Illini Inquirer Podcast: An Illinois Fighting Illini athletics podcast

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with former Illini All-American linebacker J Leman about Illinois football's 2021 season-opening 30-22 win over Nebraska. Leman discusses his biggest takeaways from the game, breaks down the defensive and offensive schemes, some standout players and some keys going into Saturday's UTSA 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 react to Illinois football's 30-22 win over Nebraska in Bret Bielema's debut. The guys discuss what a win can do for the fans, recruiting and the team for the rest of the 2021 season and then break down the finer points of the victory. On offense, the guys discuss QB Art Sitkowski's performance in relief of an injured Brandon Peters, the involvement of highly touted playmakers Luke Ford and Isaiah Williams, Mike Epstein's triumphant return and more. Then the guys discuss how Ryan Walters' multiple defense disrupted Adrian Martinez and the Cornhuskers defense. Then the guys look ahead to UTSA and beyond. 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

With under 48 hours before kickoff of the college football, Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner make their bold predictions for the 2021 Illinois football season. The guys make their season predictions and then make their predictions for quarterback Brandon Peters, the running game, the top pass catcher, the most impactful defenders and the schedule. 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 Husker247's Mike Schaefer, who breaks down the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the Illini's Week Zero opponent in Saturday's season opener at Memorial Stadium. Schaefer breaks down what's gone wrong during Scott Frost's first three seasons as head coach, expectations for this season, what this game against Illinois means for the Huskers, players to watch and keys to the 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 Derek Piper about a four official visitor weekend for Illinois basketball and what it means for the Class of 2022. The guys first discuss what Illinois has in the Class of 2022 and the recent decommitment of Reggie Bass. Then they discuss official visitors Otega Oweh, Cameron Corhen and Cam Whitmore, what each prospect could add to the Illini and where the Illini stand. Then the guys discuss why there is some urgency with these visitors and the transfer portal's impact on the Illini's recruiting strategy. 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 All-American linebacker J Leman to preview the 2021 Illinois football season. Leman breaks down his thoughts on the Illinois coaching staff, new schemes and the Illini personnel. He then breaks down why he is optimistic about the 2021 Illini football season and schedule. 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 the 2021 Illinois secondary, which has several returners but a lot of questions. The guys discuss a solid cornerback duo of Tony Adams and Devon Witherspoon but the concern about depth at the position and who could step up. Then the guys discuss a safety position that includes a lot of experience, including Sydney Brown and Quan Martin, but not enough production and how a pair of transfers, Prather Hudson and Eddie Smith, could impact the group, as well as the new STAR position and its potential impact. The guys also discuss the long-term outlook for the secondary, and initial impressions of new position coaches Aaron Henry (cornerbacks) and Ryan Walters (safeties). 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 the 2021 Illinois linebacker group, which got a big boost this offseason. The guys discuss what the unexpected return of Jake Hansen means for Andy Buh's group, what to expect from Tarique Barnes and Khalan Tolson following season-ending injuries last season and what NC State transfer CJ Hart brings to the group. Then the guys discuss the future of this group, including freshmen Dylan Rosiek, Kenenna Odeluga, Kalen Villanueva and 2022 commit Malachi Hood before discussing expectations for the 2021 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 and Joey Wagner break down the 2021 Illinois defensive front, which includes the defensive line and outside linebackers. The guys break down a defensive line with some veteran returners, led by Roderick Perry, and intriguing young talent, including Johnny Newton and Keith Randolph, and how they fit a new defensive alignment. Then the guys discuss the transition of Illini defensive ends to outside linebackers, especially Isaiah Gay and Owen Carney, and how the position will change the defense. The guys also discuss the long-term at each position and expectations for the group. 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 670TheScore.com's Cody Westerlund about Ayo Dosunmu's fit with the Chicago Bulls and the Bull's big offseason. The guys start talking about what Ayo Dosunmu can bring to the Bulls and his short-term and long-term outlooks with the franchise. Then the guys dive into the Bulls big offseason and what the acquisitions of Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan mean for the team's short- and long-term. The guys end the podcast discussing Patrick Williams' future and what's next for Lauri Markkanen and Coby White. 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 the 2021 Illinois offensive line group, buoyed by a handful of super seniors. The guys discuss what it means that Bret Bielema brings back All-Big Ten seniors Alex Palczewski, Vederian Lowe and Doug Kramer for one more season and how good they make this group. The guys then break down what likely starter Blake Jeresaty adds before diving into the candidates for the open guard competition: former walk-on tight end Alex Pihlstrom, transfer Jack Badovinac and tackle Julian Pearl. The guys then discuss the long-term of this position and what the group could look like in 2022 after all the super seniors depart. 