The Champaign Room: for Illinois Fighting Illini fans

This week I'm joined by Pleas Honeywood and Said Bravo makes his Oskee Talk debut. Said shares his background as an Illinois student and offers a crash course on the Champaign social scene (2:45). We recognize history-making performances from Illini track & field (18:50), discuss the hoops' rematch with UConn (23:03), and review some of the latest NBA mock drafts (35:50). We also recap football's kickoff times and newest transfer addition (54:11). Finally, Pleas & Said are put to the test in an Illini Spelling Bee (76:19).

I'm rejoined by Brandt Dolce & Pleas Honeywood to wrap up the men's golf season (2:47) and discuss basketball's enticing matchups against Alabama (9:18) & Tennessee (14:36) as well as scheduling the proper tier of teams (25:32). We also chat about the latest additions to Brad Underwood's staff and Shauna Green's roster (30:13). Finally, we unveil our list of desired hoops opponents (47:57).

I'm rejoined by Brandt Dolce & Pleas Honeywood to recap the end of baseball season and history-making performances for Illini track & field (2:41). We also discuss the commitments of King Liggins (15:37) and Nasir Rankin (24:27) as well as Illinois football's major recruiting momentum (33:45). We also project Illinois' season win total (40:36) and give predictions on who will lead the Illini in touchdowns (62:11).

On this episode I spotlight another postseason crown for men's golf (3:03) and preview a pivotal series for Illini baseball (9:01). I also recap this week's NBA Draft lottery (14:09), examine the ideal teams for Kasparas Jakucionis & Will Riley (21:41), and introduce the newest men's basketball signee (32:20). I wrap up the show by discussing the contract extensions of Bret Bielema & Brad Underwood (37:47) and catching up on the latest Illini football updates (52:02).

This week I'm joined by Pleas Honeywood to spotlight men's golf and recognize Illinois' standout athletes of 2024-25. We also take a closer look at the men's basketball roster following the Andrej Stojakovic signing, review the NBA Draft prospects for Kasparas Jakucionis & Will Riley and break down the Big Ten hoops schedules. Finally, we recap the latest football transfer news and check in on former Illini following the NFL Draft.

I'm joined by TCR's Pleas Honeywood to recap WrestleMania (4:18), break down the commitment of Mihailo Petrovic (11:29) and discuss Illinois' international recruiting philosophy (17:23) and the program's global branding (22:35). We also recap the latest football transfer portal news (36:53) and react to Luke Altmyer's return (51:36), Pat Bryant's selection in the NFL Draft (64:40), Shedeur Sanders' slide (90:31) and Kerby Joseph's huge payday (111:25). We end the episode by reflecting on the life of Steve 'Mongo' McMichael (115:15).

I'm joined by The Champaign Room's Pleas Honeywood to discuss Kasparas Jakucionis & Will Riley declaring for the NBA Draft (5:42). We also examine KJ's draft projections (11:31), and Riley's pro potential (19:16). We also discuss DGL's new destination (30:20), the David Mirkovic commitment & Illinois' international approach (34:50), as well as the latest twist in the Morez Johnson saga (51:02). We also recap two major additions for women's basketball (66:30) and football's newest Sunshine State commits (79:07). Finally, we reveal our favorite WrestleMania matches (99:26).

** NOTE: This episode was produced prior to the commitment of David Mirkovic **On this episode Pleas Honeywood joins me to recap the latest Illini basketball transfer portal transactions (3:31). We also examine the fallout of Morez Johnson's departure (9:35), discuss ways to tweak the transfer process (26:34), and review who is returning to Champaign next season (45:21). We also check in on Illini football during spring practices & discuss the importance of roster retention (83:26) as well as Pat Bryant's NFL future (111:11).

We sound off about Kasparas Jakucionis' critics during this extended episode. We also list potential Illini transfer portal targets. We wrap up by discussing women's basketball's long-awaited NCAA Tournament win!

On this special extended episode I'm joined by Brandt Dolce & Pleas Honeywood of The Champaign Room to wrap up the men's basketball season, examine Illinois' offensive efficiency, review some weird-but-true stats, and reflect on two of the most memorable Illini March Madness moments.

This week I review Selection Sunday and look ahead to men's basketball's matchup versus either Xavier or Texas, as well as examine the possibilities of another second-weekend run. I also preview women's basketball's first-round game against Creighton.

