SportSpyder - The Latest Illinois Fighting Illini Football Podcasts

Ep. 1192 - Biggest positives & question marks from Illini football's summer recruiting

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:21:57 GMT

Wagler Debut, Illini Hoops Update & Bielema on Dodd Watch List

Bleav + IlliniGuys — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:59:00 GMT

Larry Smith, Brad Sturdy & Mike Cagley are the IlliniGuys & this is the Sports Spectacular heard on over 20+ stations in IL, IA & MO weekly.

This week the IlliniGuys talk:

Wagler's NBA Summer League Debut
Illini Basketball Update
Bielema on Dodd Watch List
Illini Women's Basketball

We ask YOU to help the IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular & I on the Illini grow on social media by following us on all our social media and engaging with the content posted. Every like, love, comment & share help the IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular reach more people and establish our position as the leader in entertaining, fast-paced, non-political, all sports & guy-stuff programming.

Thanks for listening!

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I on the Illini
Mike Cagley's Heat Checks & Hail Marys

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We're Alllllmost There: The Illini's Non-Conference Schedule is Nearly Complete

Drew Pastorek — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 05:54:00 GMT

In this episode I discuss men's basketball season tickets selling out (3:56), a new home for Mihailo Petrovic (10:20) and the Illini's newest non-conference additions (11:52).

I also look back on Illinois' last hoops matchup with Winthrop (15:46) and break down the way too early men's Top 25 (23:47) and 2027 NBA mock drafts (29:43).

Finally, I reveal which legendary Illini quarterback I would start, bench, or cut (35:00) and share your comments (41:23).

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DRAMA: Did Illini Basketball SNUB Morez Johnson Jr? | Keaton Wagler Overreactions | Illini Podcast

Locked On Podcast Network — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

A simple Illinois Basketball social media graphic turned into one of the biggest offseason debates among Illini fans.

Should Morez Johnson Jr. have been included alongside other former Illinois players competing in NBA Summer League? Or was Illinois justified in leaving him off after his transfer to Michigan and recent public comments?

In this episode of Locked On Illini, Sunny Verma discusses:

🏀 The controversy surrounding Illinois' Summer League graphic

🏀 Why Morez Johnson's omission has sparked debate

🏀 Keaton Wagler's Summer League debut

🏀 Why fans are overreacting to one game

🏀 Kylan Boswell, Ben Humrichous and former Illini in Summer League

Should Illinois have included Morez Johnson?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

#Illini #IllinoisBasketball #MorezJohnson #KeatonWagler

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Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football!

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For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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BIG 10 SQUAD: Big 10 QB/WR CONTROVERSIAL Rankings | Where Illinois ranks

Locked On Podcast Network — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:00:00 GMT

On3’s latest quarterback and receiver rankings spark heated debate—can elite quarterback-receiver duos truly explain team success, or do inconsistencies between individual and duo rankings leave fans scratching their heads? The Locked On Big Ten Squad analyzes controversial placements: Why is Jayden Maiava ranked third among Big Ten quarterbacks, yet his top wideout drops to an honorable mention? Does the meteoric rise of Purdue’s Josh Hoover and Nick Marsh make sense, or is it pure off-season hype? Attention shifts to the Iowa Hawkeyes’ win total—set at 7.5 by FanDuel. Can Iowa’s new-look offense and a lean senior class maintain Kirk Ferentz’s historic winning consistency against heavyweights like Michigan, Ohio State, and Washington? Predictions fly, rivalries flare, and bold calls are made. Is an eight-win season realistic, or are the Hawkeyes set for a step back in a loaded Big Ten?

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Ep. 1191 - Top Illini hoops summer workout storylines

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:35:50 GMT

599 Illini Basketball & Football Expectation Setting

Bleav + Mike Cagley — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 02:47:00 GMT

Mike Cagley, Ked Prince, Steve Sturm and special guest Matt Randazzo talk Illini basketball and football expectation setting:

Illini Basketball
Illini Football
Tradition
NIL
& More

Whether you live in Champaign or Chicago, halfway across the country or halfway across the world, IlliniGuys.com keeps you in the know!

