Locked On Illini - Daily Podcast On Illinois Fighting Illini Football & Basketball

It’s official: Mihailo Petrovic is CLEARED! After months of waiting, international paperwork, and NCAA reviews, the Serbian point guard is finally eligible — and he’s been granted sophomore status with three years of eligibility.Host Sunny Verma breaks down what this means for Brad Underwood and Illinois basketball: Why Petrovic’s eligibility came at the perfect time How he fits alongside Kylan Boswell in the backcourt What his European experience adds to the Illini offense How this changes Illinois’ ceiling heading into the season With Petrovic, the Ivisić twins, David Mirkovic, and Andrej Stojaković — Illinois might have its most balanced roster in years. The Illini open their season Nov. 3 against Jackson State, and fans could see No. 77 make his debut in orange and blue. ---------------------------------- Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football! Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267 TALK ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/bT9gZF5e Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social Article Referenced: For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PelotonLet yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com.DoorDashWith DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.MazdaIt’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle. Mazda. Move and Be Moved. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Sunny Verma kicks off Illinois Basketball Preview Week with a deep dive into the team’s guard rotation — and explains why this might quietly be Brad Underwood’s best backcourt yet. 🏀 In this episode: Why the guards will be the engine of Illinois’ March hopes Kylan Boswell: poised for an All–Big Ten season as captain and floor general Mihailo Petrovic: the European playmaker Illinois has been missing Keaton Wagler: size, maturity, and two-way potential at 6'6" Why all three could be future All–Big Ten players How Brandon Lee’s development adds unexpected depth What makes this group the key to Illinois’ tournament ceiling Comparing this backcourt to recent Illini guard tandems 🏈 Bonus Segment: Illinois Football player grades after the Washington loss — Luke Altmyer’s gritty effort, offensive line improvement, defensive breakdowns, and why Sunny is officially one foot off the Aaron Henry train. ---------------------------------- Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football! Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267 TALK ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/bT9gZF5e Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social Article Referenced: For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PelotonLet yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com.DoorDashWith DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.MazdaIt’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle. Mazda. Move and Be Moved. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Illinois basketball’s “secret scrimmage” against Florida is no longer a secret — and there’s plenty for Illini fans to be excited about. Sunny Verma breaks down everything he’s learned from Illinois’ 96–86 loss to the defending national champions — from Kylan Boswell’s breakout to David Mirkovic’s consistency — and why the performance should leave fans optimistic heading into the season. 🏀 In this episode: Why Illinois’ frontcourt might be one of the biggest in the country Why Sunny believes Boswell could make an All–Big Ten Team this year Brad Underwood’s “lottery talk” and why fans should read between the lines Big-picture optimism heading into the final week before the season opener 🎙 Hosted by Sunny Verma, your daily home for Illinois basketball and football coverage on Locked On Illini. ---------------------------------- Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football! Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267 NEW ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/YjgQbzyU Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social Article Referenced: For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PelotonLet yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com.DoorDashWith DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.MazdaIt’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle. Mazda. Move and Be Moved. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

In this LIVE postgame reaction, Sunny Verma and Big Kurt break down Illinois’ frustrating 45–27 loss to Washington, where the Illini offense battled but the defense simply never gave them a chance. 🏈 Postgame Topics Include: Why the defense completely fell apart against the Huskies Aaron Henry’s struggles as defensive coordinator — is it time for a change? Why Luke Altmyer and Cole Rusk were the lone bright spots on offense Offensive line improvement and run blocking finally showing progress Frustration with play-calling and clock management before halftime Why Illinois’ offensive line is peaking just as the defense regresses Should Terrance Jamison quietly take over play-calling duties? The conversation Illini fans are having right now: has Aaron Henry run out of chances? Evaluating Bret Bielema’s postgame comments and body language Realistic expectations for the rest of the season (Rutgers, Wisconsin, Northwestern) ---------------------------------- Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football! Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267 NEW ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/YjgQbzyU Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social Article Referenced: For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.  

