Illini Inquirer Podcast: An Illinois Fighting Illini athletics podcast - podcast cover

Illini Inquirer Podcast: An Illinois Fighting Illini athletics podcast

247Sports, Illinois, Illinois Football, Illinois Basketball, Illinois Athletics, College Football, College Basketball247sports.com
Illini Inquirer staff members Jeremy Werner, Derek Piper, Joey Wagner and others discuss all things Illinois Fighting Illini athletics.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Ep. 947 - Wisconsin wallops wounded Illini 95-74

Illini Inquirer's Derek Piper joins Jeremy Werner live from Madison to react to Illinois basketball's 95-74 blowout loss to Wisconsin. The guys discuss how the wounded Illini were overwhelmed defensively by the red-hot Badgers and John Tonje (31 points), a poor game from Kasparas Jakcionis, the bright spot of Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (17 points) and where Brad Underwood and the coaching staff goes from here with the schedule only intensify downing the stretch. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: App...

Feb 19, 202541 min

Ep. 946 - Mike LaTulip on MSU meltdown, Wisconsin & Duke preview

Note: This was recorded before the injury news came out on Morez Johnson Jr. Illini Inquirer basketball analyst Mike LaTulip joins Jeremy Werner to break down Illinois basketball's 79-65 loss to Michigan State. LaTulip breaks down what went so wrong in the late collapse and what he wants to see from Brad Underwood. Then LaTulip previews this week's games against Wisconsin and Duke. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: htt...

Feb 17, 20251 hr

Ep. 945 - No good, very bad night for Illini in 79-65 loss to MSU

Illini Inquirer's Derek Piper and Jeremy Werner react to Illinois basketball's 79-65 loss to Michigan State in which the Illini blew a 16-point first-half lead and failed to score during the final 8:29. The guys discuss the late-game issues and the regrettable mishap during the Terrence Shannon Jr. jersey-raising ceremony. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 30% OFF: bit.ly/3eGM1NK To le...

Feb 16, 202556 min

Ep. 944 - Tom Fornelli on Illini football; Kent Brown on new Illini book

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner talks with CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli about Illinois football, including the Illini's 10-win 2024 campaign, why Bret Bielema has been successful, how Illinois stacks up in 2025, the first 12-team College Football Playoff and what's next for college football. Then Werner chats with longtime Illinois sports information director with Kent Brown about his new Illini book "100 Things Illinois Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die" and his decades working media relati...

Feb 12, 20251 hr 4 min

Ep. 943 - Illini snap UCLA's streak with 83-78 win

Illini Inquirer's Derek Piper and Jeremy Werner discuss an 83-78 win over UCLA. The guys discuss huge games from Kasparas Jakucionis and Tomislav Ivisic, continuing momentum from the win over Minnesota and a late collapse that almost cost them the game. The guys then look ahead to Saturday's game against Michigan State. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 30% OFF: bit.ly/3eGM1NK To learn...

Feb 12, 20251 hr 2 min

Ep. 942 - Mike LaTulip on Minnesota win, B1G week ahead

Illini Inquirer basketball analyst Mike LaTulip joins Jeremy Werner to react to Illinois basketball's win over Minnesota, including huge performances by Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley, Tomislav Ivisic's impact, Brad Underwood trying a new lineup with success and how the rotation is settling during the stretch run. LaTulip then previews the Illini's home games against UCLA and Michigan State and discusses the Indiana job and the NBA trade deadline. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple...

Feb 10, 202546 min

Ep. 941 - Freshmen catch fire in Illini's 95-74 rout of Minnesota

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper react to Illinois basketball's 95-74 rout of Minnesota at Williams Arena. The guys discusses huge performances by Will Riley and Kasparas Jakucionis, a gutsy game by Tomislav Ivisic and tweaks to the starting lineup and style fo play by Illinois. The guys then look ahead to a big week of home games against UCLA and Michigan State and discuss the Indiana job opening. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: htt...

Feb 09, 202549 min

Ep. 940 - Illini pluck two four-stars out of the Buckeye State

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner welcome 247Sports' Allen Trieu and Ryan Easterling to react to Illinois football landing two Composite four-star prospects out of Ohio during the last week: DB Victor Singleton and LB Cam Thomas. The guys break down what each brings to the Illini, how they landed them, what it means for the Class of 2026 and who could be next. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit...

Feb 06, 20251 hr 18 min

Ep. 939 - Rutgers rocks Illini at the RAC 82-73

Illini Inquirer's Derek Piper joins Jeremy Werner live from Piscataway to discuss Illinois basketball's 82-73 loss at Rutgers. The guys discuss continued shooting struggles, Kasparas Jakucionis hitting a wall and how this coaching staff must get more of a talented roster. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 30% OFF: bit.ly/3eGM1NK To learn more about listener data and our privacy practic...

Feb 06, 202545 min

Ep. 938 - Full-strength Illini beat Ohio State 87-79

Illini Inquirer's Derek Piper and Jeremy Werner discuss an 87-79 win over Ohio State. The guys discuss the impact of Tomislav Ivisic's return, a starting lineup shakeup and big games from Will Riley and Morez Johnson Jr. Then the guys look ahead to two games on the road next week. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 30% OFF: bit.ly/3eGM1NK To learn more about listener data and our privac...