Share this show on your social media & please give us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed the episode!

Thanks for listening!

Don't miss our college sports focused podcasts:

IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular
I on the Illini
Mike Cagley's Heat Checks & Hail Marys

Follow the IlliniGuys

Subscribe at IlliniGuys.com for just $99 annually
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BREAKOUT: Could Zvonimir Ivisic Be the Illini's HIDDEN X-FACTOR? | Illinois vs Penn

Locked On Podcast Network — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Zvonimir Ivišić may not be Illinois' biggest star heading into the 2026-27 season—but he could be the player who determines just how far the Illini go.

After reportedly adding nearly 40 pounds, the 7-footer enters his fourth year of high-major college basketball with an opportunity to become one of the Big Ten's most impactful centers.

In today's episode, I break down why Zvonimir's efficiency, rim protection and fit in Brad Underwood's faster system could make him the ultimate X-factor for a team with national championship aspirations.

Do you think Zvonimir Ivišić is Illinois' biggest X-factor this season? Let me know in the comments!

#Illini #IllinoisBasketball #ZvonimirIvisic #BradUnderwood #BigTenBasketball #CollegeBasketball

-------------------------------

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Brad Underwood Compares Lincoln Williams to Ayo Dosunmu | Illinois Basketball summer news

Austin Burklund — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 23:12:15 GMT

Brad Underwood had some very interesting comments about Illinois basketball freshman Lincoln Williams during his recent media availability, and we break down exactly what they mean for the future of the Illini.

In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund discuss:

Brad Underwood's comments on Lincoln Williams

Why Illinois remained patient during his recruitment

What Williams could bring to the Illini in 2026

Expectations for Illinois' newest freshman

What this means for Illinois basketball moving forward

If you're an Illinois basketball fan, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you never miss our latest Illini coverage.

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#IllinoisBasketball #Illini #LincolnWilliams #BradUnderwood #IllinoisRecruiting #CollegeBasketball #BigTenBasketball #ArmchairIllini

UPDATE: What Went Wrong With Mihailo Petrovic and Illinois ? | Illini Podcast

Locked On Podcast Network — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Mihailo Petrovic is heading to Seton Hall after spending just one season at Illinois.

Was this a recruiting miss by Brad Underwood?

I don't think so.

In today's episode, I break down Petrovic's impressive career before arriving in Champaign, why things never quite clicked with the Illini, and why I still believe he can become a very productive college basketball player.

Sometimes great players and great programs simply aren't the right fit—and that's exactly what happened here.

Do you think Petrovic will thrive at Seton Hall? Let me know in the comments!

#Illini #IllinoisBasketball #MihailoPetrovic #BradUnderwood #SetonHall #CollegeBasketball

-------------------------------

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FanDuel

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ALL-IN : Why David Mirkovic is READY to Be ELITE | Superstar Season Incoming?! | Illini Podcast

Locked On Podcast Network — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 17:00:00 GMT

David Mirković had the opportunity to play for Montenegro this summer.

Instead, he made a decision that says everything about his mindset heading into the 2026-27 season.

Brad Underwood revealed why Illinois' sophomore star stayed in Champaign, and it could be the biggest reason Illini fans should believe this team is capable of another Final Four run.

Plus, Illinois adds another defensive back to its 2027 recruiting class as Bret Bielema continues to build momentum on the recruiting trail.

Do you think David Mirković will be an All-American this season? Let me know in the comments!

#Illini #IllinoisBasketball #DavidMirkovic #BradUnderwood #IllinoisFootball #BretBielema

-------------------------------

Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com

FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

TALK ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/7E3gcGZ9X

Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV

Everydayer Club

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonillini.supercast.com/

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo

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Indeed

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FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

7.3.26 Illini Becoming NBA Guard U, Who's "Replacing" Keaton & Illini Football Update

Bleav + IlliniGuys — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:23:00 GMT

Larry Smith, Brad Sturdy & Mike Cagley are the IlliniGuys & this is the Sports Spectacular heard on over 20+ stations in IL, IA & MO weekly.

