The Javamen Fighting Illini Podcast

🎙️ The JAVAMEN are back — and we’ve got a MASSIVE Illinois vs. Alabama basketball preview featuring special guest The Jacksonian.Java Suds, Java Shaps, and Java Joe break down the Illini’s early-season surge and look ahead to the blockbuster matchup at the United Center. SEC insider Jackson Johnson (“The Jacksonian”) joins the show to deliver a full Alabama scouting report and plenty of southern SEC juice. 🔥 Illinois Basketball Talk — Bama Week EditionThe crew digs into all the major Illini storylines:How Illinois matches up with Alabama’s explosive guards Why rebounding, length, and interior play could swing this game.Brad Underwood’s revamped defensive approach and the early impact of the Crockstar.Big Z’s defensive spark and the importance of Tommy's availability.Instant contributions from Andréj, Keaton, and Mirković.The Jacksonian lays out:Alabama’s top scoring threatsNate Oats’ high-tempo, high-volume offenseTheir brutal non-conference scheduleWhat Illinois must do to control pace and keep the Tide from heating up🏈 Bonus Content — SEC + CFP TalkBefore signing off, The Jacksonian hits on Alabama football, SEC playoff chaos, rivalry week, and classic SEC drama — complete with one of his signature phrases you won’t want to miss. Grab a java, or a rum, and tune in.Find more content by the Jacksonian here:https://youtube.com/@jacksonjohnson979Alabama at The Voice of College Football - https://youtube.com/@alabamavocfbSEC at The Voice of College Football - https://youtube.com/@secvocfbX: https://x.com/jacksonvocfbIG: https://www.instagram.com/jackson.johnson.543908

🎙️ The JAVAMEN are back — and it’s a loaded episode.Java Suds, Java Shaps, and Java Joe return as Illini hoops fires up and football stares down a playoff-defining trip to Seattle.🏀 Basketball TalkNew Season, New HypeThe crew dives into the Illini’s stacked roster — returning stars Kylan Boswell and Tommy Ivisic, plus an exciting new wave led by Andrej Stojaković and David Mirković.Key Points:Boswell and Tommy labeled “alphas” heading into Year 2.Ben’s engagement, confidence, and “Fletch-program” strength spark plenty of chatter.Brad Underwood’s Year 9 staff shake-up gets laughs and cautious optimism.A brutal early slate — Texas Tech, Bama, UConn, Tennessee, and Mizzou — sets the tone for how real this team could be.Consensus: Top-4 Big Ten finish and a second-weekend tourney run are the new bar for success.🏈 Football FocusPlayoff Stakes in SeattleFresh off the bye, Illinois heads west for a massive matchup with Washington. The guys break down the betting line shift, the rainy forecast, Luke Altmyer’s poise, and why Bret Bielema’s post-bye magic could be the difference.Who’s taking the Illini? Who’s calling the upset? And which JAVAMAN thinks this could be the turning-point game of the season?Grab a Java, or a Rum, and tune in.

The JAVAMEN are back as the Illini gear up for a massive showdown against Ohio State — joined by J.R. from The Big Ten Huddle, one of the most plugged-in voices covering the Big Ten. The crew breaks down how Illinois has bounced back, what’s clicking for Luke Altmyer and the offense, and how Bret Bielema’s squad stacks up against the country’s top defense.Episode HighlightsIllini Vibes:Confidence returning after a bumpy start — the guys talk momentum, locker room energy, and what’s different heading into this one.Offensive Talk:Luke Altmyer’s poise and playmaking continue to impress, but protection and early rhythm will be key. The group debates how Illinois can keep things balanced against an elite front.Inside the Buckeyes:J.R. gives the view — why Ohio State’s defense has been so dominant, who stands out on both sides of the ball, and where the Illini might find an opening.Defensive Mindset:What needs to change for Illinois to slow high-powered offenses, plus a look at key matchups and tackling fundamentals that could decide the game.Game Talk & Vibes:What to expect from a packed home crowd in Champaign, how emotions play into execution, and why this feels like a statement opportunity for Bielema’s program.Will Java Shaps finally be satisfied? Grab a Java, or a Rum, and tune in to find out.Check out JR and the BIG Ten Huddle here:https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w?si=642481f8f64d4b81

The Javamen are back for Illini football season with special guest Reilly O’Toole, former star Illini QB. With the team entering the year ranked #12 in the AP Poll, the crew dives into expectations, roster depth, key players, and whether Bret Bielema’s Illini can make a serious College Football Playoff push in 2025.Episode HighlightsPreseason Buzz: Illini open the year at #12 — highest in decades. Excitement mixed with anxiety about living up to expectations.Bert’s Culture Shift: Strong praise for Bret Bielema’s retention and depth building, contrasting with past regimes (Beckman, Lovie, Cubit).Offensive Outlook:Luke Altmyer + OC Barry Lunney Jr. return for year three.All five starting offensive linemen return, anchoring the run game.Running backs: Kaden Feagin & Aidan Laughery expected to shine.Wide receivers: Biggest question mark — Malik Elzy, Hudson Clement, Colin Dixon, Hank Beatty among names to watch.Defensive Keys:Stars like Gabe Jacas, Matthew Bailey, and Xavier Scott lead the way.Transfers like James Thompson add needed depth.Calls for DC Aaron Henry to “blitz more” and get aggressive.Season Predictions:Picks range from 9–3 to 11–1.Ohio State, USC, and Washington circled as toughest matchups.If Illini finish 10–2, a CFP berth is in play.Fun Segments: Nostalgia on Juice Williams & Riley’s playing days, jokes about SEC scheduling, and a spirited Week 1 score prediction contest (all have Illini winning big).Grab a Java, or a Rum, and tune in.

