Big Ten powers gear up for a season of high stakes and sky-high expectations. Oregon’s fans are asking: Is this finally the year Dan Lanning leads the Ducks to a national championship? Ohio State faces questions about the Arthur Smith-led offense and Ryan Day’s fourth-quarter strategy, while USC and Washington both eye playoff runs amidst roster shakeups and the spotlight on Demond Williams’ development. The Big 10 Squad breaks down the top moments from the past decade, celebrate the network’s 10-year anniversary, and debate the biggest 2026 storylines for each program. From Chip Kelly’s bold play-calling and Jack Sawyer’s breakout performances for the Buckeyes to Washington’s Pac-12 dominance and USC’s championship-or-bust mentality, this conversation tackles coaching philosophies, high-impact transfers, and the relentless drive for a Big Ten crown.

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Illinois basketball received some major recruiting validation this week as both Mason Martin and Quinton Kitt earned four-star status in the latest 247Sports rankings update.

But the real story isn't the stars.

The real story is that Brad Underwood and his staff identified these players before the recruiting industry caught up. I break down what makes Martin one of the best shooters in the country, why Kitt's ceiling continues to rise, and what these rankings mean for the future of Illinois basketball. Plus, could this class still be missing another major piece?

Illinois basketball received some major recruiting validation this week as both Mason Martin and Quinton Kitt earned four-star status in the latest 247Sports rankings update.

But the real story isn't the stars.

The real story is that Brad Underwood and his staff identified these players before the recruiting industry caught up. I break down what makes Martin one of the best shooters in the country, why Kitt's ceiling continues to rise, and what these rankings mean for the future of Illinois basketball. Plus, could this class still be missing another major piece?

-------------------------------

Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football!

Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com

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TALK ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/nXbRNwZYJ

Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV

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For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonillini.supercast.com/

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FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Illinois and Iowa don't get the same attention as some of the Big Ten's biggest rivalries...

But maybe they should.

Sunny Verma joined Mark Rogers and Corey Brada to discuss one of the most intriguing games on Illinois' 2026 schedule, Bret Bielema's long-term vision for the program, concerns about Illinois' completely rebuilt defense, and whether the Illini have a legitimate path to another 8-10 win season.

Topics include:

Bret Bielema's future at Illinois

Why Illinois' defense is the biggest question mark

Katin Houser's outlook at quarterback

Illinois' favorable schedule

Iowa's running game vs Illinois' defensive front

Whether this matchup could have playoff implications

One thing is certain:

When Illinois plays Iowa, you need to win that game.

-------------------------------

Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football!

Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com

FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

TALK ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/nXbRNwZYJ

Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV

Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonilli...

For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonillini.supercast.com/

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Rugiet

Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl

Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.