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 the 2021 Illinois football tight end group. The guys discuss why the position likely will be used more by the new Illini staff and why the staff should like whom it inherits at the position. The guys discuss why Daniel Barker shouldn't be overlooked and whether or not Luke Ford will truly break out. Then the guys discuss a few potential impact transfers, a walk-on to watch and the future at the 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 and Joey Wagner discuss expectations for a revamped Illinois football wide receiver room. The guys discuss what Brian Hightower and Donny Navarro bring as veterans, how Casey Washington's return from the transfer portal improves the group and what Notre Dame transfer Jafar Armstrong adds to the mix. Then the guys dive into what to expect from converted quarterback and former Top247 prospect Isaiah Williams and how he could change the offense. The guys wrap up by discussing Marquez Beason, freshman Pat Bryant and four Class of 2022 wide receiver commits and the long-term future of what has been a position of weakness 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 and Joey Wagner break down the 2021 Illinois football running back room, potentially the strongest position group on the team. The guys discuss Chase Brown's breakout 2020 season and what could be in store for the All-Big Ten back in 2021. The guys also discuss what transfer Chase Hayden brings to the Illini backfield, how much growth Reggie Love could make in his second season and expectations for Mike Epstein following his return to the program. The guys also discuss Bret Bielema's history of rushing attacks and the long-term view of this room with 2022 commits Jordan Anderson and Aidan Laughery on board. 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 the 2021 Illinois football quarterback room. The guys break down what the new Illini staff must see from incumbent starter Brandon Peters and how he fits with Bret Bielema and offensive coordinator Tony Petersen. The guys then discuss what Rutgers transfer Artur Sitkowski brings to the QB room both in the short-term and long-term. Then the guys talk about the young depth at quarterback and the future of the QB room, including if there will be more overhaul next offseason. 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 what they've gathered from Illinois football's first week of training camp. The guys discuss training camp battles, lingering questions about scheme, Bret Bielema's secrecy and some names that stand out. The guys then discuss one big-picture issue with this team and then answer a few VIP member questions. 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 former Illinois guard Mike LaTulip discuss Ayo Dosunmu going No. 38 overall in the NBA Draft to his hometown Chicago Bulls. The guys discuss why Dosunmu slid out of the first round and how he fits with the Bulls current roster. Then the guys discuss their favorite picks of the draft and the Russell Westbrook to the Lakers trade. 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 a busy time for Illinois basketball. They start off discussing their impressions from new Illini assistant Tim Anderson's Zoom press conference and what he'll bring to the staff. Piper then breaks down his observations from the summer AAU circuit, including Jayden Epps, Jaden Schutt, Cam Whitmore, Braden Huff and more. Then the guys break down potential fits for Illini guard Ayo Dosunmu for Thursday's NBA Draft. 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' Chris Hummer about the impact of Texas and Oklahoma leaving the Big 12 has on college football, including the Big Ten. The guys discuss why Texas and Oklahoma are leaving and how it directly impacts the SEC and Big 12. Then the guys chat about what it means for the other power-five conferences and how they should approach expansion, especially the Big Ten. Hummer then discusses where he sees this all leading and what college football will look like in the future. 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 big changes for college football, potentially the Big Ten and Illinois basketball. The guys start by chatting about Texas and Oklahoma leaving the Big 12, likely for the SEC, and what that means for the Big Ten, including who they possibly could pursue in expansion. Then Joey shares his Bobby Roundtree story, and the guys discuss the former Illini star's tragic death. The guys end the podcast chatting about Kofi Cockburn's return and its impact on the 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 chats with House of 'Paign GM/coach Mike LaTulip to preview the 2021 TBT Illinois Regional. LaTulip discusses the process of putting the team together and getting them ready for Saturday's first-round game. He also breaks down Andrés Feliz's status before breaking down the team's talented backcourt, including Illini greats Demetri McCamey, Brandon Paul and Rayvonte Rice as well as Northwestern great Juice Thompson. Then he breaks down the the frontcourt, including 2020 TBT star Mike Daum, Nnanna Egwu, Kipper Nichols and new addition Loudon Love, a Horizon League great. LaTulip finishes the conversation giving his thoughts on Kofi Cockburn's return to 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 and Ryan Easterling break down the impact of Illinois football landing a commitment from top-500 prospect Shawn Miller. The guys discuss how Bret Bielema, George McDonald and the rest of the staff have quickly revamped the Illini wide receivers room and what Miller adds to it. Then Ryan weighs in on Illinois landing three-star Gibson City running back Aidan Laughery earlier in the week, and the guys evaluate Bielema's first recruiting class to this point as a whole. 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 Kofi Cockburn's return to Illinois for a junior season. The guys break down how he impacts both the short- and long-term of Brad Underwood's program, why he decided to return to Illinois, all the twists and turns of his decision-making process, what the Illini rotation will look like and how it stacks up with the other top Big Ten teams. 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 what three-star running back Aidan Laughery's commitment means for Illinois, including in-state recruiting efforts, Bret Bielema's win over his alma mater (Iowa), what Laughery brings to the running back room and more. Then the guys chat about Kofi Cockburn's upcoming decision, including Kentucky reportedly being out of the recruitment, Florida State's involvement and what a Kofi Cockburn potential return means for Brad Underwood. 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 top-100 guard Jayden Epps' commitment to Illinois, including how Chester Frazier and Brad Underwood landed him, why he was a top priority and how he fits. Then the guys talk about Kofi Cockburn's upcoming decision. 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 has a long chat with Illinois punter Blake Hayes. The Australia native discusses his charitable cause, his long-awaited reunion with family, why he returned for his super senior season, Bret Bielema's coaching staff, 28-year-old Australian backup punter Hugh Robertson and much more. To donate to Connor's Run, visit this link. 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