Suds, Shaps, Joe, and Jubes get together to discuss the Illini's draw for the '25 tourney. The Javamen can agree that there are no more excuses. Big weekend is upon us in Milwaukee.Grab a Java, or a Rum,and tune in.I-L-L

Java Suds, Shaps, Doc, and Etch host an emergency pod after the huge victory against the Boilermakers. We talk Captain of the Ship and who is walking the plank. Raftery is still the best in the business. THIS IS MARCH.Grab a java, or a rum, and tune in.

Shaps, Joe, and Doc get together to recap the last few weeks of Illini Basketball. We preview the huge game on senior night against the Boilermakers. THIS IS MARCH.Grab a java, or a rum, and tune in.

Java Shaps joins on the BIG Ten Huddle after Dark. They recap the Michigan vs. Michigan State game, talk Dusty May extension, and preview our Illini against Duke in a marquee Saturday night game at the Garden.Special Thanks to JR for hosting us.Grab a java, or a rum,and tune in.

Jave Shaps, Java Joe, and Java Etch get together to recap the past few weeks of Illini basketball. The focus is on Brad, the man who brought us back from the depths of despair. Tune in for takes on both sides of the aisle.Grab a Java, or a Rum,and tune in.

Java Joe, Java Shaps, and Java Suds are back from the Holiday break to recap the last month of Illini basketball. The Illini get hot on the West Coast and it's times like this where you need to be grateful. We talk captain of the ship and change switch to the gridiron for who is walking the plank. Say goodbye to the SEC bias.Grab a java, or a rum, and tune in.

The Crewman are back to recap the past week of Illini basketball. We discuss what happened in the House of Horrors and why we continue to dominate the cheese. Tune in for the Captain of the Ship and who is walking the plank. Grab a java, or a rum,and tune in.

The Crewman get together to recap the Illini's first test in Birmingham. We discuss who is the early front runner for Captain of the Ship. Java Shaps planks Chicago sports and Java Suds get heated. Java Joe talks balance and hypes up Illini football. Grab a Java, or a Rum, and tune in.

The Crewman are back to talk Illini basketball. We recap the first 3 games of the year and share our initial reactions to the new squad. We discuss who is the Captain of the Ship and who is walking the plank two weeks into the season. Java Joe gets taught a geography lesson. The non-conference schedule is predicted. Java Shaps gives the run down on Castaways and Java Suds gives one bonus Castaway.Grab a java, or a rum,and tune in.

The JAVAMEN are back to recap the last two weeks of Illini football. We discuss the main takeaways from the win against the defending champs. We talk about Java Shaps' upcoming trip to Eugune to take on the #1 team in the country. The Illini continue to get disrespected in the polls and we have something to say about it. Grab a java, or a rum, and tune in.

Java Suds, Java Shaps, and Java Joe board the ship to talk about our Illini's hot start. We talk about what position group has been the most pleasant surprise and who is walking the plank. Java Suds and Java Shaps assign blame for the Illini's goal line sequence at the end of the first half against PSU. Java Joe shows us the path to the buried treasure. Grab a Java, or a rum,and tune in.I-L-L

The JAVAMEN kickoff the Illini football season with special guest, former QB1 of the Fighting Illini, Reilly O'Toole. Reilly provides insights about his recruitment and career with the Illini. We discuss the keys to the 2024-25 football season. Reilly shares his thoughts on Brad being an elite program builder and we close it out by predicting the number of wins for Bert's squad.Grab a java, or a rum, and tune in.

Listen in as JAVA Shaps joins the BIG Ten Huddle to debate which teams in the BIG have the hardest and easiest non-conference schedules for the 2024-2025 basketball season. Java Shaps, JR, and Kent from Casual BIG Ten also debat the top coaches and mascots in the BIG.Grab a java, or a rum, and tune in.

The boys are back above sea level to recap what has been a wild offseason...so far. Join Joe, Jubes, and Shaps as they discuss the new roster filled with NBA talent and give praise to our fearless leader. Is Undy more than just an elite program builder? Plus, could there be one more piece joining an already loaded lineup? Grab a java or rum and listen in as we butcher all the new players' names.

The JAVAMEN close out season 2 of the Javamen Fighting Illini Podcast. We recap the Illini's most successful season in 19+ years. The Doc recaps his night in Boston against the Cyclones. Java Joe discusses improvements made by Brad over the years. We discuss what went wrong against the Huskies, including the gameplan according to the Spy. We are thankful for a hell of a year.Thank you to Brad, Josh, TJ, Coleman, Ayo, Trent, Kofi, and many others. Grab a java, or a rum, and tune in.I-L-L.

'Pede vs. Squad. The debate continues. The JAVA Crew have mixed feelings about our fearless leader, Coach Undy. Has he done enough to earn a lifetime contract by raising us from the depths of despair or does is his failures in March define him? We dish out overall grades and discuss what we want to see for him to earn his keep as a top 10 bagman.Grab a Java or a Rum, and Tune in.