The Javamen are back for Illini football season with special guest Reilly O’Toole, former star Illini QB. With the team entering the year ranked #12 in the AP Poll, the crew dives into expectations, roster depth, key players, and whether Bret Bielema’s Illini can make a serious College Football Playoff push in 2025.

• Preseason Buzz: Illini open the year at #12 — highest in decades. Excitement mixed with anxiety about living up to expectations.
• Bert’s Culture Shift: Strong praise for Bret Bielema’s retention and depth building, contrasting with past regimes (Beckman, Lovie, Cubit).

Offensive Outlook:

• Luke Altmyer + OC Barry Lunney Jr. return for year three.
• All five starting offensive linemen return, anchoring the run game.
• Running backs: Kaden Feagin & Aidan Laughery expected to shine.
• Wide receivers: Biggest question mark — Malik Elzy, Hudson Clement, Colin Dixon, Hank Beatty among names to watch.

Defensive Keys:

• Stars like Gabe Jacas, Matthew Bailey, and Xavier Scott lead the way.
• Transfers like James Thompson add needed depth.
• Calls for DC Aaron Henry to “blitz more” and get aggressive.

Season Predictions:

• Picks range from 9–3 to 11–1.
• Ohio State, USC, and Washington circled as toughest matchups.
• If Illini finish 10–2, a CFP berth is in play.

Fun Segments: Nostalgia on Juice Williams & Riley’s playing days, jokes about SEC scheduling, and a spirited Week 1 score prediction contest (all have Illini winning big).

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Suds, Shaps, Joe, and Jubes get together to discuss the Illini's draw for the '25 tourney. The Javamen can agree that there are no more excuses. Big weekend is upon us in Milwaukee.

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and tune in.

I-L-L

Java Suds, Shaps, Doc, and Etch host an emergency pod after the huge victory against the Boilermakers. We talk Captain of the Ship and who is walking the plank. Raftery is still the best in the business. THIS IS MARCH.

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and tune in.

Shaps, Joe, and Doc get together to recap the last few weeks of Illini Basketball. We preview the huge game on senior night against the Boilermakers. THIS IS MARCH.

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and tune in.

Java Shaps joins on the BIG Ten Huddle after Dark. They recap the Michigan vs. Michigan State game, talk Dusty May extension, and preview our Illini against Duke in a marquee Saturday night game at the Garden.

Special Thanks to JR for hosting us.

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and tune in.

Jave Shaps, Java Joe, and Java Etch get together to recap the past few weeks of Illini basketball. The focus is on Brad, the man who brought us back from the depths of despair. Tune in for takes on both sides of the aisle.

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and tune in.

Java Joe, Java Shaps, and Java Suds are back from the Holiday break to recap the last month of Illini basketball. The Illini get hot on the West Coast and it's times like this where you need to be grateful. We talk captain of the ship and change switch to the gridiron for who is walking the plank. Say goodbye to the SEC bias.

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and tune in.

The Crewman are back to recap the past week of Illini basketball. We discuss what happened in the House of Horrors and why we continue to dominate the cheese. Tune in for the Captain of the Ship and who is walking the plank.

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and tune in.

The Crewman get together to recap the Illini's first test in Birmingham. We discuss who is the early front runner for Captain of the Ship. Java Shaps planks Chicago sports and Java Suds get heated. Java Joe talks balance and hypes up Illini football.

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and tune in.

The Crewman are back to talk Illini basketball. We recap the first 3 games of the year and share our initial reactions to the new squad. We discuss who is the Captain of the Ship and who is walking the plank two weeks into the season. Java Joe gets taught a geography lesson. The non-conference schedule is predicted. Java Shaps gives the run down on Castaways and Java Suds gives one bonus Castaway.

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and tune in.