At long last, Illinois basketball announced its third assistant basketball coach: former DePaul assistant and Chicago native Tim Anderson. Jeremy Werner breaks down Anderson's DePaul background with WeAreDePaul.com's Steve Newhouse before breaking down how Anderson fits Brad Underwood's revamped Illini staff with Derek Piper, including what Anderson brings as a recruiter and as an assistant. Piper also weighs in on the latest with 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 discuss the news that Kofi Cockburn is withdrawing from the NBA Draft but will remain in the transfer portal. The guys break down what this means for Illinois basketball's chances of keeping the All-American, Kentucky being a "serious option" for Cockburn and weighing the pros and cons of Cockburn's options. Then the guys discuss Marquette transfer Dawson Garcia's upcoming decision and the Illini's chances, as well as his potential impact. The guys end the podcast discussing what this hectic offseason has been like for Brad Underwood. 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 a significantly important month ahead for Illinois basketball. The guys discusses the Illini's latest 2022 commitment, Sencire Harris, and how the four-star guard fits wha the Illini want in the backcourt. Then the guys chat about other top 2022 targets, including Jayden Epps, Cameron Corhen and Braden Huff. The guys then break down what's going into Kofi Cockburn's NBA Draft and transfer decisions before breaking down Marquette transfer Dawson Garcia's final four, which includes 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 and Ryan Easterling discuss Illinois football's two latest commitments and a couple tough misses over the holiday weekend. The guys start by discussing what three-star New Jersey OL Matt Fries and three-star Illinois OLB Jared Badie add to the program and Class of 2022. Then the guys discuss the impact of missing out on four-star Illinois DB Austin Brown and three-star Georgia DL Felix Hixon before chatting about the next targets to watch. 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, Derek Piper and Joey Wagner discuss Kofi Cockburn entering the transfer portal and what it means for Illinois basketball. The guys break down why Cockburn would enter the portal, his options and if it really makes sense for him to play college basketball elsewhere. Then the guys talk about the Illini's pursuit of Marquette star transfer Dawson Garcia, their competition for the former McDonald's All-American and what he'd potentially bring to 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 and Joey Wagner discuss how the new era of NIL, which starts Thursday, will impact Illini and NCAA athletics. The guys discuss the background of name, image and likeness and why it is being implemented now. Then the guys discuss how it will be employed and how Illinois is embracing it before discusses the benefits and potential downsides of the new policy. 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 a wave of six transfers out of the Illini program and the impact of the departures of OL Brevyn Jones, OL Blaise Sparks, WR James Frenchie, RB/WR Kyron Cumby, DL Tre'von Riggins and DL Anthony Shipton. He discusses why this would happen now and how it impacts the 2021 season (if at all) and future roster construction for first-year coach Bret Bielema. 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 Illinois football's first month of in-person recruiting efforts. The guys break down the Illini's aggressive strategy with official visits and the early results. The guys then break down what's next, including decision for top Illini priorities, including Austin Brown, Jacob Bostick, Aidan Laughery, Jared Badie, Shawn Miller and many more. 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 Illinois basketball staff finally getting back on the recruiting trail. Piper discusses the prospect who impressed him most over the weekend, a slate of new offers and some new in-state targets, and he also discusses a new-look staff's approach and the latest on when a third assistant could be hired. The guys also discuss the finality of Kofi Cockburn sticking in the NBA Draft and what it means for Illinois next season, some offseason workout buzz and the House of 'Paign's TBT roster. 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 Illinois AD Josh Whitman's two-hour, detailed 2021 media roundtable address. The guys break down Whitman's discussions about how the Illini were impacted by COVID, the future of the hockey project, huge changes happening for college athletics, gambling, basketball's offseason, Bret Bielema's first six months on the job and women's 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

