Illini Inquirer Podcast: An Illinois Fighting Illini athletics podcast

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with former Illini All-American linebacker J Leman about Illinois football's 2021 season-opening 30-22 win over Nebraska. Leman discusses his biggest takeaways from the game, breaks down the defensive and offensive schemes, some standout players and some keys going into Saturday's UTSA game.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to Illinois football's 30-22 win over Nebraska in Bret Bielema's debut. The guys discuss what a win can do for the fans, recruiting and the team for the rest of the 2021 season and then break down the finer points of the victory. On offense, the guys discuss QB Art Sitkowski's performance in relief of an injured Brandon Peters, the involvement of highly touted playmakers Luke Ford and Isaiah Williams, Mike Epstein's triumphant return and more. Then the guys discuss how Ryan Walters' multiple defense disrupted Adrian Martinez and the Cornhuskers defense. Then the guys look ahead to UTSA and beyond.

With under 48 hours before kickoff of the college football, Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner make their bold predictions for the 2021 Illinois football season. The guys make their season predictions and then make their predictions for quarterback Brandon Peters, the running game, the top pass catcher, the most impactful defenders and the schedule.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with Husker247's Mike Schaefer, who breaks down the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the Illini's Week Zero opponent in Saturday's season opener at Memorial Stadium. Schaefer breaks down what's gone wrong during Scott Frost's first three seasons as head coach, expectations for this season, what this game against Illinois means for the Huskers, players to watch and keys to the game.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with Derek Piper about a four official visitor weekend for Illinois basketball and what it means for the Class of 2022. The guys first discuss what Illinois has in the Class of 2022 and the recent decommitment of Reggie Bass. Then they discuss official visitors Otega Oweh, Cameron Corhen and Cam Whitmore, what each prospect could add to the Illini and where the Illini stand. Then the guys discuss why there is some urgency with these visitors and the transfer portal's impact on the Illini's recruiting strategy.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with former All-American linebacker J Leman to preview the 2021 Illinois football season. Leman breaks down his thoughts on the Illinois coaching staff, new schemes and the Illini personnel. He then breaks down why he is optimistic about the 2021 Illini football season and schedule.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner break down the 2021 Illinois secondary, which has several returners but a lot of questions. The guys discuss a solid cornerback duo of Tony Adams and Devon Witherspoon but the concern about depth at the position and who could step up. Then the guys discuss a safety position that includes a lot of experience, including Sydney Brown and Quan Martin, but not enough production and how a pair of transfers, Prather Hudson and Eddie Smith, could impact the group, as well as the new STAR position and its potential impact. The guys also discuss the long-term outlook for the secondary, and initial impressions of new position coaches Aaron Henry (cornerbacks) and Ryan Walters (safeties).

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner break down the 2021 Illinois linebacker group, which got a big boost this offseason. The guys discuss what the unexpected return of Jake Hansen means for Andy Buh's group, what to expect from Tarique Barnes and Khalan Tolson following season-ending injuries last season and what NC State transfer CJ Hart brings to the group. Then the guys discuss the future of this group, including freshmen Dylan Rosiek, Kenenna Odeluga, Kalen Villanueva and 2022 commit Malachi Hood before discussing expectations for the 2021 season.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner break down the 2021 Illinois defensive front, which includes the defensive line and outside linebackers. The guys break down a defensive line with some veteran returners, led by Roderick Perry, and intriguing young talent, including Johnny Newton and Keith Randolph, and how they fit a new defensive alignment. Then the guys discuss the transition of Illini defensive ends to outside linebackers, especially Isaiah Gay and Owen Carney, and how the position will change the defense. The guys also discuss the long-term at each position and expectations for the group.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with 670TheScore.com's Cody Westerlund about Ayo Dosunmu's fit with the Chicago Bulls and the Bull's big offseason. The guys start talking about what Ayo Dosunmu can bring to the Bulls and his short-term and long-term outlooks with the franchise. Then the guys dive into the Bulls big offseason and what the acquisitions of Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan mean for the team's short- and long-term. The guys end the podcast discussing Patrick Williams' future and what's next for Lauri Markkanen and Coby White.