This week the IlliniGuys talk:

Illini Becoming NBA Guard U
NCAA Got Something Right
NIL Expert Michael LeRoy
Who's "replacing" Keaton
Illini Football Recruiting Update

Thanks for listening!

Don't miss our college sports focused podcasts:

IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular
I on the Illini
Mike Cagley's Heat Checks & Hail Marys

Follow the IlliniGuys

Subscribe at IlliniGuys.com for just $99 annually
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@illiniguys4844?si=oWtcpGPkAIYSBceM

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Illinois Football WR Eddie Kasper on Why He Chose Illinois & His 2026 Expectations

Austin Burklund — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 23:00:39 GMT

Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Eddie Kasper joins Armchair Illini for an exclusive interview to discuss his journey to Champaign, why he chose Illinois Football, and his expectations for the 2026 season under Bret Bielema.

🏈 In this interview, Eddie Kasper discusses:

• Why he committed to Illinois Football

• His path to becoming a Fighting Illini wide receiver

• Building relationships with the coaching staff and teammates

• Expectations for the 2026 Illinois football season

• What Illini fans can expect from him this year

Subscribe to Armchair Illini for more exclusive Illinois Football interviews, recruiting updates, breaking news, and analysis covering the Fighting Illini.

🔔 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@armchairillini

🌐 Website: https://armchairillini.com

🐦 Follow on X: https://x.com/ArmchairIllini

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#illinoisfootball #fightingillini #illini #EddieKasper #BretBielema #bigtenfootball #illinoisathletics #CollegeFootball #armchairillini

BIG 10 SQUAD: Ranking the BEST Head Coaches in the Big 10 | Where Bret Bielema sits

Locked On Podcast Network — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Big Ten coaching rankings ignite debate as Curt Cignetti’s meteoric rise at Indiana challenges Ryan Day’s Ohio State dominance. Can Cignetti’s underdog playbook outshine traditional powerhouses if given equal resources? The discussion also spotlights Kyle Whittingham’s consistency, questions Dan Lanning’s performance in pressure games, and evaluates where Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies truly fit in the new Big Ten landscape. Washington’s daunting 2026 schedule faces scrutiny—can the Huskies surpass expectations with key matchups against USC, Oregon, Penn State, and Iowa? The conversation breaks down Washington’s roster strengths and weaknesses, Jedd Fisch’s offensive strategy, and what it will take for the Huskies to clear FanDuel’s 7.5 win total projection. Which Big Ten coach would you want leading your team through a gauntlet, and how will conference newcomers shake up the hierarchy?

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CONCERN: Brad Underwood Says Illini Are ALREADY Dealing With Injuries?! | Illini Podcast

Locked On Podcast Network — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Illinois became the first high-major program to offer 2027 wing Jayon Connor, and that's exactly why Illini fans should pay attention.

Today I explain how Keaton Wagler changed the way I view recruiting, why Brad Underwood has earned the benefit of the doubt when evaluating talent, what makes Connor such an intriguing prospect, and why Illinois continues to identify players before the rest of college basketball catches up.

#Illini #IllinoisBasketball #BradUnderwood #Recruiting

-------------------------------

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FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

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598 Illini Basketball Update – Summer Ball & Recruiting

Bleav + Mike Cagley — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 03:24:00 GMT

Mike Cagley & Brad Sturdy talk all things Illini basketball:

Summer Practice
Player Thoughts
NBA Draft & Trades
& More

Whether you live in Champaign or Chicago, halfway across the country or halfway across the world, IlliniGuys.com keeps you in the know!

Share this show on your social media & please give us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed the episode!

Thanks for listening!

