks to click and bold predictions. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz
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  Ep. 1224 - Illini MBB's B1G schedule drops; Huge recruiting weekend ahead 17.09.2026 53m

  Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Kyle Tausk react to Illinois basketball's 2026-27 Big Ten schedule drop and preview a huge recruiting weekend full of five-star prospects. The guys discuss the setup of the schedule and what it means for the team. Then the guys discuss a star-studded visitor list for the weekend of four Composite five-star prospects: 2027 prospects Darius Wabbington and Moussa Kamissoko and 2028 prospects Bentley Lusakueno and Dylan Betts.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz(0:00) - Intro(2:53) - Breaking down the tough and soft spots of schedule(8:55) - Advantage of two-plays(12:25) - Home weekend schedule(15:24) - Kyle's most anticipated B1G road trip(16:40) - B1G game of the season(20:05) - Over/under wins(28:43) - Previewing a huge recruiting weekend for Illini(36:08) - Darius Wabbington(41:36) - Dylan Betts(43:15) - Bentley Lusakueno(46:30) - Moussa Kamissoko
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  Ep. 1223 - J Leman reviews Duke loss, previews Southern Illinois 14.09.2026 41m

  All-American linebacker and Illini Inquirer football analyst J Leman joins Jeremy Werner to react to Illinois football's 31-27 loss to Duke. Leman discusses his concern level after the loss, key miscues that swung the close game, the difference between a great offensive first half and poor close and what Illinois needs to be more successful defensively. Leman also discusses what he wants to see in the Illini's game Saturday against Southern Illinois and what he makes of a bad week for the Big Ten.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz (0:00) - Intro(1:10) - J Leman's panic meter after Duke loss(3:00) - Biggest concerns after two games(5:00) - Secondary has to step up(7:23) - Missed tackles continue(12:20) - Limited defensive disruption(13:43) - Didn't make winning plays in key situations(18:30) - Offense can't close in winning time(28:52) - Offensive line injuries & run game inconsistency(30:50) - Collin Dixon's monster game and emergence(34:40) - What Leman wants to see vs. SIU(36:15) - Bad week for the Big Ten
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  Ep. 1222 - Hits & misses from Illini's 31-27 loss to Duke 13.09.2026 49m

  Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to Illinois football's 31-27 loss to Duke. The guys break down the defense's continued struggles, the offense's tale of two halves and what it means for the team moving forward.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz 
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  Ep. 1221 - Isaac Trotter on Illini's floor & ceiling, Quentin Coleman's freshman role 11.09.2026 41m

  CBS Sports college basketball writer Isaac Trotter joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to break down the latest college basketball news, including Purdue's Trey Kaufman-Renn and Minnesota's Cade Tyson's chances at another year of eligibility, Michigan freshman Brandon McCoy's season-ending injury and Mark Mitchell's return to Missouri. Then Trotter breaks down his expectations for Illini freshman Quentin Coleman; the latest updates on Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic and David Mirkovic; and his views on Illinois basketball's ceiling and floor for the 2026-27 season.Read Isaac Trotter's latestIllini basketball roster breakdownMeet college basketball's polarizing freshman classFollow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz (0:00) - Intro(3:12) - Latest on Trey Kaufman-Renn, Cade Tyson(7:40) - Impact of Brandon McCoy's injury on Michigan(10:40) - Impact of Mark Mitchell back to Missouri(12:05) - Steve Pikiell announces cancer diagnosis(14:53) - Latest on Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic and David Mirkovic(20:18) - Stefan Vaaks and Brad Underwood's comments(25:23) - How Quentin Coleman fits into national freshman class(31:44) - Illinois basketball's floor and ceiling(40:33) - Outro
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  Ep. 1220 - Illinois vs. Duke preview 10.09.2026 1h 3m

  Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner preview Illinois vs. Duke with a six-pack of questions. The guys break down how Brandon Henderson's injury impacts the offensive line, what other personnel changes the Illini could make, the key to Bobby Hauck's defense slowing down Duke's passing attack, the keys for the offense against Manny Diaz's aggressive defense and their biggest concerns and reasons for confidence in the game. The guys wrap up by making their Picks to Click and their bold predictions for the game.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz 0:00 - Intro0:53 - Setting up Illinois vs. Duke4:55 - Home-field advantage for Illini7:35 - Impact of Brandon Henderson's injury14:26 - Personnel changes in Week 2?23:36 - How does defense slow down Duke rushing attack?30:00 - How does Illini attack Duke's aggressive defense?35:12 - Biggest reason for confidence against Duke41:05 - Biggest reason for concern against Duke45:54 - Picks to click 553:26 - Bold predictions57:45 - Look around the Big Ten
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  Ep. 1219 - J Leman reviews UAB win, previews Duke 07.09.2026 45m

  All-American linebacker J Leman joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to review Illinois football's 42-23 season-opening win over UAB. Leman breaks down Bobby Hauck's defensive coordinator debut, concerns about the Illini's run defense and tackling but encouraging signs from its pass rush. Leman then breaks down his initial impressions of the Katin Houser-led offense and new-look offensive line. He then previews Saturday's non-conference showdown against defending ACC champion Duke.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for 75% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz 
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  Ep. 1218 - Hits & misses from Illini's 42-23 win over UAB 04.09.2026 45m

  Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to Illinois football's 42-23 season-opening win over UAB. The guys discusses encouraging signs from the offense — especially QB Katin Houser's debut and star performances from RB Ca'Lil Valentine and WR Collin Dixon — but some concerns (and bright spots) from Bobby Hauck's defense.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for 60% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz 
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  Ep. 1217 - Illini vs. UAB preview; Mat Pistole on Bobby Hauck's defense 02.09.2026 1h 1m

  Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner catches up with former IHSA football head coach Mat Pistole to break down the X's and O's of Bobby Hauck's new Illinois defensive scheme, how it fits the Illini's personnel and the exciting and concerning things about the defense in 2026. Then Werner and Joey Wagner preview Illini football's season opener against UAB, what they want to see from the offense and defense, their picks to click and their bold predictions.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for 60% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz (0:00) - Intro(1:05) - Mat Pistole on Bobby Hauck's 3-3-5 scheme(5:05) - Thoughts on bringing defense to Illinois(9:01) - How Hauck deploys the defensive line(14:52) - Importance of LBs in this defense(20:50) - The secondary in this defense(28:50) - Keys for defense vs. UAB(30:45) - Question marks of the defense(33:30) - Illinois vs. UAB preview(36:38) - What we want to see from offense(43:02) - What we want to see from defense(45:34) - Picks to click offense(49:48) - Picks to click defense(53:03) - Bold prediction offense(55:50) - Bold prediction defense
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  Ep. 1216 - Bold predictions for 2026 Illini football season 01.09.2026 57m

  Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner make their bold predictions for the 2026 Illinois football season. The guys discuss some potential big goals for the Illini offense, a wide range of possibilities for the defense and some potential breakout performers.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORGameday Spirit: Use code Gameday15 at checkout for 15% off your next purchase online at gamedayspirit.com. That's code Gameday15 for 15% off your next order at Gamedayspirit.com. Brought to you by the Official Fanstore of the Fighting Illini - Gameday Spirit!Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for 60% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz