Illini Inquirer Podcast: An Illinois Fighting Illini athletics podcast

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with All-American linebacker J Leman about Illinois football's 33-23 loss at Iowa. Leman starts off chatting about the defense keeping the Illini competitive once again and who should earn All-Big Ten honors from that group, but he also highlights one underrated absence at Iowa City. Then Leman breaks down the offense's struggles and discusses what criticism is fair of offensive coordinator Tony Petersen and how the Illini fill some offseason holes through the transfer portal. The guys end the podcast previewing the regular-season finale against Northwestern. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to Illinois football's 33-23 loss at No. 17 Iowa, the Illini's eighth straight loss to Iowa. The guys break down a familiar script: a defense that gives Illinois a chance but an offense that can't get over the hump in a close loss. The guys discuss why the offense hasn't taken many strides and how they improve moving forward. The guys also discuss a hectic week with head coach Bret Bielema out with COVID-19. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with former Illinois basketball player Mike LaTulip about the Illini's 67-66 loss to Marquette, Andre Curbelo's tough night and Trent Frazier's big night. The guys then discuss Kofi Cockburn's return this week at the Hall of Fame Classic and the Illini's 2022 recruiting class. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with City/Suburban Hoops Report's Joe Henricksen about 4-star wing Ty Rodgers signing with Illini. Henricksen breaks down why he's a big fan of Ty Rodgers and his fit for Illinois, his thoughts on 2024 Illini commit Morez Johnson's potential and what the two in-state prospects' commitments say about Brad Underwood's Illini program. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All-American linebacker J Leman joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to discuss all the latest with Illinois football. He gives his thoughts on Bret Bielema's COVID-19 diagnosis and what his physical absence impacts the team. Leman also discusses defensive coordinator Ryan Walters' contract extension and what it says about the Illini program and Walters' career arc. Leman then gives an in-depth breakdown on Saturday's game at No. 17 Iowa and gives his prediction for the game (stick around for it). To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper discuss four-star wing Ty Rodgers' commitment to Illinois, how Illinois won the Big Ten recruiting battle, how he fits and what he brings to the program, what his commitment says about head coach Brad Underwood and assistant Tim Anderson and the next focus for the Illini staff in recruiting. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to the news that Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the Iowa game on Saturday. The guys discuss what it means for the team, why wide receivers coach George McDonald will be acting head coach and how Bielema's absence will impact the Illini at Iowa City. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper discuss Illinois basketball's 67-66 loss at Marquette, why the Illini lost composure, what went so wrong for Andre Curbelo and how the Illini respond to the loss, especially with Kofi Cockburn coming back from suspension for the next game. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss Illinois football awarding a contract extension to defensive coordinator Ryan Walters. The guys discuss what the deal says about Walters, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema and Illinois athletics director Josh Whitman and then discuss the impact on the program, including recruiting. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper discuss Illinois basketball 92-53 win over Arkansas State. The guys discuss the impacts of the returns of Andre Curbelo and Trent Frazier, Coleman Hawkins' continued rise and Jacob Grandison's solid play. Then the guys discuss the significance of four-star 2022 wing Ty Rodgers' visit to State Farm Center. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with former Illinois basketball player Mike LaTulip about Illinois' short-handed season-opening win. LaTulip discusses what is to be taken away from a game without the Illini's three best players (Kofi Cockburn, Andre Curbelo and Trent Frazier) and another key scoring option (Austin Hutcherson). He breaks down positive games from Jacob Grandison, Coleman Hawkins, Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk and Luke Goode and discusses what he's seen from the transfers, Omar Payne and Alfonso Plummer, so far. Then he looks ahead to a bigger test on Friday against Arkansas State. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper discuss Illinois basketball's short-handed 71-47 win over Jackson State. They talk about how the Illini played without guards Andre Curbelo (concussion protocol), Trent Frazier (shoulder) and Austin Hutcherson (tailbone) and the positives from the available role players, including Jacob Grandison and Coleman Hawkins, as well as some negatives. Then the guys look ahead to Arkansas State before breaking down the Illini's Class of 2022 recruiting class before the early signing period. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with All-American linebacker J Leman about Illinois football's 14-6 win at No. 20 Minnesota. Leman breaks down how Ryan Walters' defense shut down the Big Ten West leader and a top-ranked Minnesota rushing attack. Then Leman discusses the offense's fast start and why it didn't sustain that effort the rest of the game. The guys then look ahead to the Illini's final two games at Iowa and against Northwestern and what a win or two (the latter would clinch a bowl game) would mean for Bret Bielema's program moving forward. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Live from Minneapolis, Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss Illinois football's 14-6 win at No. 20 Minnesota, the Illini's second-straight road win at a ranked opponent. The guys discuss the defense's dominant performance and why defensive coordinator Ryan Walters has been so successful. The guys also discuss what was behind the offense's quick start and their lack of success during the final three quarters. The guys also look ahead to what the 4-6 Illini have ahead, including an off week, a road game at No. 22 Iowa and a home finale against Northwestern. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with Scott Burgess of Prep Hoops Illinois to discuss Chicago St. Rita 2024 forward Morez Johnson committing to Illinois. Burgess breaks down how the Illini got the top-two Illinois sophomore prospect to jump on board so early, what it says about the revamped Illini staff's in-state recruiting efforts, what Johnson eventually will bring to the Illini and how his commitment can impact Illini recruiting moving forward. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with former Illinois basketball player Mike LaTulip about all things Illinois basketball. The guys first start talking about Kofi Cockburn's three-game suspension and how the team handles his absence. Then LaTulip gives his thoughts on the exhibition game against Indiana (Pa.), how the absences of veterans were felt, Andre Curbelo's highs and lows and the freshmen. Then the guys discuss the start of the season next week with two nonconference games against Jackson State and Arkansas State. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with All-American linebacker J Leman about Illinois football's 20-14 loss to Rutgers. Leman breaks down one bright spot, quarterback Brandon Peters, before breaking down why the Illini struggled to run the ball, late-game play-calling and the defense struggling to get off the field. Leman then looks ahead to the Illini's trip to Big Ten West-leading Minnesota. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper react to the NCAA's three-game suspension of Kofi Cockburn. The guys discuss whether the suspension is fair, how it will impact Illinois and who must step up in his absence. The guys end the podcast discussing Ayo Dosunmu's best game of his young NBA career (14 points in a comeback win at Boston) and how he's found a role on the 6-1 Bulls. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss Illinois football's 20-14 loss to Rutgers. The guys discuss why the offense was shut out after taking a 14-10 lead at halftime following a fantastic second quarter. The guys discuss some play-calling and try to reconcile the Illini crushing Penn State in the trenches but struggling against Rutgers on the line of scrimmage. The guys then look big picture about where the Illini go from here. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper discuss Illinois basketball's 94-79 win over Indiana (Pa.) and why a sloppy performance thrilled Brad Underwood. The guys discuss the impact of missing Austin Hutcherson, Trent Frazier and Da'Monte Williams due to injuries, especially on defense. Then the guys discuss some positives, including Coleman Hawkins in the starting lineup, Kofi Cockburn's dominance, some senior shooters and some signs from two freshmen. The guys wrap up discussing the speculation about a potential Kofi Cockburn suspension. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with former Illinois basketball player Mike LaTulip about the Illini's first exhibition game, a 101-38 rout of St. Francis. LaTulip discusses what can actually be learned from an exhibition against an overmatched NAIA team, why Trent Frazier was his star of the game, what he saw from transfers Omar Payne and Alfonso Plummer, what stood out about Coleman Hawkins and Austin Hutcherson and his initial impressions of the freshmen. Mike also looks ahead to Friday's second exhibition against Indiana (Pa.) and gives his early thoughts on the 4-0 Chicago Bulls. