Illini Inquirer Podcast: An Illinois Fighting Illini athletics podcast

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with former Illinois basketball player Mike LaTulip about Illinois' short-handed season-opening win. LaTulip discusses what is to be taken away from a game without the Illini's three best players (Kofi Cockburn, Andre Curbelo and Trent Frazier) and another key scoring option (Austin Hutcherson). He breaks down positive games from Jacob Grandison, Coleman Hawkins, Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk and Luke Goode and discusses what he's seen from the transfers, Omar Payne and Alfonso Plummer, so far. Then he looks ahead to a bigger test on Friday against Arkansas State.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper discuss Illinois basketball's short-handed 71-47 win over Jackson State. They talk about how the Illini played without guards Andre Curbelo (concussion protocol), Trent Frazier (shoulder) and Austin Hutcherson (tailbone) and the positives from the available role players, including Jacob Grandison and Coleman Hawkins, as well as some negatives. Then the guys look ahead to Arkansas State before breaking down the Illini's Class of 2022 recruiting class before the early signing period.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with All-American linebacker J Leman about Illinois football's 14-6 win at No. 20 Minnesota. Leman breaks down how Ryan Walters' defense shut down the Big Ten West leader and a top-ranked Minnesota rushing attack. Then Leman discusses the offense's fast start and why it didn't sustain that effort the rest of the game. The guys then look ahead to the Illini's final two games at Iowa and against Northwestern and what a win or two (the latter would clinch a bowl game) would mean for Bret Bielema's program moving forward.

Live from Minneapolis, Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss Illinois football's 14-6 win at No. 20 Minnesota, the Illini's second-straight road win at a ranked opponent. The guys discuss the defense's dominant performance and why defensive coordinator Ryan Walters has been so successful. The guys also discuss what was behind the offense's quick start and their lack of success during the final three quarters. The guys also look ahead to what the 4-6 Illini have ahead, including an off week, a road game at No. 22 Iowa and a home finale against Northwestern.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with Scott Burgess of Prep Hoops Illinois to discuss Chicago St. Rita 2024 forward Morez Johnson committing to Illinois. Burgess breaks down how the Illini got the top-two Illinois sophomore prospect to jump on board so early, what it says about the revamped Illini staff's in-state recruiting efforts, what Johnson eventually will bring to the Illini and how his commitment can impact Illini recruiting moving forward.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with former Illinois basketball player Mike LaTulip about all things Illinois basketball. The guys first start talking about Kofi Cockburn's three-game suspension and how the team handles his absence. Then LaTulip gives his thoughts on the exhibition game against Indiana (Pa.), how the absences of veterans were felt, Andre Curbelo's highs and lows and the freshmen. Then the guys discuss the start of the season next week with two nonconference games against Jackson State and Arkansas State.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with All-American linebacker J Leman about Illinois football's 20-14 loss to Rutgers. Leman breaks down one bright spot, quarterback Brandon Peters, before breaking down why the Illini struggled to run the ball, late-game play-calling and the defense struggling to get off the field. Leman then looks ahead to the Illini's trip to Big Ten West-leading Minnesota.

Illini Inquirer Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper react to the NCAA's three-game suspension of Kofi Cockburn. The guys discuss whether the suspension is fair, how it will impact Illinois and who must step up in his absence. The guys end the podcast discussing Ayo Dosunmu's best game of his young NBA career (14 points in a comeback win at Boston) and how he's found a role on the 6-1 Bulls.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss Illinois football's 20-14 loss to Rutgers. The guys discuss why the offense was shut out after taking a 14-10 lead at halftime following a fantastic second quarter. The guys discuss some play-calling and try to reconcile the Illini crushing Penn State in the trenches but struggling against Rutgers on the line of scrimmage. The guys then look big picture about where the Illini go from here.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper discuss Illinois basketball's 94-79 win over Indiana (Pa.) and why a sloppy performance thrilled Brad Underwood. The guys discuss the impact of missing Austin Hutcherson, Trent Frazier and Da'Monte Williams due to injuries, especially on defense. Then the guys discuss some positives, including Coleman Hawkins in the starting lineup, Kofi Cockburn's dominance, some senior shooters and some signs from two freshmen. The guys wrap up discussing the speculation about a potential Kofi Cockburn suspension.