Illini Inquirer Podcast: An Illinois Fighting Illini athletics podcast

The best way to bring back a program is to build from within its own state. For Bret Bielema, prioritizing Illinois is his mission! Back in college football after spending the last three seasons in the NFL, the former Wisconsin and Arkansas head coach is ready to take on the challenge of bringing back the Illini!

Host: Trey Scott  

Guest: Bret Bielema

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Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper discuss all things Illinois basketball with in-person recruiting re-opening. The guys start by diving into Kofi Cockburn's reported NBA Draft decision and the still-vacant assistant coaching position. Then the guys discuss how Illinois basketball will approach in-person recruiting and visits this month and some of the key targets who will visit.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Ryan Easterling discuss Illinois football's approach to a busy month of June recruiting. The guys break down what the end of the dead period means for the program and discuss many of the prospects who have scheduled visits, including in-state prospects Jared Badie, Eian Pugh, Aidan Laughery and Jacob Bostick, as well as out-of-state prospects Dallan Hayden, Patrick Kutas, Shawn Miller and Kody Jones. The guys break down what they've made of Bret Bielema's recruiting approach and expectations for June recruiting results.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner talk with newest Illini beat reporter James Boyd, who will cover Illinois athletics for Lee Enterprises newspapers, including for newspapers in St. Louis, Decatur, Bloomington, Mattoon and the Quad Cities. James discusses getting the gig, his time at the Northwest Indiana Times, how he approaches the job, being a Black sports reporter, his University of Illinois student experience and how he'll ingrain himself on the Illini beat.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper discuss Brad Underwood's attempt to fill out his staff and the latest in recruiting. The guys discuss the wait to fill the final assistant spot, the roster seemingly stay in tact and what internal promotion Geoff Alexander brings as an assistant. Then the guys discuss the Illini's ongoing search for a four, whether they should try to add a transfer center and Chester Frazier's immediate impact in recruiting.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper discuss the latest with Illinois basketball. The guys discuss Class of 2022 prospect AJ Storr's decommitment and what it means for Illinois. Then Derek weighs in on what Chester Frazier brings as a recruiter, and the guys chat about the latest buzz for the open assistant coaching position, the Big Ten opponents release, why the 2021-22 roster still has good potential and transfer target Quincy Guerrier.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with Trent Meacham and Matt McCumber about what Chester Frazier brings to the Illinois basketball staff. Meacham was a teammate with Frazier from 2005-09 at Illinois and discusses how Frazier showed coaching tendencies as a player from the get-go but especially during his final two seasons, which included great adversity. McCumber served on the Kansas State with Frazier for four years and shares insight on how Frazier impacted Bruce Weber's program at K-State.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner talk with Illinois football coach Bret Bielema about his first six months as head coach of the Illini. Bielema discusses running his own program again, what he's learned about the Illini, selling the program, his history under Hall of Fame coaches, how having kids has impacted him as a coach, recruiting this summer and his staff.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper discuss the big Illinois basketball staff shakeup and what it means for Brad Underwood. The guys dive into the official news of Orlando Antigua and Chin Coleman leaving Illinois for Kentucky and if it says anything about the Illini and what their losses mean for Underwood this offseason. Then the guys discusses Illinois reportedly hiring Illini alum Chester Frazier to join the staff and other candidates who could make sense for the Illini. The guys end the podcast sharing some ... Chicago Bears optimism?

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with Illinois golf coach Mike Small about his program claiming its 11th Big Ten Championship in 12 years with a one-stroke, comeback win over Iowa. Small breaks down how his team made the frantic comeback and what it showed about his team. Then Small looks forward to the NCAA Regional as Illinois tries to make its 13th straight NCAA Championships.