Feb 02, 202551 min

Ep. 937 - Illini lose 80-74 in OT at Nebraska

Illini Inquirer's Derek Piper and Jeremy Werner react to Illinois basketball's 80-74 loss at Nebraska. The guys discuss shooting and turnover issues, the end-of-game situation, bright spots from the bench and whether Brad Underwood needs to push some different buttons. The guys then look ahead to Sunday's game against Ohio State. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 30% OFF: bit.ly/3eGM1N...

Jan 31, 202548 min

Ep. 936 - Mike LaTulip on Illini's win over Northwestern, matchups vs. Nebraska and Ohio State

Illini Inquirer basketball analyst Mike LaTulip joins Jeremy Werner to break down Illinois basketball's win over Northwestern, including Morez Johnson's big game and Jake Davis' continued impact. The guys also discuss how the Illini can find a silver lining in Tomislav Ivisic's absence as well as this week's matchups against Nebraska and Ohio State. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 30...

Jan 29, 202542 min

Ep. 935 - Illini football on a recruiting roll in Class of 2026

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner, Joey Wagner and Ryan Easterling discuss Illinois football's recent recruiting roll. The guys discuss recent commitments from Florida WR Kenyon Alston and Lincoln-Way East edge rusher Jacob Alexander, the Illini's recent junior day visitors and what this class could mean for Bret Bielema's program. Werner and Wagner then discuss Kendall Bostic's record-setting night for Illinois women's basketball and the Illini's push for an NCAA Tournament bid. Follow the Illini...

Jan 28, 20251 hr 19 min

Ep. 934 - Illini bounce back with 83-74 win over Northwestern

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper react to Illinois basketball's 83-74 win over Northwestern. The guys discuss the Illini setting the tone from the start, Morez Johnson Jr.'s dominance on both ends and five Illini scoring in double figures. Then the guys look ahead to this week's games against Nebraska and Ohio State and discuss rivalries and whether Will Riley could return for a second season. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://...

Jan 27, 20251 hr 4 min

Ep. 933 - Illini suffer 'ass-kicking' in 91-70 loss to Maryland

Illini Inquirer's Derek Piper and Jeremy Werner react to Illinois basketball's 91-70 blowout loss to Maryland, including the absence of Tomislav Ivisic (illness), sloppy offense and what this moment means with Illinois losing three of its last four. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 30% OFF: bit.ly/3eGM1NK To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.a...

Jan 24, 202547 min

Ep. 932 - Mike LaTulip breaks down Illini's loss at MSU, previews two home games

Illini Inquirer basketball analyst Mike LaTulip joins Jeremy Werner to break down Illinois basketball's 80-78 loss at Michigan State, including Kasparas Jakucionis' tough foul calls, more Tomislav Ivisic usage, Will Riley's breakout and a burgeoning bench. LaTulip then previews this week's home-game matchups vs. Maryland and Northwestern. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 30% OFF: bit....

Jan 21, 202541 min

Ep. 931 - Illini suffer frustrating 80-78 loss at Michigan State

Illini Inquirer's Derek Piper joins Jeremy Werner live from East Lansing to react to an 80-78 Illinois basketball loss at No. 12 Michigan State. The guys discuss how big of an impact officials made on the game with Kasparas Jakucionis fouling out in just nine minutes and also discuss other reasons for the Illini's struggles. The guys then discuss the stretch ahead and if there's any way Illinois can get back in the Big Ten title hunt. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.c...

Jan 19, 202536 min

Ep. 930 - Mike LaTulip on Illini's rout at Indiana, matchup at MSU

Illini Inquirer basketball analyst Mike LaTulip joins Jeremy Werner to break down Illinois basketball's 94-69 blowout win at Indiana, including a potential low point for Mike Woodson's program, Kasparas Jakucionis' impact in his return, bounce-back performances by Kylan Boswell and Tomislav Ivisic and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn's emergence. LaTulip then previews Sunday's mega matchup at Michigan State, gives behind-the-scenes stories about Dee Brown and Deron Williams and discusses the Big Ten Player of ...

Jan 17, 202548 min

Ep. 929 - Allen Trieu on Illini football's Class of 2026 recruiting push

247Sports national recruiting analyst Allen Trieu talks Illinois football recruiting. Trieu discusses the impact of the transfer portal on prep recruiting, how Bret Bielema's staff has impacted the Illini's recruiting efforts, what he thinks of the Illini's Class of 2025, expectations for the Class of 2026 and where the Illini stand with their top targets. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP...

Jan 16, 202535 min

Ep. 928 - Illini bust up Hoosiers 94-69 in Jakucionis' return

Illini Inquirer's Derek Piper and Jeremy Werner react to Illinois basketball's 94-69 rout of Indiana. The guys discuss Kasparas Jakucionis' huge impact in his return from a two-game absence, Tomislav Ivisic's best Big Ten game and a heated game of five technical fouls and an ejection with Luke Goode in the middle of it. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 30% OFF: bit.ly/3eGM1NK To learn...

