Illini Inquirer Podcast: An Illinois Fighting Illini athletics podcast

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper react to Illinois basketball's 56-55 nail-biting win over No. 10 Michigan State without Kofi Cockburn and Andre Curbelo. The guys discuss how Illinois was in position to win and how they (barely) held on for its first true marquee win of the season so short-handed. The guys discuss big contributions from Trent Frazier, Luke Goode, Omar Payne and Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk before discussing big-picture takeaways including the Big Ten title race and how Brad Underwood's team is starting to mirror another great Big Ten 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 Illini football to start the episode, including transfers out and Bret Bielema following through on his in-state recruiting pledge. Then Jeremy previews No. 24 Illinois vs. No. 10 Michigan State with Graham Couch of the Lansing State Journal, who breaks down the Spartans and the matchup against the Illini, with or without Kofi Cockburn. 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 basketball's 81-65 loss at Maryland and why Illinois struggled so much without star center Kofi Cockburn, the frontcourt issues, the defensive issues and what it means moving forward after back-to-back Big Ten losses. 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 starts the podcast discussing the comings and goings for Illinois football so far this offseason. Then he chats with Mike LaTulip about Illinois basketball's loss to Purdue. The guys discuss the Boilermakers and Kofi Cockburn's relative struggles against marquee/B1G opponents. Then the guys discuss what Andre Curbelo's fantastic return to the court means for the team moving forward, Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk's big day and Andre Curbelo shooting out of a slump. The guys then look ahead to games at Maryland and against Michigan 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 Joey Wagner discuss No. 17-ranked Illinois basketball's 96-88 double-overtime loss to No. 4 Purdue. The guys discuss whether they are encouraged or discouraged in the showing, especially given Kofi Cockburn's struggled. The guys discuss surprise performances from Andre Curbelo (welcome back!) and Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk and what they mean for the team moving forward. The guys then look ahead to the next stretch of games. 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 68-53 over Michigan, which was without Hunter Dickinson and Brandon Johns, to set up a huge Monday matchup against No. 7 Purdue. The guys discuss how Illinois won ugly again and what that means moving forward against tougher competition. The guys also break down player performances, including Trent Frazier's latest takeover, before discussing this budding rivalry. 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 about the start of a stretch of Big Ten games that will tell us a lot about No. 25 Illinois. Then he chats with Illini all-time leading scorer Deon Thomas about what he thinks about the Illini heading into the heart of Big Ten play. Then the guys have a deep conversation on Kofi Cockburn's growth and future, including whether he could return for an extra season of college. The guys wrap up the conversation talking about Trent Frazier's impact and growth from Omar Payne and Coleman Hawkins and how Deon thinks Illinois stacks up in 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 Derek Piper and Joey Wagner from Lincoln discuss Illinois basketball's 81-71 win at Nebraska. The guys discuss big games from Trent Frazier, Omar Payne and Coleman Hawkins, who stepped up on a relatively down night from All-American center Kofi Cockburn. The guys also look ahead to a huge week ahead with games against Michigan and Purdue. 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 4-0 Illini basketball team. LaTulip gives his thoughts on the Illini's new AP ranking, the Maryland win and Tuesday's game at Nebraska. LaTulip then breaks down his the top-5 teams in the Big Ten entering the week of Jan. 10. 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 two 247Sports insiders about new Illini offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. First, Jeremy chats with InsideRunnerSports.com's JJ Perez about Lunney's two highly successful seasons at UTSA, his play-calling, quarterback development and recruiting. Then Jeremy chats with Trey Biddy of HawgSports.com to discuss Lunney's background in Arkansas, his first stint with Bret Bielema on the Razorbacks' staff and his 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 Illinois hiring UTSA's Barry Lunney Jr. as offensive coordinator. The guys discuss how he differs from Tony Petersen, what he brings to Bret Bielema's staff as a coach and a recruiter and how he could impact the current talent on the 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 Derek Piper break down Illinois basketball's 76-64 win over Maryland. The guys discuss Kofi Cockburn's monster night (23 points, 18 rebounds), a potential National Player of the Year showcase, and how the Illini won despite a cold shooting night. The guys then discuss some issues that showed up and the coming stretch ahead, including next week's game against Nebraska and what Andre Curbelo could add if and when he returns. The guys then give their thoughts on Ayo Dosunmu's honored jersey getting lifted to the rafters. 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 Bret Bielema firing offensive coordinator Tony Petersen. Leman gives his reaction to the firing, why he thinks Bielema made the move and what it says about the Illini program moving forward. Then Leman gives his thoughts on the reported top candidate for the vacancy, UTSA offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. 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 coach Bret Bielema firing offensive coordinator Tony Petersen after one season. The guys discuss why Petersen was fired and what it says about Bret Bielema, Josh Whitman and the Illini program. Then the guys discuss the top candidate to replace Petersen and what it could mean for 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

