We complete our preseason previews by breaking down Illinois' special teams unit. I'm joined by TCR's Brandt Dolce & Pleas Honeywood to recap the additions and subtractions through the transfer portal before examining the depth chart.

We also explain the importance of "hidden yardage" and discuss one of the most underappreciated positions on the roster -- hopefully for the final time.

On this episode I preview the Illini defensive backs along with TCR’s Pleas Honeywood & Don Glenn. We break down why the secondary is the true definition of retention (2:42), Illinois' plethora of pro prospects (9:23) and Bret Bielema's long-term approach (15:38). We also discuss the versatility of the secondary (21:48) and our hidden gems for 2025 (32:01).

I'm joined by Brandt Dolce & Pleas Honeywood to discuss Illinois football's many watchlist candidates (4:16). We take extra time to recognize Xavier Scott & Gabe Jacas (12:29) and our appreciation for Luke Altmyer (26:05). We also discuss the Ohio State sellout and the impact the game could have on the national scene (37:24).

We end the episode by breaking down Illini basketball's success by uniform (54:07) and reviewing the latest 2026 commits (66:33).

TCR's Don Glenn & Pleas Honeywood rejoin me to continue our preseason previews with the edge rushers & linebacking corps. We discuss the addition of Leon Lowery and review the rest of the "OLB" room. We also examine the impact of Gabe Jacas and his potential place in Illini history. We then break down the middle linebackers, the impact coaching has made on the group, and the Illini's positional depth. We wrap up by pinpointing possible breakout performers.

TCR's Pleas Honeywood & Don Glenn join me to preview the Illini defensive line. We take a look at the transfer additions (4:20) before going over the returnees & incoming freshmen (15:49). We also discuss our potential breakout players (21:18) as well as the emphasis on development (26:41).

Brandt Dolce & Pleas Honeywood are back to help me preview the Fighting Illini offensive line. We discuss the return of all five starters (2:55) and the importance of continuity (8:07). We also share our picks for additional players to watch (18:43) and who could potentially play their way into a starting role (25:16).

The Champaign Room's Brandt Dolce & Pleas Honeywood are back with me to continue our positional previews by analyzing the receiving room. We talk about the potential impact of transfer wideouts Justin Bowick & Hudson Clement, as well as the incumbent receivers that could emerge in 2025. We also discuss Illinois' lack of productivity at tight end & several breakout candidates this season.

Brandt Dolce & Pleas Honeywood join me to preview the Illini's QB room. We examine how Luke Altmyer has stabilized the position in Champaign (6:32) as well as his place in the Illinois record books (14:56). We also briefly discuss Ethan Hampton's role and the rest of the depth chart (22:55).

Brandt Dolce & Pleas Honeywood are back with me to discuss the latest 2026 football commit (4:33), slurp more SEC tears (14:07), and break down the preseason Big Ten QB rankings (28:31). We also chat about men's basketball's upcoming series with Tennessee (45:30), Brad Underwood's newest staff addition (53:35), and review the latest women's hoops updates (65:46).

This week I'm joined by Pleas Honeywood & Brandt Dolce to scrutinize USA Today's Big Ten backfield rankings (10:12). We also preview Illinois' running backs room (41:08) and debate which back is the catalyst for the team's success (47:55). We break down Phil Steele's strength of schedule ratings (60:15) and discuss the Illini going "all in" for 2025 (74:51).