Brad Underwood just went global again — and landed another gem. 🌍 Illinois basketball received a major commitment from 4-star guard Lucas Murillo, a 6’6 playmaking guard from the Dominican Republic who fits perfectly into Brad Underwood’s modern, positionless system. 🏀 In this episode: Who Lucas Morillo is and why this commitment matters His impressive résumé: EYBL standout + Dominican U19 national team experience Why Illinois beat out UCLA, Marquette, and Texas for his signature The skillset that sets Morillo apart — IQ, size, shooting, and unselfishness Comparisons to Kasparas Jakucionis, Ty Rodgers, and Ayo Dosunmu How Morillo embodies Brad Underwood’s new international identity Why Illinois is now a global recruiting power What this means for Illinois’ 2026 recruiting class and beyond Sunny Verma explains why Morillo’s game — built on patience, spacing, and high basketball IQ — makes him an ideal Illini. This commitment isn’t just about one player; it’s about how Brad Underwood has turned Illinois into a destination for elite international talent. 🎙 Hosted by Sunny Verma, the daily voice of Locked On Illini — your go-to for Illinois basketball and football coverage every day. ---------------------------------- Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football! Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267 NEW ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/bT9gZF5e Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social Article Referenced: For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!QuoSee why over 90,000 businesses trust Quo, formerly OpenPhone. Get started free and get 20% off your first 6 months at https://www.Quo.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE. PelotonLet yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com.DoorDashWith DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.MazdaIt’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle. Mazda. Move and Be Moved. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.MonarchTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at https://www.monarch.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Illinois basketball recruiting is heating up — and the 2026 class could soon have its next big addition 👀 Sunny Verma breaks down Illinois’ current commits and top remaining targets, including Lucas Morillo, Alex Costanza, Luigi Suigo, and Sinan Huan, and explains why the Illini’s recruiting strategy under Brad Underwood and Orlando Antigua is shifting from volume to precision. 🏀 Basketball Recruiting Topics: Illinois’ current 2026 commits: Ethan Brown and Landon Davis Why Lucas Morillo may be on “commitment watch” this weekend The high-stakes recruitment of Alex Costanza and how NIL could decide it Big man targets: Luigi Suigo vs. Sinan Huan — both 7-footers with major upside The European pipeline and why Underwood’s staff is thriving overseas Predicting the final shape of Illinois’ 2026 class Sunny also answers fan mailbag questions from the Talk Illini Discord, including: Concerns about athleticism and rebounding without Morez Johnson How deep Brad Underwood’s rotation will go this season Whether Jason Jakstys could contribute in spot minutes Illinois football recruiting and the latest on Nazir Rankin’s commitment 🏈 Football Segment: Sunny closes with a preview of Illinois’ massive trip to Seattle to face Washington: Bielema’s impressive 6–1 record off bye weeks Keys to the game: tackling Washington RB Jonah Coleman, containing QB Demond Williams Jr. How Luke Altmyer and the Illini offense can control tempo Why this could be a “make-or-break” moment for Illinois’ 2025 season 🎙 Hosted by Sunny Verma, the daily voice of Locked On Illini — your go-to for Illinois basketball and football coverage every day. ---------------------------------- Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football! Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267 NEW ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/bT9gZF5e Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social Article Referenced: For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!QuoSee why over 90,000 businesses trust Quo, formerly OpenPhone. Get started free and get 20% off your first 6 months at https://www.Quo.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE. PelotonLet yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com.DoorDashWith DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.MazdaIt’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle. Mazda. Move and Be Moved. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.MonarchTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at https://www.monarch.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Is the nation underrating the Big 10's championship potential? Plus, game picks for the biggest matchups for Week 9. Can the Indiana Hoosiers fend off the red-hot UCLA Bruins? The Northwestern Wildcats are visiting the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The Washington Huskies are hosting the Illinois Fighting Illini. Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/talkbig10 Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-big-10/ Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege 📢 Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PelotonLet yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com. RipplingGet Rippling FREE for 6 months. Terms and conditions apply. See site for details: https://app.rippling.com/legal/promoterms PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNFL GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuelRight now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)  #big10 #BIGTEN #CollegeFootball #CollegeBasketball #NCAA

