Illinois wide receiver Hank Beatty has officially arrived. After breaking a punt return record set by Red Grange in Week 1 and following it up with a 128-yard, 2-TD performance against Duke, Beatty has established himself as Luke Altmyer’s go-to target and a true game changer for the Illini.

In today’s Locked On Illini, Sunny explains: Why Beatty’s emergence is such a relief after WR depth concerns How his versatility as a WR and return man flips games What his rise means for the rest of the receiver room (Bowick, Elzy, Clement) How Beatty embodies Bret Bielema’s “development culture” Why his emergence could be the difference between 8 wins… and 10+ From a local Rochester recruit to breaking Red Grange’s records, Beatty is turning relief into optimism — and maybe into Illinois’ playoff hopes. 

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! 

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