Illini Inquirer Podcast: An Illinois Fighting Illini athletics podcast

Flyin' Illini great and NBC Sports analyst Stephen Bardo joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to preview the 2023-24 Illinois and Big Ten basketball season. Bardo gives his thoughts on Sunday's exhibition between No. 25 Illinois and No. 1 Kansas at State Farm Center, discusses Brad Underwood's tenure, what he thinks of the 2023-24 roster and his expectations for the Illini this season. He then gi...

All-American J Leman breaks down Illinois football's heartbreaking 25-21 loss to Wisconsin on homecoming. Leman discusses what went right for three quarters and what went so wrong during the fourth quarter. He discusses end-of-half defensive issues, Johnny Newton getting ejected for targeting and the Illini offense's promising run game but lackluster passing attack. Leman then looks ahead to a big...

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to the Illini's 25-21 loss in Champaign to Wisconsin. The guys break down the fourth quarter collapse by Illini and frustrated comments from Bret Bielema postgame. 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 $1 at Illini Inquirer : bi...

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper break down the Illini's 116-65 exhibition victory over Ottawa at State Farm Center. The guys dive into the newcomers including Marcus Domask and what they saw from Brad Underwood's squad in the win. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8   Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct    Go VIP for ju...

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner previews Illinois vs. Wisconsin with Badger247's Nick Osen and Illini Inquirer's Joey Wagner. Osen breaks down Luke Fickell's early impact on the Badgers, how the offense will be impacted by QB Tanner Mordecai's hand injury and what's made the defense so good during the last four games. Werner and Wagner then answer a six-pack of questions on Illinois football enter...

All-American linebacker and Illini Inquirer football analyst J Leman reacts to Illinois football's 27-24 upset win at Maryland. Leman breaks down how Illinois was able to score its season high against a Power Five opponent and how the defense held Maryland's explosive offense in check. He then discusses what the team can learn from the win and whether they can maintain momentum against a banged-up...

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to the Illini's 27-24 upset win in College Park over Maryland after Caleb Griffin hits a game-winning 43-yard field goal as time expired. The guys react to the improved performance on both sides of the ball as well as a big day for Kaden Feagin. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xa...

Illini Inquirer's Derek Piper joins Jeremy Werner to discuss the latest in Illinois basketball recruiting efforts before answering 10 preseason questions about Illini basketball, including the team's strengths and concerns, the biggest impact transfer and freshmen and who they are higher and lower on in the Big Ten. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: ht...

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner previews Saturday's Illinois football at Maryland game with 247Sports' Jeff Ermann and Joey Wagner. Ermann, who covers the Terrapins for InsideMDSports.com, breaks down the 5-1 Terps, Mike Locksley, Taulia Tagovailoa, the Terps defense and outlook for the rest of the season. Then Joey Wagner joins Werner to answer a six-pack of questions on Illini football, includin...

All-American linebacker J Leman joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to discuss a 2-4 start for Illinois football and the challenges it presents for the program long-term. Leman also breaks down the Illini's issues in a 20-7 loss to Nebraska and previews this week's game at 5-1 Maryland. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8   Oth...

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to the Illini's 20-7 loss in Champaign to Nebraska. The guys discuss Bret Bielema's frustrated comments after the game and break down another sloppy performance from Illinois. 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 $1 at Illini I...

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner previews Friday night's game between Illinois and Nebraska with Husker247's Mike Schaefer and Illini Inquirer's Joey Wagner. Schaefer breaks down what he's learned about Cornhuskers first-year coach Matt Rhule so far and breaks down the Cornhuskers strengths and weaknesses and what Friday's game means for their season. Then Werner and Wagner discuss six questions ab...

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper discuss three-star guard Jase Butler committing to Illinois basketball. Piper breaks down what Butler brings to the Illini, why the staff prioritized him and how his commitment impacts the pursuits of guard prospects Mikey Lewis and Jeremiah Fears. The guys then look ahead to the future roster and break down its strengths and needs before discussing...

All-American linebacker J Leman joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to break down Illinois football's big concerns following a 2-3 start and a disappointing 44-19 loss at Purdue. Leman breaks down the offense's issues and what adjustments the staff must make and why the defense has taken such a big step back. Leman then looks forward to Friday's home game against Nebraska and what it means for t...

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to the Illini's 44-19 loss to former Illini DC Ryan Walters and the Purdue Boilermakers. The guys break down the biggest concerns and takeaways from the game including some of Bret Bielema's comments postgame. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8   Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct...

Jeremy Werner previews Illinois at Purdue with Boiler Sports Online's Mick Walker and Illini Inquirer's Joey Wagner. Walker breaks down the Boilermakers' 1-3 start, the early vibes with first-year head coach Ryan Walkers and the team's strengths and weaknesses. He also breaks down what this game means for the Boilers and if there is any bad blood between these two staffs. Werner and Wagner then an...

All-American linebacker J Leman breaks down Illinois football's 23-17 win over Florida Atlantic with Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner. Leman discusses some concerns, including another slow start, penalties, turnovers and struggles on the offensive line. He also breaks down some bright spots, including QB Luke Altmyer, big plays on offense, RB Josh McCray and a pair of freshmen defensive backs. Lema...

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to the Illini's come from behind 23-17 victory over FAU including a career passing day from Luke Altmyer, underclassmen making plays, and more strong moments from the Illini defense.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner talks with Zach Weinberger of the Palm Beach Post to break down the FAU Owls prior to Saturday's game at Illinois. He discusses Tom Herman's early impact, the Owls' injury issues at quarterback and running back, FAU's defense and the keys for the Owls to put Illinois on upset alert. Werner and Joey Wagner then discuss six topics about Illinois football heading into...

All-American linebacker J Leman joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to review Illinois football's 30-13 loss to No. 7 Penn State. J breaks down what went so wrong for QB Luke Altmyer in his four-interception performance, how a reworked offensive line performed and whether Illinois needs to play more of its young skill players. Leman then breaks down why he's so encouraged by the Illini defense's...

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to the Illini's 30-13 loss in Champaign to Penn State. We hear Bret Bielema's initial reaction in the press conference to the disappointing performance and the guys break down Altmyer's turnovers, the offense as a whole, and the defense making strides. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti...

Illini Inquirer's Derek Piper joins Jeremy Werner to discuss a rise in the 247Sports rankings for Illinois basketball 2024 commits Morez Johnson and Jason Jakstys. He then previews September official visits for 2024 guards Mikey Lewis and Jase Butler as well as several unofficial visits for underclassmen, including 2025 wing Phoenix Gill. The guys then break down the Illini's 2023-24 nonconference...

Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner turn the Illinois football page to focus on No. 7 Penn State and how Illinois can address some issues. The guys discuss five lingering topics about the Illini, including Matthew Bailey's return, addressing defensive deficiencies, potential personnel changes and reasons for optimism. Then Lions247's Tyler Donohue joins Werner to preview Illinois vs. Penn State and brea...

All-American linebacker J Leman joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to break down Illinois football's concerning 34-23 loss at Kansas. He discusses what's gone wrong with the defense and how to fix it. He also discusses some negatives about the offense (pass protection) and some positives (the quarterback). He then looks ahead to the toughest opponent of the season on paper as Penn State comes t...

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to the Illini's 34-23 loss in Lawrence to the Kansas Jayhawks. We hear Bret Bielema's initial reaction in the press conference and the guys discuss the defensive issues, slow starts offensively and a few bright spots. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8   Other: https://bit.ly...