Could Keaton Wagler actually start at point guard for Illinois basketball? 👀 Sunny Verma breaks down Michael Tulip’s surprising take from the Illini Inquirer podcast — that Wagler might be better suited to handle the ball while Kylan Boswell plays off-guard. Is this just an early-season experiment, or could Brad Underwood really roll with this lineup? 🏀 Basketball Segment: Why Mike LaTulip thinks Wagler could start at PG Kylan Boswell’s fit off the ball and turnover concerns from last year How Mihailo Petrovic’s eligibility delays impact the guard rotation Concerns about guard depth heading into the opener Why running offense through Tomislav Ivišić and David Mirkovic might reduce PG pressure Evaluating a potential starting five: Boswell, Wagler, Stojaković, Humrichous, Ivišić The pros and cons of trusting a freshman with lead-guard duties 🏈 Football Segment: Sunny then transitions to football, recapping what Bret Bielema, Barry Lunney Jr., and Aaron Henry said during the bye week pressers. Illinois heads to Seattle to face Washington, and the team looks healthier and refreshed. Key takeaways include: Illinois’ 6–1 record off bye weeks under Bielema Running back depth returning (Valentine, Loughery, Fagan) The push to reestablish the run game after Ohio State Offensive tempo and Luke Altmyer’s comfort in quick reads The defensive game plan vs dual-threat QB Demond Williams Jr. Why this could be a “prove-it” game for Illinois on the national stage 🎙 Hosted by Sunny Verma, the daily voice of Locked On Illini — your go-to for Illinois basketball and football coverage every day. ---------------------------------- Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football! Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267 NEW ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/bT9gZF5e Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social Article Referenced: For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.  

This weekend’s matchup between Illinois and Washington isn’t just another Big Ten game — it’s a season-defining showdown.Sunny Verma (Locked On Illini) and Roman Tomashoff (Locked On Huskies) team up for a full crossover episode to break down everything you need to know before kickoff. 🏈 In this episode: Why both Illinois and Washington are fighting for their postseason lives Luke Altmyer’s steady veteran play and what makes him a “cheat code” in Bret Bielema’s system How Illinois’ offense has become one of the Big Ten’s most efficient units Can the Illini defense contain Washington stars Demond Williams and Jonah Coleman? Key matchups to watch: Gabe Jacas vs. Washington’s left tackle,        Valentine vs. the Husky front seven How Bielema’s 6–1 record off a bye week could tilt the advantage Ryan Walters’ defensive evolution and what Illinois fans should expect from his Huskies unit Why both fanbases still dream of sneaking into the College Football Playoff conversation 🎙 Hosts: Sunny Verma (Locked On Illini) & Roman Tomashoff (Locked On Huskies) 📍 Part of the Locked On Podcast Network — Your Team, Every Day ---------------------------------- Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football! Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267 NEW ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/bT9gZF5e Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social Article Referenced: For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.  

David Mirkovic dominated Illinois State with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists, and now Illini fans everywhere are asking the question — should he start?Sunny Verma breaks down the full debate between David Mirkovic, Ben Humrichous, and Zvonimir Ivišić for Illinois’ starting power forward spot — weighing the pros, cons, and how Brad Underwood’s rotation could evolve as the season begins. 🏀 Basketball Topics Covered: Mirkovic vs Humrichous: offense, defense, and experience Why Brad Underwood might prefer a veteran early in the season The case for starting a freshman with star upside What Zvonimir Ivišić showed (and didn’t show) in the exhibition Why Underwood might split the Ivišić twins’ minutes instead of pairing them How Illinois’ new defensive coordinator Camryn Crocker changes the system Early-season injury updates for Stojaković, Petrovic, and Ty Rodgers Why this might still be Illinois’ second-best team in the Big Ten behind Purdue 🏈 Football Bonus: Sunny closes with a quick update on Illinois football — including the team’s new #23 ranking, recruiting news for 2027 QB Camden Lapati, and details on the Rutgers ticket giveaway for Locked On Illini listeners. 🎙 Hosted by Sunny Verma, your daily home for Illinois basketball and football coverage on Locked On Illini. ---------------------------------- Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football! Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267 NEW ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/bT9gZF5e Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social Article Referenced: For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.  