The 200 Level Podcast's Mike Carpenter joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to discuss all the summer storylines for Illinois athletics. The guys discuss fans returning to the stands and the state of Illinois football and basketball, including impressions of Bret Bielema's first offseason and an offseason of change for Illini 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 Joey Wagner discuss their excitement about Illinois athletics announcing fans will be back in the stands at 100-percent capacity for the 2021-22 season, including football and basketball games, what the last year without fans was like and what no restrictions means for Bret Bielema's program. Then the guys discuss a theory about the Illini's long third assistant coach search, Illini football's follow through on in-state recruiting and College Football Playoff expansion. 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 early impressions on Illinois football and basketball hosting recruits for the first time in a year. The guys break down feedback they've heard from Illini football recruiting targets, coaches and parents following the first official visit weekend and what it means moving forward. The guys also talk about a commitment from three-star Joliet Catholic linebacker Malachi Hood. Then the guys chat about Illinois basketball's early visitors and the still-open assistant coach 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

The best way to bring back a program is to build from within its own state. For Bret Bielema, prioritizing Illinois is his mission! Back in college football after spending the last three seasons in the NFL, the former Wisconsin and Arkansas head coach is ready to take on the challenge of bringing back the Illini! Host: Trey Scott Guest: Bret Bielema Follow or Subscribe to The College Football Daily on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Find the 247Sports podcast for your favorite team 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 all things Illinois basketball with in-person recruiting re-opening. The guys start by diving into Kofi Cockburn's reported NBA Draft decision and the still-vacant assistant coaching position. Then the guys discuss how Illinois basketball will approach in-person recruiting and visits this month and some of the key targets who will visit. 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 Illinois football's approach to a busy month of June recruiting. The guys break down what the end of the dead period means for the program and discuss many of the prospects who have scheduled visits, including in-state prospects Jared Badie, Eian Pugh, Aidan Laughery and Jacob Bostick, as well as out-of-state prospects Dallan Hayden, Patrick Kutas, Shawn Miller and Kody Jones. The guys break down what they've made of Bret Bielema's recruiting approach and expectations for June recruiting results. 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 talk with newest Illini beat reporter James Boyd, who will cover Illinois athletics for Lee Enterprises newspapers, including for newspapers in St. Louis, Decatur, Bloomington, Mattoon and the Quad Cities. James discusses getting the gig, his time at the Northwest Indiana Times, how he approaches the job, being a Black sports reporter, his University of Illinois student experience and how he'll ingrain himself on the Illini beat. 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 Brad Underwood's attempt to fill out his staff and the latest in recruiting. The guys discuss the wait to fill the final assistant spot, the roster seemingly stay in tact and what internal promotion Geoff Alexander brings as an assistant. Then the guys discuss the Illini's ongoing search for a four, whether they should try to add a transfer center and Chester Frazier's immediate impact 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 Derek Piper discuss the latest with Illinois basketball. The guys discuss Class of 2022 prospect AJ Storr's decommitment and what it means for Illinois. Then Derek weighs in on what Chester Frazier brings as a recruiter, and the guys chat about the latest buzz for the open assistant coaching position, the Big Ten opponents release, why the 2021-22 roster still has good potential and transfer target Quincy Guerrier. 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 Trent Meacham and Matt McCumber about what Chester Frazier brings to the Illinois basketball staff. Meacham was a teammate with Frazier from 2005-09 at Illinois and discusses how Frazier showed coaching tendencies as a player from the get-go but especially during his final two seasons, which included great adversity. McCumber served on the Kansas State with Frazier for four years and shares insight on how Frazier impacted Bruce Weber's program at K-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 talk with Illinois football coach Bret Bielema about his first six months as head coach of the Illini. Bielema discusses running his own program again, what he's learned about the Illini, selling the program, his history under Hall of Fame coaches, how having kids has impacted him as a coach, recruiting this summer and his staff. 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 big Illinois basketball staff shakeup and what it means for Brad Underwood. The guys dive into the official news of Orlando Antigua and Chin Coleman leaving Illinois for Kentucky and if it says anything about the Illini and what their losses mean for Underwood this offseason. Then the guys discusses Illinois reportedly hiring Illini alum Chester Frazier to join the staff and other candidates who could make sense for the Illini. The guys end the podcast sharing some ... Chicago Bears optimism? 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 golf coach Mike Small about his program claiming its 11th Big Ten Championship in 12 years with a one-stroke, comeback win over Iowa. Small breaks down how his team made the frantic comeback and what it showed about his team. Then Small looks forward to the NCAA Regional as Illinois tries to make its 13th straight NCAA Championships. 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 start the podcast discussing Illinois basketball's reported coaching staff departures, what Orlando Antigua and Chin Coleman leaving for Kentucky means for the program and how Brad Underwood rebounds. Then the guys discuss Isaiah Williams' move to wide receiver and what it means for both the quarterback and wide receiver rooms. The guys end the podcast with Wagner discussing his draft-night experience with Kendrick Green, while Wagner gives thoughts on his Packers' drama and Werner gives thoughts on his Bears excitement. 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