Illini Inquirer Podcast: An Illinois Fighting Illini athletics podcast

All-American linebacker J Leman joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to review Illinois football's 42-23 season-opening win over UAB. Leman breaks down Bobby Hauck's defensive coordinator debut, concerns about the Illini's run defense and tackling but encouraging signs from its pass rush. Leman then breaks down his initial impressions of the Katin Houser-led offense and new-look offensive line. He then previews Saturday's non-conference showdown against defending ACC champion Duke. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 75% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to Illinois football's 42-23 season-opening win over UAB. The guys discusses encouraging signs from the offense — especially QB Katin Houser's debut and star performances from RB Ca'Lil Valentine and WR Collin Dixon — but some concerns (and bright spots) from Bobby Hauck's defense. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 60% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner catches up with former IHSA football head coach Mat Pistole to break down the X's and O's of Bobby Hauck's new Illinois defensive scheme, how it fits the Illini's personnel and the exciting and concerning things about the defense in 2026. Then Werner and Joey Wagner preview Illini football's season opener against UAB, what they want to see from the offense and defense, their picks to click and their bold predictions. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 60% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz (0:00) - Intro (1:05) - Mat Pistole on Bobby Hauck's 3-3-5 scheme (5:05) - Thoughts on bringing defense to Illinois (9:01) - How Hauck deploys the defensive line (14:52) - Importance of LBs in this defense (20:50) - The secondary in this defense (28:50) - Keys for defense vs. UAB (30:45) - Question marks of the defense (33:30) - Illinois vs. UAB preview (36:38) - What we want to see from offense (43:02) - What we want to see from defense (45:34) - Picks to click offense (49:48) - Picks to click defense (53:03) - Bold prediction offense (55:50) - Bold prediction defense

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner make their bold predictions for the 2026 Illinois football season. The guys discuss some potential big goals for the Illini offense, a wide range of possibilities for the defense and some potential breakout performers. SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR Gameday Spirit: Use code Gameday15 at checkout for 15% off your next purchase online at gamedayspirit.com . That's code Gameday15 for 15% off your next order at Gamedayspirit.com . Brought to you by the Official Fanstore of the Fighting Illini - Gameday Spirit! Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 60% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

All-American linebacker J Leman joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to preview Thursday's Illinois football season opener against UAB. Leman breaks down what Game One is like for players, the excitement level around Illinois football's 2026 season, what would make for a successful first game, what he expects to see from Bobby Hauck's defense and players he's higher on than the consensus. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 60% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz (0:00) - Intro (1:30) - What Week One is like for a player (3:30) - Excitement level for 2026 season (5:04) - Bobby Hauck's defense debuts (9:45) - Key for Illini linebackers in this defense (16:00) - How Illini overcome WR injuries (21:04) - What a success looks like for Katin Houser (26:27) - Keys for new-look Illini offensive line (28:20) - Players J Leman is higher on this season (31:25) - Impact of Xavier Scott's return

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner unveil their 'Sign Guys' for the 2026 Illinois football season. The guys break down no-doubt starters, rotation players and underclassmen they're all-in on to make a significant impact and why. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 60% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz (0:00) - Intro (1:00) - Explaining 'Sign Guys' (10:34) - Joey's keeper from last year (14:49) - Jeremy's keeper from last year (21:00) - Joey's pick for offensive starter (25:28) - Jeremy's pick for offensive starter (30:40) - Joey's pick for defensive starter (34:47) - Jeremy's pick for defensive starter (40:07) - Joey's offensive rotation pick (42:31) - Jeremy's offensive rotation pick (47:14) - Joey's defensive rotation pick (49:20) - Jeremy's defensive rotation pick (53:15) - Joey's underclassman pick (55:45) - Jeremy's underclassman pick

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss what they learned from 2026 Illinois football training camp leading into the Sept. 3 season opener against UAB. The guys break down the team position by position, talking about encouraging signs at quarterback, running back, tight end, offensive line and the secondary and concerns at wide receiver, defensive line, linebacker and special teams. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 60% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz (0:00) - Intro (4:30) - Jayshon Platt injury impact (7:25) - Big Ten prohibiting NFL players from playing (13:10) - Quarterbacks (21:37) - Running backs (30:41) - Wide receivers (37:27) - Tight ends (43:31) - Offensive line (50:05) - Defensive line (59:11) - Linebackers (66:01) - Secondary (71:32) - Specialists

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Kyle Tausk break down Illinois basketball's 2026-27 nonconference schedule and the latest in recruiting. The guys discuss four 5-star prospects slated for fall official visits and the most intriguing parts of the Illini's pursuit. The guys then discuss Illinois playing three exhibition games, including a home game against Baylor, and a tougher-than-usual slate against mid-majors, before Tausk ranks the five marquee nonconference games. (0:00) - Intro (5:20) - Four 5-star prospects visiting Illinois this fall (12:30) - Pursuits of Brady Pettigrew & NaVorro Bowman Jr. (17:15) - Pursuits of Moussa Kamissoko & Darius Wabbington (28:35) - Breaking down three exhibition games (34:00) - Illini's tougher-than-usual mid-major slate (37:00) - Ranking Illini's five marquee nonconference games Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 60% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