The Illini took care of business in a 92–65 exhibition win over Illinois State, and it wasn’t just about the score — it was a statement.Sunny Verma breaks down why this might be Brad Underwood’s most skilled and versatile roster ever, led by breakout freshman David Mirkovic (19 PTS, 14 REB, 6 AST) and an energetic showing from Zvonimir Ivišić. From Ben Humrichous’ “booty ball” revival to Kylan Boswell’s leadership, this episode dives into all the key takeaways — plus an Overreaction Monday segment where Sunny and the Talk Illini community give their boldest early-season takes. 🏀 In this episode: David Mirkovic’s Nikola Jokić–style debut 💪 Why Brad Underwood couldn’t stop smiling Zvonimir Ivišić’s flashy dunk (and technical) Kylan Boswell’s veteran poise Ben Humrichous’ physical dominance Brandon Lieb’s perfect 5-for-5 second half The Illini’s new controlled pace and defensive ceiling Why this could be the deepest team of the Underwood era Overreaction Theater: Talk Illini’s wildest takes from the win 🎙 Hosted by Sunny Verma, the daily voice of Locked On Illini — your home for Illinois basketball and football talk, every day. ---------------------------------- Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football! Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267 NEW ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/YjgQbzyU Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social Article Referenced: For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.  

Illinois basketball tips off its exhibition season Sunday vs Illinois State, but they’ll do it shorthanded — with Tomislav Ivišić, Ty Rodgers, Andrej Stojaković, and Mihailo Petrovic all sidelined.Sunny Verma breaks down what to expect, who could step up, and what fans should be watching most closely in this first look at the 2025–26 Illini. 🏀 Basketball Segment: The full injury and availability update from Brad Underwood Why this could be a breakout opportunity for Zvonimir Ivišić How Illinois might structure its lineups without Tomislav What to watch from new defensive coordinator Camryn Crocker’s system Keaton Wagler hype — what’s real and what’s overblown? Ben Humrichous and Jake Davis: steady veterans to watch What a “glorified practice” might still reveal about Illinois’ chemistry 🏈 Football Segment: Illinois’ bye week results: no help from the scoreboard Why losses by Duke, Washington, and USC actually hurt Illinois’ résumé How Bret Bielema’s “1–0 each week” mindset must guide the rest of the season Why Illinois still controls its path to a 10-win finish, but can’t slip again Recruiting note: 2026 target Adam Umadak visits Champaign, plus intel on  Jsiah Jervis 🎙 Hosted by Sunny Verma, the daily voice of Locked On Illini — your home for Illinois basketball and football coverage, every day. ---------------------------------- Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football! Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267 NEW ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/YjgQbzyU Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social Article Referenced: For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.  

It has been a massive week for the Big 10, and it will be another big weekend during Week 8. James Franklin got fired, the Indiana Hoosiers proved they belong against the Oregon Ducks, plus game picks for this weekend. Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/talkbig10 Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-big-10/ Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege 📢 Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! SupplyHouseJoin the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit https://www.supplyhouse.com/apply-for-trademaster to sign up for free and use promo code SHCOLLEGE5 for 5% off your first order. WayfairGet organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. PelotonLet yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com. Rugiet150,000 men have made the switch →https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGEUse code LOCKEDONNFL to get 15% off your order! DoorDashWith DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18. MazdaIt’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle.Mazda. Move and Be Moved. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at https://www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year. FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)   #big10 #BIGTEN #CollegeFootball #CollegeBasketball #NCAA

