Host Austin Burklund welcomes Robby Nardini to the Armchair Illini podcast for a complete 2025-26 Illinois Fighting Illini basketball season preview.

Robby and Austin break down the roster, including the mysterious Keaton Wagler , the impact of newly-cleared sophomore Mihailo Petrovic , and expectations for transfer Andres Stojakovic. They also discuss the biggest concerns for the team's defense , what Kylan Boswell needs to do to take the next step , and the potential role of new defensive coordinator Cameron Crocker.

Plus, they grade the Brad Underwood era , break down the loaded non-conference schedule , and try to tier the new Big 10 conference. Finally, Robby gives his official season prediction for the Illini.

Make sure to like, share, and subscribe to the YouTube channel!

Follow us on all social media platforms @ArmchairIllini and visit ArmchairIllini.com for the best written work from Kirkland, Alex, and Robbie Nardini.

Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by:

Hamilton Walker's Seafood and Spirits: The best dining experience in Champaign-Urbana. Follow us and Hamilton Walker's on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for a chance to win a $100 gift card every home game!

Campus Inks: Get officially licensed gear from your favorite Illini stars. Use code ArmchairIllini for 15% off your order.

Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:36 - Welcoming Guest Robby nardini 00:41 - Sponsor: Hamilton Walker's 01:22 - Robby's Illini Hoops Newsletter 02:10 - Keaton Wagler: The "Kansas Man of Mystery" 03:16 - Petrovic Cleared: What's his impact? 04:17 - Projecting the Illini Rotation 05:33 - Expectations for Jake Davis & Ben Humrichous 06:30 - How Nervous Should Fans Be About Defense? 07:07 - Kylan Boswell's Next Step 08:22 - Fill in the Blank: Illini Ceiling & Floor 08:53 - Grading Brad Underwood's Recruiting 09:56 - Grading the Brad Underwood Era 10:50 - Non-Conference Schedule Breakdown 12:07 - Big 10 Conference Tiers 12:52 - Sponsor: Campus Inks 13:18 - Big 10 Sleeper Teams 14:06 - What is David Mirkovic's Role? 15:13 - Expectations for Andrej Stojakovic 16:33 - What Will the Illini Offense Look Like? 17:46 - Improving Offensive Rebounding 19:09 - Team X-Factor 19:42 - Impact of New DC Crocker 20:38 - Robby's Final 2025-26 Season Prediction 21:30 - Where to Find Robby's Work 22:24 - Outro & Final Plugs

Keywords: Illinois Basketball, Illini Basketball, Fighting Illini, Armchair Illini, Robby Nardini, Brad Underwood, Kylan Boswell, Andrej Stojakovic, Keaton Wagler, Mihailo Petrovic, Big 10 Basketball, Illini Hoops, Season Preview, Cameron Crocker, Illinois Basketball Podcast,

David Mirkovic