Illini Inquirer Podcast: An Illinois Fighting Illini athletics podcast

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

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