Illinois basketball takes the court Sunday for their exhibition matchup against Illinois State, and Sunny Verma is breaking down what the starting five could look like — especially with Ty Rogers, Andrej Stojaković, and Mihailo Petrovic all likely out.Predicting the Illini Starting …. 🏀 In this episode: Why this exhibition game actually matters for early chemistry The latest on injuries and NCAA clearance updates for Petrovic & Stojaković Projected starting lineup: Kylan Boswell, Keaton Wagler, Jake Davis, Ben Humrichous, Tomislav Ivišić Why Ben Humrichous could be in for a breakout year The case for freshman Keaton Wagler starting at the 2 spot Jake Davis’ under-the-radar value as a “coach’s son” glue guy How lineup cohesion now could set the tone for Illinois’ early non-conference slate Bonus: Quick football talk with On3’s Carson Bounds — what Illinois needs after the bye week Sunny and Carson also preview what Brad Underwood might experiment with on Sunday and how the Ivišić twins could factor into future rotations. 🎙 Hosted by Sunny Verma — your daily home for Illinois basketball and football coverage on Locked On Illini. ---------------------------------- Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football! Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267 NEW ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/YjgQbzyU Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social Article Referenced: For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

Brad Underwood made headlines at Big Ten Media Days for saying international players are “easier to coach because they care more.” But was that quote misunderstood?Sunny Verma was there in the room when Underwood said it, and in this episode, he explains what Brad really meant, why it actually makes sense, and how Illinois has quietly become the Duke of Europe when it comes to recruiting international basketball talent. 🏀 Basketball Segment: The real meaning behind Underwood’s “they care more” comment Why Illinois is targeting more experienced, mature European players How success stories like Tomislav Ivišić, Kasparas Jakucionis, and Mihailo Petrovic are changing the Illini brand overseas The economics of NIL and why European players bring fewer distractions Why Illinois’ global recruiting shift might be the future of college basketball 🏈 Football Segment: Sunny also grades Illinois’ performance vs #1 Ohio State unit by unit — from Luke Altmyer’s struggles to a quietly solid day for the defense. Find out why Illinois’ 18-point loss was closer than it looked, and which players earned passing marks heading into the bye week. 🎙 Hosted by Sunny Verma — the daily voice of Locked On Illini, bringing you real talk, no spin, and full Illini coverage every day. ---------------------------------- Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football! Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267 NEW ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/YjgQbzyU Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social Article Referenced: For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

The AP Top 25 is out — and Illinois debuts at #17, its highest preseason ranking since 2021. But is that too high? Too low? Or just right?Sunny Verma breaks down the Illini’s national standing, how the media sees Brad Underwood’s squad, and why advanced metrics like KenPom (#6) and Bart Torvik (#7) think Illinois might actually be a Top 10 team. 🏀 In this episode: Full AP Poll reaction + Big Ten team rankings Why Illinois’ roster has the highest ceiling — but still major question marks The NCAA clearance frustration surrounding Mihailo Petrovic The injury situation with Andrej Stojaković and its impact Illinois’ brutal upcoming schedule: Purdue, UConn, Texas Tech, UCLA, Alabama & more Evaluating the floor and ceiling for this year’s team Why the analytics trust Illinois more than the poll voters Sunny also gives a quick football update after Illinois fell out of the Top 25 following the Ohio State loss — and explains why being 5–2 with the 4th-hardest schedule means the Illini are still on track for a strong finish. 🎙 Hosted by Sunny Verma — your daily home for Illinois Fighting Illini basketball and football coverage. ---------------------------------- Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football! Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267 NEW ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/YjgQbzyU Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social Article Referenced: For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.  