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner talks with former All-American LB J Leman about Illinois football's 20-18 nine-OT win at No. 7 Penn State. Leman breaks down what the win means for the program after a tough month and week, why Ryan Walters' defense is having such success and how the Illini's "barge" offense worked. Then he looks ahead to a winnable game against Rutgers. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper discuss Illinois basketball's 101-38 win over St. Francis (Ill.) in the first of two exhibition games. The guys discuss what they can actually take away from the blowout over an NAIA opponent and break down what they saw from bench options Coleman Hawkins, Austin Hutcherson, Omar Payne and Alfonso Plummer before chatting about initial impressions from the freshmen. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner (in Champaign) and Joey Wagner (in State College) react to Illinois football's 20-18 nine-overtime victory at No. 7 Penn State. The guys discuss the historic nature of this game (longest in college football history) and what the win says about the program after a noisy week. Then the guys discuss the defense's dominance and the running game's dominance overcoming poor quarterback play. The guys also look ahead to what the win could mean for the rest of the season and recruiting. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with former Illinois basketball player Mike LaTulip to preview the 2021-22 Illinois basketball season. They guys discuss what Illinois lost in Ayo Dosunmu, Adam Miller and Giorgi Bezhanishvili before discussing the next steps for Kofi Cockburn and Andre Curbelo; what the returns of seniors Trent Frazier, Da'Monte Williams and Jacob Grandison means for the team; what transfers Alfonso Plummer and Omar Payne bring to Illinois; and expectations for X-factors Coleman Hawkins and Austin Hutcherson. LaTulip then gives his few concerns about the team and his pick to win the Big Ten. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss the brouhaha around Bret Bielema's blunt comments about the Illinois football roster. The guys provide context to what Bielema was saying, the fallout of it (both inside and outside the team) and the potential impact of the online outrage moving forward. Then the guys discuss actual recruiting, including the meteoric rise of Chicago Marist LB Jimmy Rolder, Joey's observations of OL Joey Okla, his upcoming trip to see QB Donovan Leary, transfer needs and remaining Class of 2022 targets. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with Illinois All-American linebacker J Leman about the latest in the Big Ten, including Iowa's loss to Purdue and four top-9 teams in the Big Ten East, before focusing on Illinois football's trip to Penn State and what he wants to see after an off week. The J answers listener-submitted questions on Illinois football, the roster, the coaching, recruiting and his Illini experiences To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper talk 50 minutes of Illini basketball. The guys start with Michigan big man Hunter Dickinson waking up Big Ten Media Days with a shot at Illini fans and whether he was spitting some truth and what that says about Illinois basketball. Then the guys discuss their biggest takeaways from the Illini's open practice last Saturday, including Andre Curbelo, Luke Goode, solid seniors, Austin Hutcherson, Alfonso Plummer, Omar Payne and Coleman Hawkins. Then the guys shift their focus to the Illini's last month of big recruiting weekends, including 2022 top target Ty Rodgers, five-star 2023 forward J.J. Taylor, five-star 2023 guard Kylan Bosell and how the conversation about Illini basketball recruiting has changed in recent years. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All-American linebacker J Leman joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to break down Illinois football's 24-0 loss at Wisconsin, including near-historic offensive struggles, o-line issues, Art Sitkowski's performance in relief and a defense overpowered in the run game. Leman then gives his midseason report card on the Illini, giving a letter grade for each position group as well as the head coach and coordinators. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss the Illini's 24-0 loss to Wisconsin and some basketball open practice observations. The guys discuss a putrid offensive performance and Artur Sitkowski's performance in relief of Brandon Peters. Then the guys discuss what there is to learn about a 2-5 (1-3 Big Ten) Illini team the rest of the season and the staff's recruiting priorities in the offseason. The guys end the podcast on a positive note with observations from Illini basketball's open practice. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss their takeaways from basketball media days and preview Illinois vs. Wisconsin football. The guys start by discussing what they've learned and heard from Illinois basketball and Big Ten basketball media days, including the Illini's biggest reasons for excitement and a few lingering questions. Then the guys break down Saturday's homecoming game between Illinois and Wisconsin and the keys to the game, including a prolonged talk about the Illinois quarterback position. