Illini Inquirer Podcast: An Illinois Fighting Illini athletics podcast

ตอน

• 
  Ep. 1228 - Carey Davis evaluates Illini through 3 games; Dave Biddle on Ohio State 22.09.2026 42นาที

  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
• 
  Ep. 1227 - J Leman reviews SIU win, previews Ohio State 21.09.2026 49นาที

  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
• 
  Ep. 1226 - Hits & misses from Illini's 48-10 win over SIU 20.09.2026 57นาที

  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 
• 
  Ep. 1225 - Illinois vs. SIU preview with Matt Varney and Joey Wagner 17.09.2026 1ชม. 19นาที

  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
• 
  Ep. 1224 - Illini MBB's B1G schedule drops; Huge recruiting weekend ahead 17.09.2026 53นาที

  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
• 
  Ep. 1223 - J Leman reviews Duke loss, previews Southern Illinois 14.09.2026 41นาที

  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
• 
  Ep. 1222 - Hits & misses from Illini's 31-27 loss to Duke 13.09.2026 49นาที

  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 
• 
  Ep. 1221 - Isaac Trotter on Illini's floor & ceiling, Quentin Coleman's freshman role 11.09.2026 41นาที

  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
• 
  Ep. 1220 - Illinois vs. Duke preview 10.09.2026 1ชม. 3นาที

  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
• 
  Ep. 1219 - J Leman reviews UAB win, previews Duke 07.09.2026 45นาที

  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 
• 
  Ep. 1218 - Hits & misses from Illini's 42-23 win over UAB 04.09.2026 45นาที

  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 
• 
  Ep. 1217 - Illini vs. UAB preview; Mat Pistole on Bobby Hauck's defense 02.09.2026 1ชม. 1นาที

  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
• 
  Ep. 1216 - Bold predictions for 2026 Illini football season 01.09.2026 57นาที

  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 
• 
  Ep. 1215 - J Leman previews Illini's opener vs. UAB 31.08.2026 40นาที

  All-American linebacker J Leman joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to preview Thursday's Illinois football season opener against UAB. Leman breaks down what Game One is like for players, the excitement level around Illinois football's 2026 season, what would make for a successful first game, what he expects to see from Bobby Hauck's defense and players he's higher on than the consensus.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(1:30) - What Week One is like for a player(3:30) - Excitement level for 2026 season(5:04) - Bobby Hauck's defense debuts(9:45) - Key for Illini linebackers in this defense(16:00) - How Illini overcome WR injuries(21:04) - What a success looks like for Katin Houser(26:27) - Keys for new-look Illini offensive line(28:20) - Players J Leman is higher on this season(31:25) - Impact of Xavier Scott's return
• 
  Ep. 1214 - Our 'Sign Guys' for 2026 Illini football 27.08.2026 1ชม. 8นาที

  Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner unveil their 'Sign Guys' for the 2026 Illinois football season. The guys break down no-doubt starters, rotation players and underclassmen they're all-in on to make a significant impact and why.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(1:00) - Explaining 'Sign Guys'(10:34) - Joey's keeper from last year(14:49) - Jeremy's keeper from last year(21:00) - Joey's pick for offensive starter(25:28) - Jeremy's pick for offensive starter(30:40) - Joey's pick for defensive starter(34:47) - Jeremy's pick for defensive starter(40:07) - Joey's offensive rotation pick(42:31) - Jeremy's offensive rotation pick(47:14) - Joey's defensive rotation pick(49:20) - Jeremy's defensive rotation pick(53:15) - Joey's underclassman pick(55:45) - Jeremy's underclassman pick
• 
  Ep. 1213 - What we learned from Illini training camp 25.08.2026 1ชม. 19นาที

  Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss what they learned from 2026 Illinois football training camp leading into the Sept. 3 season opener against UAB. The guys break down the team position by position, talking about encouraging signs at quarterback, running back, tight end, offensive line and the secondary and concerns at wide receiver, defensive line, linebacker and special teams.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(4:30) - Jayshon Platt injury impact(7:25) - Big Ten prohibiting NFL players from playing(13:10) - Quarterbacks(21:37) - Running backs(30:41) - Wide receivers(37:27) - Tight ends(43:31) - Offensive line(50:05) - Defensive line(59:11) - Linebackers(66:01) - Secondary(71:32) - Specialists
• 
  Ep. 1212 - Ranking Illini's nonconference slate; Four 5-stars slated to visit this fall 24.08.2026 1ชม. 4นาที

  Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Kyle Tausk break down Illinois basketball's 2026-27 nonconference schedule and the latest in recruiting. The guys discuss four 5-star prospects slated for fall official visits and the most intriguing parts of the Illini's pursuit. The guys then discuss Illinois playing three exhibition games, including a home game against Baylor, and a tougher-than-usual slate against mid-majors, before Tausk ranks the five marquee nonconference games.(0:00) - Intro(5:20) - Four 5-star prospects visiting Illinois this fall(12:30) - Pursuits of Brady Pettigrew & NaVorro Bowman Jr.(17:15) - Pursuits of Moussa Kamissoko & Darius Wabbington(28:35) - Breaking down three exhibition games(34:00) - Illini's tougher-than-usual mid-major slate(37:00) - Ranking Illini's five marquee nonconference gamesFollow 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 
• 
  Ep. 1211 - Mike LaTulip on Illini hoops summer news & buzz 20.08.2026 51นาที

  Illini Inquirer basketball analyst Mike LaTulip joins Jeremy Werner to discuss the latest with Illinois men's basketball summer news and buzz. LaTulip breaks down the impact of David Mirkovic's foot injury, what it means for the star forward and the rest of the team. Then the guys discuss buzz around the freshmen, particularly Quentin Coleman and Lincoln Williams. LaTulip then breaks down areas Illini veterans can improve, including Stefan Vaaks, Andrej Stojakovic, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic and Jake Davis.(0:00) Intro(1:40) Keaton Wagler early impression with Clippers(6:10) David Mirkovic injury impact(19:27) What needed to be accomplished this summer(24:15) Expectations for freshmen Quentin Coleman and Lincoln Williams(36:10) Stefan Vaaks' adjustment(40:55) Next steps for Andrej Stojakovic, the Ivisic twins and Jake Davis
• 
  Ep. 1210 - J Leman's 2026 Illinois football season preview 19.08.2026 53นาที

  All-American linebacker and Illini Inquirer football analyst J Leman joins Jeremy Werner to preview the 2026 Illinois football season. Leman breaks down what gives him confidence for the season, what concerns him and players he's most interested in watching.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for just 60% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz 
• 
  Ep. 1209 - Position Preview: Illini DBs and special teams 18.08.2026 1ชม. 8นาที

  Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner preview the 2026 Illinois football secondary and special teams unit. The guys discuss how Matthew Bailey and Xavier Scott fit in Bobby Hauck's scheme, if cornerback will turn into a strength with newcomers Jakwon Morris and Nick Hankins Jr. joining Juice Clarke and Tanner Heckel and if Mac Resetich is poised for a bounce-back and breakout. The guys then discuss huge changes to the Illini special teams personnel and the battles at kicker, punter and returner.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