The numbers don’t lie — Illinois basketball opens the 2025–26 season ranked No. 6 in KenPom, ahead of Duke, Gonzaga, and UCLA 😳 Sunny Verma breaks down what KenPom actually measures, why it’s trusted by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee, and what it means for Brad Underwood’s team to start the year in elite company. 🏀 In this episode: What KenPom rankings really mean and how they’re calculated Why Illinois’ efficiency profile screams Final Four contender How Tomislav Ivišić, Kylan Boswell, and Andrej Stojaković raise the ceiling The importance of continuity and spacing in Brad Underwood’s system National comparisons: Illinois vs Purdue, UConn, Kentucky & Houston Updated AP Poll reaction — why Illinois fell just short of the Top 25 in football and what that says about national perception Sunny also rants about how programs like USC and Notre Dame get ranked on reputation, not results — despite Illinois beating USC head-to-head this year — and why Illini fans should keep fighting for respect. 🎙 Hosted by Sunny Verma — the voice of Locked On Illini, your daily home for Illinois basketball and football news. ---------------------------------- Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football! Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267 NEW ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/m5WvrN5W Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social Article Referenced: For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!SupplyHouseJoin the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit https://www.supplyhouse.com/apply-for-trademasterto sign up for free and use promo code SHCOLLEGE5 for 5% off your first order.  WayfairGet organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. PelotonLet yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com. Rugiet150,000 men have made the switch →https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGEUse code LOCKEDONNFL to get 15% off your order! DoorDashWith DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.MazdaIt’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle. Mazda. Move and Be Moved. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at https://www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Sunny Verma recaps the atmosphere at Gies Memorial Stadium, the Illini’s strong start, and the handful of costly mistakes that turned a competitive game into a missed opportunity . 🏈 In this episode: The three turnovers that changed everything Luke Altmyer’s mixed performance and emotional postgame quote Defensive progress under Aaron Henry — holding OSU to 4.3 yards per play The brutal bad-snap moment and how special teams swung momentum Why Illinois outgained the Buckeyes but still couldn’t close What this game says about Bielema’s culture and the program’s trajectory Sunny also explains why this wasn’t a setback — it was a step forward for a team learning how to win on the biggest stage. Illinois heads into the bye week at 5–2, bruised but confident, and firmly in position for a 9–10 win season if they keep cleaning up the margins. ---------------------------------- Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football! Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267 NEW ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/m5WvrN5W Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social Article Referenced: For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! SupplyHouse Join the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit https://www.supplyhouse.com/apply-for-trademaster to sign up for free and use promo code SHCOLLEGE5 for 5% off your first order. Wayfair Get organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Peloton Let yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com. Rugiet 150,000 men have made the switch →https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE Use code LOCKEDONNFL to get 15% off your order! DoorDash With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18. Mazda It’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle. Mazda. Move and Be Moved. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at https://www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Illinois basketball fans, meet the Twin Towers — Zvonimir and Tomislav Ivišić. In today’s episode, Sunny Verma breaks down the latest Everyday Guys feature on the Ivišić brothers, what makes them such a rare pairing in college basketball, and how Brad Underwood plans to utilize their chemistry to change Illinois’ offensive and defensive ceiling.🏀 Basketball Segment: How Tomislav’s stretch-five game complements Zvonimir’s rim protection The impact of Adam Fletcher’s offseason program (Tomislav +15 lbs, Zvonimir +27 lbs!) Why their shared IQ and connection make Illinois’ offense more dangerous How Brad Underwood might stagger their minutes — or go “Twin Towers” in big matchups What this pairing means for Illinois’ Big Ten title hopes 🏈 Football Segment: Sunny then previews Illinois vs #1 Ohio State — breaking down why this is the toughest matchup of the year, what Luke Altmyer and the Illini offense must do to stay competitive, and why keeping the game respectable and healthy might be just as important as chasing the upset . 🎙 Hosted by Sunny Verma, the voice of Locked On Illini — daily Illini basketball and football coverage from Champaign to your feed. VOTE FOR PRINCEVILLE! https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/friday-night-5g-lights/q ---------------------------------- Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football! Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267 NEW ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/m5WvrN5W Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social Article Referenced: For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

Where do James Franklin and the Penn State Nittany Lions go after their latest loss? The current outlook of the Big 10 and the race for the conference championship game. Plus, picks for the biggest games that Week 7 has to offer! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNQsWmyf0LCFUKr01QZ2LQ  Locked On College Football Podcasthttps://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-college-football/ Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege  Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/smclaughlinCFBFollow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LockedOn_CFB #collegefootball Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!SupplyHouseJoin the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit https://www.supplyhouse.com/apply-for-trademaster to sign up for free and use promo code SHCOLLEGE5 for 5% off your first order. SquareTo learn more, go support your favorite neighborhood spot and see what Square has been up to in your neck of the woods. And then if you have extra time, check out https://square.com/go/lockedoncollege PelotonLet yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.PrizePicks — Run Your Game.Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE DoorDashWith DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18. MazdaIt’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle.Mazda. Move and Be Moved. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at https://www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year. FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)