On this episode I recap men's basketball's victories against Iowa & Michigan, discuss some of the rarities surrounding the Illini's winning streak over the Wolverines, and look ahead to Purdue. I also recap the end of the women's basketball regular season & preview the Big Ten Tournament. Finally, I discuss the latest Illini football updates.

I'm joined by Brandt Dolce & Pleas Honeywood to revisit the Duke debacle and examine the roster to identify the type of player the “Illinois Guy” should look like. We also preview Tuesday's matchup against the Iowa Hawkeyes & discuss the NCAA Tournament outlook. Finally, we review women's basketball's west coast swing and look ahead to the regular season finale.

I review men's basketball's week of improbable endings, including Saturday's debacle against Michigan State. I also discuss how Brad Underwood needs to pivot in order to save the season. I also recap women's hoops record-setting win streak, discuss Shauna Green maximizing her roster, and look ahead to the team's west coast swing.

I'm joined by Brandt Dolce to recap the Royal Rumble, revisit another up-and-down week for men's hoops and preview UCLA. We also discuss the women continuing their winning ways and look ahead to Penn State.

I'm joined by TCR's Brandt Dolce & Please Honeywood to discuss the resiliency of men's basketball, the team's three-point struggles, the long-term effects of Tomislav Ivisic's absence & the ascent of Morez Johnson. We break down a successful week in women's hoops and milestones for Kendall Bostic & Shauna Green as well as review the positive developments in the football program and make predictions for the upcoming Royal Rumble.

I'm joined by TCR's Brandt Dolce & Pleas Honeywood to revisit Illinois' blowout win over Indiana, Hoosier delusion, and the state of IU basketball. We also discuss Sunday's loss to Michigan State, including Kasparas Jakucionis' foulout, Brad Underwood's timeout strategy, and the Big Ten outlook. We also recap women's basketball's roster attrition and Big Ten prospects.

I'm rejoined by The Champiagn Room's Pleas Honeywood & Brandt Dolce to revisit the ups and downs of men's basketball's recent homestand, discuss the emergence of Morez Johnson and the “simple” fix to help the Illini's shooting woes, and preview the Hoosiers & Spartans. We also recap women's hoops' upset of Iowa, the immediate impact of Makira Cook's and Gretchen Dolan's injuries and discuss how Illinois can make up ground in the Big Ten. We wrap up by chatting about football's latest transfer portal commits.

Brandt Dolce & Pleas Honeywood rejoin me to summarize Illinois' successful west coast swing and project the rest of the Big Ten hoops season. We also discuss how the returns of JC Davis & Xavier Scott impact the 2025 football season, Bret Bielema's retention model, and why fans should expect — not just wish — for long-term success.

Pleas Honeywood & Brandt Dolce join me to celebrate Illinois' victory in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, revel in Bret Bielema's pettiness and Shane Beamer's bitterness, and consider whether the Illini can finally be seated at the "high table". We also recap the past week in men's and women's hoops and look ahead to the "official" start of Big Ten play.

The Champaign Room's Drew Pastorek & Pleas Honeywood discuss favorite Christmas songs (4:13), review the Braggin' Rights win over Mizzou (8:18), and preview the non-conference finale versus Chicago State (35:26). They also recap women's basketball's non-conference schedule (45:05) and preview a loaded Big Ten slate (50:51). They wrap up by sharing the latest transfer portal updates (64:00) and react to the weekend's CFP results (90:33).

This week I review multiple milestones for Illini women's basketball (3:33) and recap Saturday's heartbreaking loss to #1 Tennessee (10:24) before previewing Braggin' Rights (38:11). I also discuss the latest Illini transfer portal news (47:07) and Luke Altmyer's return to Champaign (62:25).

I'm joined by The Champaign Room's Brandt Dolce & Pleas Honeywood to recap the College Football Tournament selections and discuss the SEC's temper tantrum. We also preview the Illini's Citrus Bowl matchup with South Carolina and how the game can help be a springboard for 2025 success. We close the show by reviewing tough losses by Illinois hoops and look ahead to Saturday's game with #1 Tennessee.

On this episode The Champaign Room's Brandt Dolce & Pleas Honeywood join me to revisit the regular season finale (3:35), Bret Bielema's communication skills (8:50), Aidan Laughery's huge day at Wrigley (17:02), and the change in perception of Illini football (29:06). We also discuss why the CFP isn't actually a playoff (38:33) and spotlight the rarity of Illinois' 9-win campaign (54:49). We also review the Thanksgiving week's hoops action (66:28) and look ahead to Friday's B1G opener in Evanston (78:23).