Jan 15, 202544 min

Ep. 927 - USC upends No. 13 Illini 82-72

Illini Inquirer's Derek Piper and Jeremy Werner react to Illinois basketball's 82-72 loss to USC. The guys discuss a lackluster performance on both ends, why this team missed Kasparas Jakucionis so much and a few bright spots. The guys then discuss a huge week on the road with trips to Indiana and Michigan State. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 30% OFF: bit.ly/3eGM1NK To learn more a...

Jan 11, 202533 min

Ep. 926 - Mike LaTulip on why Illini are hitting their stride; Werner on Illini football additions

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner discusses Illinois football's transfer additions of OL Ayden Knapik, TE Davin Stoffel and P Keelan Crimmins as well as a commitment from three-star 2026 DeKalb WR Davon Grant. Then Illini Inquirer basketball analyst Mike LaTulip breaks down Illinois basketball's five-game win streak, 91-52 rout of Penn State without Kasparas Jakucionis, why its defense is elite and great performances from Tre White, Ben Humrichous and Morez Johnson Jr. LaTulip then looks ahead to ...

Jan 10, 20251 hr 3 min

Ep. 925 - Illini rout Penn State 91-52 without Kasparas Jakucionis

Illini Inquirer's Derek Piper and Jeremy Werner react to Illinois basketball's 91-52 rout of Penn State without star guard Kasparas Jakucionis (forearm injury). The guys discuss big games from Ben Humrichous (21 points, 9 rebounds), Morez Johnson Jr. (20 points, 11 rebounds) and Tre White (20 points) as well as a dominant defensive performance against the Nittany Lions. The guys then look ahead to Saturday's home game against USC. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3o...

Jan 09, 202537 min

Ep. 924 - Sky-high expectations for Illini football in 2025?

Note: Apologies for some popping audio late in this podcast. We've rectified the situation for future podcasts. Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss OL J.C. Davis, DB Xavier Scott and OLB Gabe Jacas all announcing returns to Illinois football for the 2025 season, what it means for the program's expectations and what it says about Bret Bielema and his staff. The guys also break down the roster and potential positions still on the team's transfer wish list. Follow the Illini Inq...

Jan 07, 202559 min

Ep. 923 - J Leman on 10-win season, future of Illini football

Illini Inquirer football analyst J Leman joins Jeremy Werner to react to Illinois football's Citrus Bowl win. Leman breaks down what Illinois did well on both sides of the ball and then discusses expectations for 2025 season and beyond, including a discussion of returning players, transfers and the staff. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 30% OFF: bit.ly/3eGM1NK To learn more about lis...

Jan 06, 202557 min

Ep. 922 - Illini deny Washington's late run in 81-77 win

Illini Inquirer's Derek Piper, live in Seattle, joins Jeremy Werner to react to Illinois basketball's 81-77 win at Washington. The guys discuss the Illini giving away a 13-point second-half lead but the ability to hold on for a tough-fought road victory as well as star performances from Tre White and Kasparas Jakucionis. The guys then look ahead to two home games this week. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit...

Jan 06, 202542 min

Ep. 921 - Mike LaTulip on how Illini 'sent a message' with Oregon win

Illini Inquirer basketball analyst Mike LaTulip joins Jeremy Werner to react to Illinois basketball's 109-77 rout at No. 9 Oregon and explains why it was "close to the most complete performance of the Brad Underwood era." LaTulip breaks down what led to the statement victory and why it "sends a message" as well as big performances from Ben Humrichous, Jake Davis, Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, Tre White, Kasparas Jakucionis and Kylan Boswell. LaTulip then looks ahead to the Illini's upcoming stretch against...

Jan 03, 202547 min

Ep. 920 - Illini cook No. 9 Ducks in 109-77 statement win

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper react to Illinois basketball's 109-77 win at No. 9 Oregon. The guys discuss what led to the Illini's best win of the year, including a bounce-back performance from Ben Humrichous and big first-half boost from bench players Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn and Jake Davis and star performances from Tre White, Kasparas Jakucionis and Kylan Boswell. The guys then discuss what this win says about the Illini and how they need to back it up. Follow the Illini Inquirer P...

Jan 03, 202548 min

Ep. 919 - Illini win Citrus Bowl 21-17 over South Carolina

Live from Orlando, Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to Illinois football's 21-17 win over South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl. The guys discuss a big-time defensive performance, an impressive rushing attack, other players who stepped up and what a 10-win season means for the program. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 30% OFF: bit.ly/3eGM1NK To learn more about listen...

Jan 01, 20251 hr 1 min

Ep. 918 - Citrus Bowl preview with Hale McGranahan and Joey Wagner

Jeremy Werner previews the Citrus Bowl with The Big Spur's Hale McGranahan and Illini Inquirer's Joey Wagner. McGranahan breaks down South Carolina's special season, the impact of bowl opt-outs, star freshman QB LaNorris Sellers and a dominant defensive front. Werner and Wagner then answer a six-pack of Illini football questions about what the Citrus Bowl means for the Illini, the matchup against South Carolina, potential 2025 returners and the transfer portal. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast...

Dec 29, 20241 hr 23 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android