Don't miss our college sports focused podcasts:

IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular
I on the Illini
Mike Cagley's Heat Checks & Hail Marys

Follow the IlliniGuys

Subscribe at IlliniGuys.com for just $99 annually
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@illiniguys4844?si=oWtcpGPkAIYSBceM

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Illinois Basketball Recruiting: Why 5-Star Guard Brady Pettigrew Is a Priority for the Illini

Austin Burklund — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:00:14 GMT

Illinois basketball recruiting is heating up as five-star guard Brady Pettigrew continues to emerge as one of the top prospects in the country. In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund break down what makes Pettigrew such a special talent and why the Illinois Fighting Illini are heavily involved in his recruitment.

🏀 In this episode:

• Why Brady Pettigrew is one of the nation's premier guards

• What stands out about his game and long-term potential

• Illinois' chances of landing the elite in-state prospect

• Why recruiting players like Pettigrew is critical for the future of Illini basketball

• The latest Illinois basketball recruiting news and analysis

Subscribe to Armchair Illini for the latest Illinois basketball recruiting news, Illini basketball analysis, transfer portal updates, and exclusive coverage of Illinois athletics.

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#illinoisbasketball #illini #illinibasketball #IllinoisBasketballRecruiting #BradyPettigrew #bradunderwood #recruiting #collegebasketball #illinoisfightingillini #armchairillini #uiuc

RECRUITING: Brad Underwood Makes Another Under-the-Radar Offer to Jayon Connor | HIdden Gem?

Locked On Podcast Network — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Illinois became the first high-major program to offer 2027 wing Jayon Connor, and that's exactly why Illini fans should pay attention.

#Illini #IllinoisBasketball #BradUnderwood #Recruiting

-------------------------------

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FanDuel

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RECRUITING: 5-Star Brady Pettigrew Visiting Illinois TODAY | Re-Classify to 2027? | Illini Podcast

Locked On Podcast Network — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Illinois basketball received major recruiting news as one of Brad Underwood's biggest targets, Brady Pettigrew, made another visit to Champaign. Even more intriguing, the state's No. 1 prospect is reportedly open to reclassifying into the 2027 class, a move that could completely reshape Illinois' future recruiting class.

In this episode of Locked On Illini, Sunny Verma discusses:

🏀 Why Pettigrew is Illinois' top recruiting priority

🏀 What a 2027 reclassification could mean

🏀 How Quentin Coleman factors into the long-term roster

🏀 Kylan Boswell signing with the Charlotte Hornets

🏀 Ben Humrichous landing an Exhibit 10 contract

🏀 Josh Whitman's latest investment in Illinois baseball

Could Illinois be putting together one of the nation's best recruiting classes?

#Illini #IllinoisBasketball #BradUnderwood #Recruiting

-------------------------------

Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com

FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

TALK ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/ekSGDeBZA

Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV

Everydayer Club

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonillini.supercast.com/

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

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Keaton the Clipper

Drew Pastorek — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 14:35:48 GMT

In this episode I'm reunited with Pleas Honeywood of The Champaign Room to break down:

Keaton Wagler going to L.A. (6:56)
Concerns about Wagler's athleticism at the next level (11:12)
Wagler's historic freshman season (16:30)
Men's basketball's "recruiting sell" (23:06)

We also discuss:

Other notable picks from the NBA Draft (25:19)
Why the "new" draft format was terrible (38:08)
NBA futures for Kylan Boswell and Ben Humrichous (45:37)
The ripple effect of Dusty May's departure and how the Illini can take advantage (56:42)
Illinois' meeting with UNC (75:46)
Hoops' non-conference schedule so far (89:55)

How do you think Keaton Wagler will fare in the NBA? Does the road to the B1G title run through Champaign?

Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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Illinois Basketball: North Carolina Scheduled in Nashville & Morez Johnson Jr. Opens Up on Transfer

Austin Burklund — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 13:00:01 GMT

Illinois Basketball has a major non-conference showdown on the schedule as the Fighting Illini take on North Carolina in Nashville during Big Ten play. 🏀

In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Austin Burklund and Alex Kyi break down:

🔥 Illinois vs. North Carolina scheduled for Nashville on January 30

🔥 Why this matchup could prepare the Illini for March Madness

🔥 The significance of playing a blue-blood program like North Carolina

🔥 Morez Johnson Jr.'s comments on why he left Illinois for Michigan

🔥 What Johnson's departure means for Brad Underwood and the future of Illinois Basketball

Subscribe for more Illinois Fighting Illini news, recruiting updates, game breakdowns, and podcasts all season long!

📲 Follow Armchair Illini:

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Use code ARMCHAIRILLINI for 15% OFF at the Illinois NIL Store.

#IllinoisBasketball #Illini #FightingIllini #Illinois #NorthCarolina #UNCBasketball #MorezJohnson #BradUnderwood #BigTenBasketball #CollegeBasketball #MarchMadness #ArmchairIllini #NCAABasketball #IllinoisFightingIllini #Recruiting

GAME CHANGER: New NCAA Rule Is GREAT News for Illinois Basketball | UNC Announcement

Locked On Podcast Network — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The NCAA has approved a major change to its eligibility rules, and Illinois could be one of the biggest beneficiaries.

In this episode of Locked On Illini, Sunny Verma explains why the new age-based eligibility model fits Brad Underwood's roster-building philosophy, how it could impact players like Andrej Stojaković, Jake Davis, and David Mirković, and why the Illini may be positioned for sustained success under the new system.

Plus:

🏀 Why Illinois vs. North Carolina is no longer about proving anything

🏀 Brad Underwood's scheduling philosophy

🏀 Why the Tar Heels now view Illinois as a national measuring stick

🏀 Thoughts on the latest comments from former Illini Morez Johnson Jr.

Illinois basketball isn't chasing bluebloods anymore…

It's joining them.

#Illini #IllinoisBasketball #BradUnderwood

-------------------------------

Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com

FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

TALK ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/ekSGDeBZA

Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV

Everydayer Club

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonillini.supercast.com/

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Illinois Basketball News: Kylan Boswell Signs with Hornets, Humrichous Joins Nets | Illini vs UNC?

Austin Burklund — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 19:57:26 GMT

🏀 Illinois Basketball has been busy! In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Austin and Alex break down:

✅ Former Illinois guard Kylan Boswell signing a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets

✅ Former Illini forward Ben Humrichous earning an Exhibit-10 deal with the Brooklyn Nets

✅ The official announcement of Illinois vs. North Carolina in Nashville on January 30 and what it means for Brad Underwood's program.

Could Boswell carve out a role in Charlotte? Does Humrichous have a legitimate shot at making the Nets? And why is Illinois-North Carolina becoming one of the premier non-conference matchups in college basketball?

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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6.26.26 Illini Stand Tall in NBA, State of Illini Athletics & Hoops and Football Updates

Bleav + IlliniGuys — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:19:00 GMT

Larry Smith, Brad Sturdy & Mike Cagley are the IlliniGuys & this is the Sports Spectacular heard on over 20+ stations in IL, IA & MO weekly.

This week they talk:

Illini Stand Tall in NBA Draft
Josh Whitman's State of Illini Athletics
Illini Hoops and Football Updates

Don't miss our college sports focused podcasts:

IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular
I on the Illini
Mike Cagley's Heat Checks & Hail Marys

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Illini Football Announces Big Ten Media Representatives, Bret Bielema Sending a Message?

Locked On Podcast Network — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Illinois has announced its representatives for Big Ten Football Media Days, but one selection stands above the rest.

Katin Houser joining Matthew Bailey and Juice Clarke in Chicago could be a major sign of how Bret Bielema views the future of Illinois football. Today I break down what these selections say about the Illini leadership, why Houser's inclusion is so significant, and why Illinois fans should be optimistic about life after Luke Altmyer.

#Illini #IllinoisBasketball #BradUnderwood #CollegeBasketball #Recruiting

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