I'm joined by The Champaign Room's Pleas Honeywood & Brandt Dolce to revisit Saturday's #Illinutgers instant classic, preview the regular season finale, and come up with Northwestern's new nickname. We also recap the week in hoops, including Ed Cooley's "b.s."

On this episode I revisit my first-ever trip to Memorial Stadium (9:59), recap Illinois' Senior Day victory (16:44) and dish out more #SadButTrue stats (24:22) before previewing Saturday's showdown at Rutgers (30:51). I also look back on a clean sweep by Illini basketball (40:05) & look ahead to the men's marquee matchup with Alabama (58:46).

I'm joined by The Champaign Room's Pleas Honeywood to discuss the rarity of women's basketball's win over #19 Florida State. We also recap the men's victory over SIUE and the team's early offensive explosion. We wrap up by previewing Senior Day versus Michigan State and a projected Illini bowl matchup.

On this bonus episode I recap basketball's season-opening win versus EIU (12:15), spotlight Will Riley's one-of-a-kind debut (20:38), discuss Ty Rodgers' redshirting (37:48) and preview Friday's date with SIUE (42:29).

I'm joined by Brandt Dolce to revisit Illinois' frustrating loss to Minnesota and discuss why the offense has become too predictable & how Bret Bielema can turn things around. We also give predictions for men's and women's basketball and offer expectations for the season.

I look back on Saturday's loss to No. 1 Oregon, offer thoughts on the football program's progress, and preview this week's game versus Minnesota. I also discuss Shauna Green's new contract & recap men's hoops exhibition against Ole Miss.

I'm joined by The Champaign Room's Pleas Honeywood to review the standouts from Illinois' victory over the Michigan Wolverines. We also preview Saturday's game versus top-ranked Oregon, and discuss why we should be grateful for this season instead of waiting to be disappointed.

Brandt Dolce & I look back on the Illini's nailbiting win over Purdue and break down Luke Altmyer's breakout season before previewing Saturday's matchup with Michigan.

I'm rejoined by Pleas Honeywood & Brandt Dolce to look ahead to Saturday's matchup versus Purdue, look back on the last time the Illini beat the Boilers in Champaign (it's been a while), and explore Illinois' potential path to the CFP (yes, it exists). We also discuss preseason polls and predictions for men's and women's hoops.

Brandt Dolce & I recap Illinois' loss to Penn State -- and revisit the game's deciding series -- discuss bye week goals and look ahead to Purdue. We wrap up by breaking down Illinois' Big Ten hoops schedule.

The Champaign Room's Brandt Dolce & Pleas Honeywood rejoin the show to recap Illinois' exciting win at Nebraska. We also recognize Friday's standout plays, discuss more #SadButTrueStats from the Illini's 4-0 start, and preview Saturday night's matchup at Penn State.

Pleas Honeywood & Brandt Dolce join me to discuss the homecoming win versus Central Michigan and the rarity of Illinois' undefeated start, as well as look ahead to Friday's tilt with the Nebraska Cornhuskers and a budding star in the backfield. We also review the women's basketball non-conference schedule and the magnitude of the upcoming season.

The Champaign Room's Brandt Dolce & Pleas Honeywood join me to discuss Destiny Jackson's commitment, Shauna Green's impact & Josh Whitman's vision. We also review football's win over KU and look ahead to homecoming against Central Michigan.

Drew recaps the strong starts for Illini volleyball and soccer and discusses a major matchup for women's hoops. He also breaks down football's season-opening win against EIU & looks ahead to Saturday's pivotal Week 2 game versus Kansas.

TCR's Pleas Honeywood & Brandt Dolce join me to break down the non-conference hoops schedule, discuss a turning point year for Illini football & Bret Bielema's philosophical transition. We also look back on the last time Illinois played EIU and look back on one of the most lopsided wins in program history.

On this episode Pleas Honeywood, Brandt Dolce & I congratulate the Illini Olympians (6:03). We also review preseason watchlists (15:17), football captains (24:25), and team ratings (32:04) and have fun with over/under predictions for football season (42:26). Finally, we discuss new basketball numbers (73:27) and non-conference viewership (84:59).

On this episode I look back on the week in Paris for the Illini Olympians, look ahead to football season, and talk Jakucionis' superb Eurobasket performance.

On this episode I recap Football Media Days in Indianapolis, including some of the silliest questions, players playing as themselves, Illinois' depth chart and the impact of added scholarships.