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with Mike LaTulip about Illinois basketball's 76-53 road rout of Minnesota after a 13-day break and COVID pause. The guys discuss how Illinois overcame the long break to come out and build a huge lead early, Kofi Cockburn's continued dominance and a strong, deep supporting cast performance. The guys then discuss good news on the Andre Curbelo front and his potential return impact as well as how Illinois stacks up with the rest of the Big Ten in the early going heading into Thursday's home game against Maryland. 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 review the year that was 2021 for Illini athletics, The guys start by discussing the big picture and steps to normality in the return to competition and the return of fans. Then the guys discuss the biggest Illini stories of 2021, the best Illini athletes, the best moments and the worst moment. The guys then look ahead to what 2022 has in store for Illinois athletics. 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 about Illinois basketball's COVID-19 pause. He then talks with Mike LaTulip about the Braggin' Rights win, the team's growth during the last month, Omicron's potential impact on college basketball and a review of what 2021 meant for Illinois basketball. 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 88-63 win over Missouri in the Braggin' Rights Game, breaking a three-year losing streak to Mizzou. The guys discuss the Illini's elite offense, Kofi Cockburn's continued dominance, Brandin Podziemski's new role and what this team has shown during the last month. 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 106-48 rout of St. Francis (Pa.), which included a program-record 18 three-pointers. The guys discuss how Illinois has been so effective offensively without star point guard Andre Curbelo and what strides they made defensively on Saturday. Then the guys discuss the Braggin Right's Game as well as some takeaways on some underclassmen, including Coleman Hawkins' struggles and prolonged looks at freshmen Luke Goode, Brandin Podziemski and RJ Melendez. 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 Illinois football director of recruiting Pat Embleton about the 2022 signing class. Embleton details recruiting during the pandemic, what Bret Bielema has brought to the Illini's recruiting efforts, in-state recruiting improvement and the transfer portal. Werner then chats with Mike LaTulip about Illinois basketball's loss to Arizona (the positives and the negatives) and the three nonconference games remaining. 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 adding 22 prospects to the Class of 2022 on early signing day. The guys discuss what the Illini accomplished in the class, four signing-week additions, the guys' favorite prospects in the class, their favorite sleepers and their needs in the transfer market. 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 Sean Harrington about the 20-year reunion of the 2001 and 2002 Illini Big Ten championship teams. Sean shares stories about Lon Kruger's exit, Bill Self's arrival, Frank Williams, Lucas Johnson, Robert Archibald and much more. Then Sean gives his thoughts on the 2021-22 Illini so far and what he thinks they are capable of this 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

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with 247Sports national recruiting analyst Allen Trieu about Illinois football's 2022 recruiting class. Trieu discusses what Bret Bielema has brought to Illinois football recruiting and gives his thoughts on several of the Illini prospects. He breaks down many of the Illini's in-state commitments, including RB Jordan Anderson, RB Aidan Laughery, WR Eian Pugh, LB Jared Badie, WR Hank Beatty and TE Henry Boyer. Then he discusses why he's so high on international OL Magnus Møller, and he gives his thoughts on Midwest offensive linemen Joey Okla and Hunter Whitenack. 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 react to Illinois basketball's 83-79 loss to No. 11 Arizona. The guys discuss some late-game miscues and how Arizona neutralized All-American center Kofi Cockburn, Coleman Hawkins' struggles and a lackluster bench but also how Illinois had a chance to win thanks to great shooting from Trent Frazier, Alfonso Plummer and Jacob Grandison. The guys then zoom out and discuss what they think of this team for the long-term 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

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner discusses what Syracuse transfer QB Tommy DeVito brings to Illinois, why the Illini wanted him and how he fits in Tony Petersen's offense. 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