Illini Inquirer basketball analyst Mike LaTulip joins Jeremy Werner to discuss the latest with Illinois men's basketball summer news and buzz. LaTulip breaks down the impact of David Mirkovic's foot injury, what it means for the star forward and the rest of the team. Then the guys discuss buzz around the freshmen, particularly Quentin Coleman and Lincoln Williams. LaTulip then breaks down areas Illini veterans can improve, including Stefan Vaaks, Andrej Stojakovic, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic and Jake Davis. (0:00) Intro (1:40) Keaton Wagler early impression with Clippers (6:10) David Mirkovic injury impact (19:27) What needed to be accomplished this summer (24:15) Expectations for freshmen Quentin Coleman and Lincoln Williams (36:10) Stefan Vaaks' adjustment (40:55) Next steps for Andrej Stojakovic, the Ivisic twins and Jake Davis

All-American linebacker and Illini Inquirer football analyst J Leman joins Jeremy Werner to preview the 2026 Illinois football season. Leman breaks down what gives him confidence for the season, what concerns him and players he's most interested in watching. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just 60% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner preview the 2026 Illinois football secondary and special teams unit. The guys discuss how Matthew Bailey and Xavier Scott fit in Bobby Hauck's scheme, if cornerback will turn into a strength with newcomers Jakwon Morris and Nick Hankins Jr. joining Juice Clarke and Tanner Heckel and if Mac Resetich is poised for a bounce-back and breakout. The guys then discuss huge changes to the Illini special teams personnel and the battles at kicker, punter and returner. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 60% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner preview the 2026 Illinois football defensive line and linebackers. The guys discuss the challenge and concern of replacing most of the defensive front from last season and how the scheme can help the personnel. The guys also discuss the roles of returners like Joe Barna, Pat Farrell, James Kreutz and Ismael Kante; the impact of transfers like Darrell Prater, Will Holmes, Carter Janki and Ean Rhea; and potential underclassmen who could make an impact, including Grant Beerman. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just 60% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner preview the 2026 Illinois football offensive line. The guys discuss Bart Miller's task of replacing four of five starters from last season, the importance of transfer center Jake Renfro, the development of Brandon Henderson and Nathan Knapik and the additions of Maika Matelau and Christian Martin. The guys also discuss the depth and underclassmen in the room. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just 60% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner preview the 2026 Illinois football wide receivers and tight ends. The guys discuss who could lead the Illini in receiving with Hank Beatty gone, the impacts of transfers and which underclassmen could make an impact at the position. The guys then break down Kaden Feagin's potential impact after switching to tight end, whether Christian Abney can fill Tanner Arkin's shoes and the depth at the position. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner preview the 2026 Illinois football quarterbacks and running backs. The guys discuss expectations for QB Katin Houser and how the offense changes with him as well as the battle for the backup spot between Carson Boyd and Michael Clayton. The guys then discuss how new running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley will impact Ca'Lil Valentine and Aidan Laughery, Jordan Anderson's role and early buzz on the freshmen tailbacks. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just 60% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Kyle Tausk react to David Mirkovic undergoing surgery for an injured left foot. The guys discuss the early word on his recovery timetable and what it means for the lead-up to the 2026-27 season. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner preview 2026 Illinois football training camp by breaking down the top August storylines for the team. The guys discuss the offensive line gaining chemistry, the defense taking the next step in its install, special teams competitions, new wepons working their way into roles, freshmen and more. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Kyle Tausk break down offseason buzz they've gathered on Illinois basketball. The guys discuss David Mirkovic as the primary playmaker of the offense, freshman Lincoln Williams making an early impression, freshman guard Quentin Coleman's defensive potential, Stefan Vaaks developing a downhill game and the Ivisic twins bulking up. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

At Big Ten Media Days, Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner catches up with BTN analysts Howard Griffith and Jake Butt as well as former Illini All-American offensive lineman Martin O'Donnell. Griffith and Butt both discuss Illinois adding transfer quarterback Katin Houser and the switch to Bobby Hauck's defense, as well as their expectations for the Illini in 2026. O'Donnell, an executive at Busey Bank, discusses Illini football's new Busey Bank jersey patch and Illinois offensive line play. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

Illinois QB Katin Houser, DB Matthew Bailey and DB Juice Clarke sit down with Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner at Big Ten Media Days at Hilton Chicago. The guys chat with Houser about why he picked the Illini, his first seven months at Illinois, taking on a leadership role and the coaches and players around him. Bailey and Clarke then discuss their journeys at Illinois, the new defense and the next steps as a program. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz