Illini Inquirer Podcast: An Illinois Fighting Illini athletics podcast

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with Derek Piper about Brad Underwood's contract extension and a big recruiting weekend. The guys discuss why the one-year contract extension makes sense for both Brad Underwood and Josh Whitman. Then Piper previews a big recruiting weekend, including an official visit from 2022 four-star wing Ty Rodgers and unofficial visits for Jeremy Fears Jr. and Ty Pence. The guys also look ahead to the start of fall practice.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner catches up with Illinois football great Arrelious Benn, who is returning to the UI campus for the first time since entering the NFL. Benn discusses his thoughts on returning to campus, first-year Illini coach Bret Bielema, seeing his former Illini coaches Mike Locksley and Ron Zook on the Maryland sideline. Then Benn discusses why he picked Illinois over college football powerhouses, how that impacted him, his highs and lows during his Illini and NFL career, plus his post-playing career.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with Inside MD Sports' Jeff Ermann, who breaks down Mike Locksley's Maryland Terrapins before Friday's game at Illinois. Ermann breaks down Locksley's impact on Maryland so far, including his huge impact in recruiting and what's behind Maryland's 2-0 start. The guys break down an explosive offensive, led by QB Taulia Tagovailoa, WR Dontay Demus Jr. and WR Rakim Jarrett. Ermann then breaks down the Terps defense and what this game means for Maryland. They end the conversation with a Maryland hoops update. Jeremy then gives his thoughts on the Illini prior to Friday's FS1 primetime game.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with former Illini All-American linebacker J Leman about Illinois football's 42-14 loss at Virginia. Leman discusses the big-picture issues with the roster and the defense's lack of competitiveness. They also discuss some positive signs from the offense and what Brandon Peters' potential return could mean for the group. The guys then look ahead to a tough home matchup against Maryland, and Leman shares some stories about Mike Locksley and Ron Zook.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to Illinois football's 42-14 loss at Virginia. The guys discuss the biggest issues from a putrid defensive effort and whether Tony Petersen will be able to find the Illini's offensive identity. The guys also talk big-picture about what two disappointing losses mean for Bret Bielema and his efforts to turn around his first season and this struggling football program.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with Wahoos247's Jacquie Franciulli to break down Virginia football before Saturday's showdown against Illinois. Franciulli discusses what's made Bronco Mendenhall successful in the ACC with the Cavaliers, why Virginia is excited about its offense led by QB Brennan Armstrong, how Virginia's defense is looking to bounce back from a poor 2020 season and keys to Virginia protecting home field against Illinois. Then Jeremy gives some things he's looking for during the game from the Illini.

J Leman talks with Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner about Illinois football's 37-30 loss to UTSA. The former Illinois All-American linebacker discusses how a locker room reacts to a disappointing loss, why Illinois struggled to stop UTSA's offense, how he evaluated QB Artur Sitkowski's performance and adjustments Illinois must make before a trip to Virginia.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss a 37-30 Illinois football loss to UTSA, a $1.1 million buy game for the Illini. The guys discuss what went so wrong compared to last week's win over Nebraska, evaluate Artur Sitkowski's game, the defense's issues in slowing down the Roadrunners and what this means moving forward.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner catches up with Illini Inquirer alum Isaac Trotter, who recently rejoined 247Sports on the national news desk. Trotter discusses his new gig and his initial impressions of the Bret Bielema era, including the season-opening win over Nebraska. The guys then break down their thoughts on the Big Ten leading into Week One, including teams they're buying, teams they're selling and coaches on the hot seat.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with Inside Runner Sports' JJ Perez about the UTSA Roadrunners, who travel to Illinois on Saturday to take on the 1-0 Illini at Memorial Stadium. Perez discusses the young history of the UTSA football program, what second-year coach Jeff Traylor has brought to the program, key UTSA players to watch on both sides of the ball and keys to UTSA upsetting Illinois. Then Jeremy discusses some of his thoughts heading into Saturday's second game of the season.