Oskee Talk

By Drew PastorekSports

Oskee Talk episodes

August 09Illini Kickoff Countdown: The Linebackers
Drew's 2026 Illini positional previews continue with a look at the linebacking corps:
Program departures (3:45)
Returning players (8:04)
Grant Beerman's emergence (11:33)
Incoming transfers (13:21)
Incoming freshmen (17:40)
Additional breakout candidates (24:25)

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30 min
August 02Illini Kickoff Countdown: The D-Line
Drew leads off his football preseason previews by breaking down the defensive line:
Program departures (5:21)

Returning players (7:15)

Transfer additions (8:45)

Why Illinois' d-line is the most influential position group on the defense (17:27)

Incoming freshmen (21:53)

Trusting Bielema's evaluations (26:36)

Players to watch and sleepers (30:29)

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35 min
July 20 In Josh We Trust
I examine the latest contract extension for Athletic Director Josh Whitman (4:13) and speak about how continuity breeds success (11:06) and the importance of trusting leadership (17:48). I also discuss the tiers of men's hoops' non-conference opponents (20:36), the major questions for the team entering 2026-27 (29:33), and how the Illini have aced the offseason (33:50).

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41 min
July 10 We're Alllllmost There: The Illini's Non-Conference Schedule is Nearly Complete
In this episode I discuss men's basketball season tickets selling out (3:56), a new home for Mihailo Petrovic (10:20) and the Illini's newest non-conference additions (11:52).
I also look back on Illinois' last hoops matchup with Winthrop (15:46) and break down the way too early men's Top 25 (23:47) and 2027 NBA mock drafts (29:43).
Finally, I reveal which legendary Illini quarterback I would start, bench, or cut (35:00) and share your comments (41:23).

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48 min
June 28Keaton the Clipper
In this episode I'm reunited with Pleas Honeywood of The Champaign Room to break down:
Keaton Wagler going to L.A. (6:56)

Concerns about Wagler's athleticism at the next level (11:12)

Wagler's historic freshman season (16:30)

Men's basketball's "recruiting sell" (23:06)
We also discuss:
Other notable picks from the NBA Draft (25:19)

Why the "new" draft format was terrible (38:08)

NBA futures for Kylan Boswell and Ben Humrichous (45:37)

The ripple effect of Dusty May's departure and how the Illini can take advantage (56:42)

Illinois' meeting with UNC (75:46)

Hoops' non-conference schedule so far (89:55)
How do you think Keaton Wagler will fare in the NBA? Does the road to the B1G title run through Champaign?
Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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1 hr 40 min
June 13 Illinois Adds Record-Setting Recruits
Illini softball has its new head coach (2:25), Illini baseball has an All-American (5:00), and track & field is well represented at the NCAA outdoor championships (7:02). Illinois' basketball teams find out their Big Ten draw (11:36) and men's hoops adds another freshman guard (19:47).
Illinois football secures a record-setting recruit (27:22) and lands a trio of 2027 commitments (34:23). Finally, I share my thoughts on the Brendan Sorsby saga and what it could mean for the Illini (46:31).

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1 hr 4 min
May 31 Drej Day: Stojakovic Returns to Illinois
On this episode I discuss how Andrej Stojakovic's return impacts the Fighting Illini's bid for another Final Four (3:51) as well as incoming freshman Quentin Coleman earning a spot on Team USA (17:02). I also introduce Illinois' newest women's basketball recruits (23:15) and criticize the NCAA's new international eligibility rules (30:20).
Finally, I provide updates on Illinois' football schedule (43:25) and the program's newest signees (51:43).

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1 hr 3 min
May 21 The Offseason So Far: Illini Isaac Joins the Show
It's a crossover episode with The Champaign Room's Isaac Ambrose! We chat about Andrej Stojakovic's looming NBA draft decision (3:54), Keaton Wagler's potential new team (9:49), men's basketball's non-conference clash with Duke (15:46), and the benefit of playing so many top-tier opponents (24:42). We also break down Brad Underwood's contract extension (27:19) and what it signals for the future of Illini hoops (31:53).
We also discuss Illinois football's new-look roster (35:29), examine where the leadership will come from this season (41:40) as well as the chance for the program to stand out from the crowd in the B1G (45:56) and how this season's bye week could be well-timed (48:49).

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54 min
May 11 Spring Sports Summary
I recap last week's results from Illini tennis, track & field, and men's & women's golf (2:58) as well as the dismissal of Illinois softball coach Tyra Perry (15:39). I also discuss fresh starts for a pair of former Illini hoopers (21:36), Illinois' next rematch with UConn (31:09), the looming decision of Andrej Stojakovic (34:04), and the latest news from the NBA Draft Combine & lottery (36:27).
Finally, I examine NCAA Tournament expansion (43:07), share the latest football scheduling updates (51:00), and reveal the 2026 Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame inductees (59:31).

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1 hr 12 min
April 28 Illinois NFL Draft Recap
In this episode I recap Illinois' 2026 NFL Draft class.
(2:49) - Gabe Jacas
(5:20) - Jacas' stellar senior season
(10:05) - J.C. Davis
(14:47) - Miles Scott
(20:15) - Luke Altmyer
(24:10) - Altmyer's performance in Illini wins
(32:04) - Hank Beatty

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42 min