Illini Inquirer Podcast: An Illinois Fighting Illini athletics podcast

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Ryan Easterling discuss Illinois football's two latest commitments and a couple tough misses over the holiday weekend. The guys start by discussing what three-star New Jersey OL Matt Fries and three-star Illinois OLB Jared Badie add to the program and Class of 2022. Then the guys discuss the impact of missing out on four-star Illinois DB Austin Brown and three-star Georgia DL Felix Hixon before chatting about the next targets to watch.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner, Derek Piper and Joey Wagner discuss Kofi Cockburn entering the transfer portal and what it means for Illinois basketball. The guys break down why Cockburn would enter the portal, his options and if it really makes sense for him to play college basketball elsewhere. Then the guys talk about the Illini's pursuit of Marquette star transfer Dawson Garcia, their competition for the former McDonald's All-American and what he'd potentially bring to Illinois.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss how the new era of NIL, which starts Thursday, will impact Illini and NCAA athletics. The guys discuss the background of name, image and likeness and why it is being implemented now. Then the guys discuss how it will be employed and how Illinois is embracing it before discusses the benefits and potential downsides of the new policy.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner discusses a wave of six transfers out of the Illini program and the impact of the departures of OL Brevyn Jones, OL Blaise Sparks, WR James Frenchie, RB/WR Kyron Cumby, DL Tre'von Riggins and DL Anthony Shipton. He discusses why this would happen now and how it impacts the 2021 season (if at all) and future roster construction for first-year coach Bret Bielema.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Ryan Easterling discuss Illinois football's first month of in-person recruiting efforts. The guys break down the Illini's aggressive strategy with official visits and the early results. The guys then break down what's next, including decision for top Illini priorities, including Austin Brown, Jacob Bostick, Aidan Laughery, Jared Badie, Shawn Miller and many more.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper discuss the Illinois basketball staff finally getting back on the recruiting trail. Piper discusses the prospect who impressed him most over the weekend, a slate of new offers and some new in-state targets, and he also discusses a new-look staff's approach and the latest on when a third assistant could be hired. The guys also discuss the finality of Kofi Cockburn sticking in the NBA Draft and what it means for Illinois next season, some offseason workout buzz and the House of 'Paign's TBT roster.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner break down Illinois AD Josh Whitman's two-hour, detailed 2021 media roundtable address. The guys break down Whitman's discussions about how the Illini were impacted by COVID, the future of the hockey project, huge changes happening for college athletics, gambling, basketball's offseason, Bret Bielema's first six months on the job and women's basketball.

The 200 Level Podcast's Mike Carpenter joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to discuss all the summer storylines for Illinois athletics. The guys discuss fans returning to the stands and the state of Illinois football and basketball, including impressions of Bret Bielema's first offseason and an offseason of change for Illini basketball.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss their excitement about Illinois athletics announcing fans will be back in the stands at 100-percent capacity for the 2021-22 season, including football and basketball games, what the last year without fans was like and what no restrictions means for Bret Bielema's program. Then the guys discuss a theory about the Illini's long third assistant coach search, Illini football's follow through on in-state recruiting and College Football Playoff expansion.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss their early impressions on Illinois football and basketball hosting recruits for the first time in a year. The guys break down feedback they've heard from Illini football recruiting targets, coaches and parents following the first official visit weekend and what it means moving forward. The guys also talk about a commitment from three-star Joliet Catholic linebacker Malachi Hood. Then the guys chat about Illinois basketball's early visitors and the still-open assistant coach position.