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with All-American LB J Leman about Illinois football's 24-14 win over Charlotte. Leman breaks down Chase Brown's monster rushing performance (257 yards) and the keys to the Illini offensive line's run blocking. Leman then breaks down quarterback Brandon Peters' issues in the passing game before discussing continued improvement from Ryan Walters' defense. The guys end the pod previewing the Illini's matchup with a vulnerable Wisconsin team. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss Illinois football's skid-busting 24-14 win over Charlotte. The guys discuss Chase Brown's huge day and the Illini rushing attack's ability to bully the 49ers. But the guys also discuss the passing attack's continued struggles with Brandon Peters at quarterback and what it says that Illinois continues to commit to the super senior. The guys end the podcast throwing flowers at Illinois defensive coordinator Ryan Walters' group, which shut out the 49ers in the second half. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper discuss the start of Illinois basketball practice and break down the questions about the 2021-22 team. The guys discuss expectations with Kofi Cockburn, Andre Curbelo, Trent Frazier, Da'Monte Williams and so many others returning, they discuss X-factors such as Omar Payne, Austin Hutcherson, Coleman Hawkins and Alfonso Plummer and they discuss how the team could play differently than last season. Piper then breaks down the latest in Class of 2022 recruiting and remaining targets before discussing a big 2024 in-state recruiting weekend. The guys wrap up the podcast with their preseason Big Ten rankings. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner break down Saturday's game between Illinois (1-4) and Charlotte (3-1). The guys discuss challenges provided by Charlotte, which beat Duke in its opener, and what Illinois needs to do to win its first game in a month. The guys discuss whether the Illini need to make a quarterback change and how Tony Petersen can get his offense going. Then the guys discuss why the defense has had success recently and what it must do to continue that momentum. The guys then discuss what a win and loss this week would mean for the program. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with former Illinois All-American linebacker J Leman about Illinois football's 13-9 loss at Purdue. Following four straight losses, the guys start with the positives, including the improvement with Ryan Walters' defense and a breakout performance from Josh McCray. Then Leman discusses whether Illinois needs to make a quarterback change after the offense failed to score a touchdown in Brandon Peters' second straight full game and his thoughts on Bret Bielema's decision to punt on 4th-and-2 from the Purdue 34 just before Purdue took the lead. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner reacts to Illinois football blowing another late lead in a 13-9 loss to Purdue. He dissects Bret Bielema's reasoning for a decision that again backfired, punting from the Purdue 34 on a 4th-and-2 midway through the fourth quarter. He then discusses another good week by the defense ruined by an offense that has one bright spot (Josh McCray!) but is full of issues otherwise. He then discusses the missed opportunities the last two weeks represent for Bielema's program. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner look ahead to Illini football's game at Purdue. The guys discuss the opportunity for an increasingly healthy Illini team, the keys for Brandon Peters and the offense to show significant improvement and the keys to the defense building off a solid performance against Maryland. Then Jeremy chats with Illini athletics' INFLUENCE program coordinator Kam Cox about the first three months of the NIL era, the impact on student-athletes, how the process works and what the future of NIL looks like. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with All-American LB J Leman about Illinois football's gut-wrenching 20-17 loss to Maryland. Leman breaks down some positive building blocks from the Illini defense and points out some positive changes by defensive coordinator Ryan Walters, as well as exciting playmaking by the Illini running backs. But Leman also discusses his concerns about the passing game, including the quarterbacks, wide receivers and offensive line play. They end the podcast discussing the opportunity at Purdue on Saturday and the Big Ten through three weeks. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss a brutal 20-17 Illinois football loss to Maryland. The guys discuss the gut-wrenching details of blowing a seven-point lead with five minutes remaining to lose on a last-minute field goal. They discuss Brandon Peters' struggles in his return from injury and why Tony Petersen's offense has struggled, though the guys do praise Ryan Walters' defense for giving Illinois a chance. Then the guys discuss what potential changes should be made to spark this team and program. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with Derek Piper about Brad Underwood's contract extension and a big recruiting weekend. The guys discuss why the one-year contract extension makes sense for both Brad Underwood and Josh Whitman. Then Piper previews a big recruiting weekend, including an official visit from 2022 four-star wing Ty Rodgers and unofficial visits for Jeremy Fears Jr. and Ty Pence. The guys also look ahead to the start of fall practice. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner catches up with Illinois football great Arrelious Benn, who is returning to the UI campus for the first time since entering the NFL. Benn discusses his thoughts on returning to campus, first-year Illini coach Bret Bielema, seeing his former Illini coaches Mike Locksley and Ron Zook on the Maryland sideline. Then Benn discusses why he picked Illinois over college football powerhouses, how that impacted him, his highs and lows during his Illini and NFL career, plus his post-playing career. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with Inside MD Sports' Jeff Ermann, who breaks down Mike Locksley's Maryland Terrapins before Friday's game at Illinois. Ermann breaks down Locksley's impact on Maryland so far, including his huge impact in recruiting and what's behind Maryland's 2-0 start. The guys break down an explosive offensive, led by QB Taulia Tagovailoa, WR Dontay Demus Jr. and WR Rakim Jarrett. Ermann then breaks down the Terps defense and what this game means for Maryland. They end the conversation with a Maryland hoops update. Jeremy then gives his thoughts on the Illini prior to Friday's FS1 primetime game. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with former Illini All-American linebacker J Leman about Illinois football's 42-14 loss at Virginia. Leman discusses the big-picture issues with the roster and the defense's lack of competitiveness. They also discuss some positive signs from the offense and what Brandon Peters' potential return could mean for the group. The guys then look ahead to a tough home matchup against Maryland, and Leman shares some stories about Mike Locksley and Ron Zook. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to Illinois football's 42-14 loss at Virginia. The guys discuss the biggest issues from a putrid defensive effort and whether Tony Petersen will be able to find the Illini's offensive identity. The guys also talk big-picture about what two disappointing losses mean for Bret Bielema and his efforts to turn around his first season and this struggling football program. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with Wahoos247's Jacquie Franciulli to break down Virginia football before Saturday's showdown against Illinois. Franciulli discusses what's made Bronco Mendenhall successful in the ACC with the Cavaliers, why Virginia is excited about its offense led by QB Brennan Armstrong, how Virginia's defense is looking to bounce back from a poor 2020 season and keys to Virginia protecting home field against Illinois. Then Jeremy gives some things he's looking for during the game from the Illini. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

J Leman talks with Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner about Illinois football's 37-30 loss to UTSA. The former Illinois All-American linebacker discusses how a locker room reacts to a disappointing loss, why Illinois struggled to stop UTSA's offense, how he evaluated QB Artur Sitkowski's performance and adjustments Illinois must make before a trip to Virginia. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss a 37-30 Illinois football loss to UTSA, a $1.1 million buy game for the Illini. The guys discuss what went so wrong compared to last week's win over Nebraska, evaluate Artur Sitkowski's game, the defense's issues in slowing down the Roadrunners and what this means moving forward. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner catches up with Illini Inquirer alum Isaac Trotter, who recently rejoined 247Sports on the national news desk. Trotter discusses his new gig and his initial impressions of the Bret Bielema era, including the season-opening win over Nebraska. The guys then break down their thoughts on the Big Ten leading into Week One, including teams they're buying, teams they're selling and coaches on the hot seat. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with Inside Runner Sports' JJ Perez about the UTSA Roadrunners, who travel to Illinois on Saturday to take on the 1-0 Illini at Memorial Stadium. Perez discusses the young history of the UTSA football program, what second-year coach Jeff Traylor has brought to the program, key UTSA players to watch on both sides of the ball and keys to UTSA upsetting Illinois. Then Jeremy discusses some of his thoughts heading into Saturday's second game of the season. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices