Illinois football is BACK! The Illini open their 2025 season against Western Illinois, and this matchup is all about setting the tone for the year. In today’s preview, Sunny is joined by JR from  ⁨@TheBigTenHuddleBasketball⁩  to break down the keys to the game, players to watch, and what Illini fans should expect.

We cover: The WR rotation and who could emerge as a go-to playmaker Updates on the offensive line and depth chart battles Defensive players set to shine Why this game is about confidence heading into Week 2 at Duke A quick look around the Big Ten’s opening weekend, including Texas–Ohio State, Nebraska–Cincinnati, and UCLA–Utah Hit subscribe for daily Illini coverage and join us after every game for reactions, analysis, and fan takes! 

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/f8PfVrgf 

Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV 

Watch Me Record Live on Tik Tok: https://t.co/QvIn1UqJkE 

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! 

Upside 

Simply download the free Upside app in the App Store or Google Play and use the promo code FOOTBALL to get an extra 25 cents back per gallon on your first fill up. Start earning cash at the pump, today! Click Here: https://getupside.onelink.me/zlLr?af_xp=custom&pid=barrington&c=barrington_lockedon25&deep_link_value=promo&deep_link_sub1=lockedon25&af_dp=upsideapp%3A%2F%2F 

Rugiet 

150,000 men have made the switch →https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE Use code LOCKEDONNFL to get 15% off your order! 

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. 

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 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)