Joey Wagner and Derek Piper preview Illinois vs. Arizona, the biggest nonconference game at the State Farm Center in more than a decade and Piper talks about Illinois' keys to a win. 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 Ryan Easterling discuss the start of a busy offseason of roster-building for Bret Bielema and Illinois football. The guys start by discussing transfers out of the program before focusing on the current 19 commitments in the Class of 2022 and who else Illinois could add before the early signing period next week. Then the guys focus on Illinois football's transfer needs and some options, including Syracuse QB Tommy DeVito. 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' 87-83 road win at Iowa, the Illini's first road win at Iowa City since 2017 to give Illinois its first 2-0 Big Ten start since 2013-14. The guys discuss how Illinois absorbed Iowa's runs, including a 21-2 first-half run, as well as Kofi Cockburn's dominance on the interior and Alfonso Plummer and Jacob Grandison continuing to step up as shot-makers. Then the guys look ahead to Saturday's marquee home nonconference game against No. 11 Arizona. 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 86-51 rout of Rutgers in the Big Ten opener. The guys discuss a great defensive performance, especially Coleman Hawkins on Ron Harper Jr., and an offense clicking on all cylinders with knockdown shooters (Alfonso Plummer, Jacob Grandison, Trent Frazier, Luke Goode and Da'Monte Williams) surrounding a dominant center (Kofi Cockburn). The guys then discuss what this four-game win streak says about Illinois and what lies ahead with Monday's road trip to Iowa. 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 basketball's 82-72 win over Notre Dame in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. Mike discusses Kofi Cockburn's dominance, the returns and impacts of Trent Frazier and Jacob Grandison, Coleman Hawkins' growing pains and the start of Big Ten play this week. 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 the Illini's 47-14 win over Northwestern, the 2021 season and a big offseason ahead. Leman discusses what went so well for Illinois against Northwestern, what the win says about the program and what it can mean moving into the offseason. The guys then discuss the offseason ahead including what players could play in the NFL next season and the Illini's top offseason needs. 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 Baylor transfer big man Dain Dainja and then breaks down Illinois football's two newest commits: Denmark offensive lineman Magnus Møller and Elijah Mc-Cantos. Piper breaks down how Dainja fits Illinois and why the Illini pushed for the former top-100 prospect. Then Werner breaks down what Møller and Mc-Cantos add to Bret Bielema's first full recruiting class, who could be next and what the Illini could do in the transfer portal. 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 react to Illinois basketball's 82-72 win over Notre Dame, including the returns of Trent Frazier and Jacob Grandison. The guys discuss why we must appreciate what Kofi Cockburn is doing right now, Coleman Hawkins' growing pains, freshmen contributions, Andre Curbelo's injury and if the team took a significant step 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 and Joey Wagner discuss Illinois football's 47-14 rout of Northwestern and what it means to wrap up Bret Bielema's first season. The guys discuss the Illini's most dominant Big Ten performance in years and what Bielema accomplished in Year One. The guys discuss which Illini players should earn All-Big Ten honors and the offseason keys for Bielema to build off a solid Year One. 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 react to Illinois basketball's sweat-inducing 94-85 win over UTRGV. The guys discuss the impact of the absences of Andre Curbelo, Trent Frazier and Jacob Grandison, huge nights from Kofi Cockburn and Alfonso Plummer, defensive struggles, Austin Hutcherson's tough night and Luke Goode showing more positive signs. Then the guys discuss two big recruiting visitors, Baylor transfer Dain Dainja and top-30 Class of 2023 Jeremy Fears, and what that means for Illinois. 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 basketball analyst Mike LaTulip about Illinois basketball's 72-64 win over Kansas State at the Hall of Fame Classic in Kansas City. The guys discuss huge games from Kofi Cockburn (23 points, 13 rebounds) and Alfonso Plummer (21 points, 7-9 three), a more explosive offense and a tougher response. The guys also discuss what a potential serious injury to Trent Frazier could mean for the team and how the Illini build off the win following back-to-back losses. 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 Derek Piper and Joey Wagner talk about the Illini's disappointing 71-51 loss to Cincinnati and the path to fill the leadership void left by Ayo Dosunmu. Piper breaks down the offensive and defensive issues that have plagued Illinois through two games and if it's too early to sound the alarms for being concerned.. 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 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