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Derek and Kurtis discuss the hype around Illinois vs Michigan this basketball season. Who are the #BalkanBrutes? And which former Illini basketball players would make great Pro Wrestlers? It's The Drive!
Chuck's opening monologue. Chuck and Heath discuss some interesting games turning on a top 10 non conference matchups list. Dave Bartoo of CFB Matrix joins for his weekly visit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Illini Football Recruiting Illini Golf Illini Track and Field Guest Matt Stevens Share this podcast on your social media & please give us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed the podcast! We ask YOU to help Big Sports Radio & IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular grow on social media by following us on all our social media and engaging with the content posted. Every like, love, comment & share help Big Sports Radio and IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular reach more people and establish our position as the leader in entertaining, fast-paced, non-political sports programming. Don't miss our college sports focused podcasts: IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular I on the Illini Mike Cagley's Heat Checks & Hail Marys Thanks for listening!
Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner discusses the non-compete clauses in Bret Bielema and Brad Underwood's contract extensions, Illini golf's disappointing weekend at the NCAA Championships and Terrence Shannon Jr.'s NBA impact. Then Ryan Easterling joins to discuss how Bret Bielema is building the Illini's highest-ranked recruiting class in more than a decade and a half, what he thinks of in-state commits Nasir Rankin and King Liggins and upcoming official visitors. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just $1: https://tinyurl.com/ymnzkebb To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to Illinois football's big day in Chicago, landing four-star Morgan Park WR Nasir Rankin and three-star Brother Rice DL King Liggins, and what it says about the program. 247Sports national recruiting analyst Allen Trieu also joins the guys to discuss what each prospect brings and what's next for the Illini. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just $1: https://tinyurl.com/ymnzkebb To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The CHGO Bulls crew welcome Chicago Bulls PA announcer Tim Sinclair back to the show! Peck and Big Dave get Tim's perspective from some of the wildest moments at the Madhouse on Madison this season, like Matas Buzelis hammer dunks and the Josh Giddey miracle shot. Tim also shares his experiences from the Derrick Rose retirement ceremony and being the emcee for the NBA Draft Lottery. Plus, is Tim - PA announcer for and fan of the Illinois Fighting Illini - hoping the Bulls take Kasparas Jakucionis or Will Riley in the 2025 NBA Draft?
Nasir Rankin had an all-timer presser to announce he's joining The Illini. We discuss all the hat tosses. Plus, is Bret Bielema putting together one of his best teams ever? And we chat about Game 1 of Pacers vs. Knicks. NO CHOKE! It's The Drive.
Illini Inquirer's Derek Piper and Jeremy Werner break down the 2025-26 Illinois basketball roster by ranking the players by their expected impact on the season. The guys discuss how the new additions fit in and what impact the returners are expected to have. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just $1: https://tinyurl.com/ymnzkebb To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Isaac Trotter of CBS Sports joins the show for a great chat, some big news on Illini Football recruiting, and does recruiting Chicago matter as much as it once did? The fellas break it down!
Brad Sturdy and Mike Cagley talk high school recruiting and take a look at Illini basketball targets they watched last weekend. Share this podcast on your social media & please give us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed the podcast! We ask YOU to help Big Sports Radio & IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular grow on social media by following us on all our social media and engaging with the content posted. Every like, love, comment & share help Big Sports Radio and IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular reach more people and establish our position as the leader in entertaining, fast-paced, non-political sports programming. Don't miss our college sports focused podcasts: IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular I on the Illini Mike Cagley's Heat Checks & Hail Marys Thanks for listening!
Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner break down the Illinois football 2025 roster by ranking position groups. The guys discuss the positions they have most confidence and why and some positions where they still have question marks. 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: https://tinyurl.com/ymnzkebb To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Scott Dochterman from The Athletic joins the boys to discuss all things Big Ten, Illini, Iowa, Caitlin Clark, and more!
Joey Wagner joins Pipes and new guy Kurtis Allen to chat about his NFL draft experience. Plus, the guys break down Bret Bielema's biggest wins so far and look at the upcoming Illini Football schedule.
Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Ryan Easterling discuss the latest in Illinois football recruiting. The guys discuss three-star DL Parker Crim's commitment and four-star Morgan Park prospect Nasir Rankin's upcoming decision and what landing him would mean for the Illini program. The guys then discuss JC Anderson's visit schedule, upcoming official visitors and the overall outlook on the Class of 2026. 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: https://tinyurl.com/ymnzkebb To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Derek and Kyle discuss whether it's even worth it to invest in high school recruiting anymore in the current landscape and what they anticipate the Illini's approach to recruiting being going forward. Later, the guys react to 247 Sports' Big Ten quarterback rankings for 2025.
Illini Inquirer's Derek Piper and Jeremy Werner discuss Illinois basketball's expected hire of Colgate assistant Camryn Crocker and how he fits on the staff, Illinois extending head coach Brad Underwood, the NBA Draft Combine for Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley and the addition of 2025 guard Blake Fagbemi. 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: https://tinyurl.com/ymnzkebb To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
We've seen a lot of different outlets put Illinois as a Top 10/15 team, but Circa Sports put out their win total numbers yesterday and had the Illini at 7.5 wins…the same as Nebraska, Washington, Iowa and USC. Wisconsin was notable at 5.5 wins; Ohio State and Oregon both at 10.5 wins and Penn State at 10 wins. Show sponsored by NEBCOAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Chris Block, owner of Chris Block Racing Stables joins the show to share his insight into the Preakness field and if the Triple Crown schedule needs to be adjusted to allow for more horses to chase the Triple Crown. Later, Lon and Derek discuss Illini football's season opener getting moved to Friday and the new book coming out that details drama surrounding Caleb Williams and the Bears before the draft.
Lon and Derek discuss the announced contract extensions for Brad Underwood and Bret Bielema and what a realistic expectation should be for Underwood each season. Later, the guys share their thoughts on Illinois & Tennessee finalizing an agreement to meet for another two seasons in Nashville and Chicago and who else they'd like to see the Illini schedule.
Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman making dual announcements of contract extensions for football coach Bret Bielema and Brad Underwood. The guys discuss what it means for the programs and athletic programs and the potential legacies of both coaches. 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: https://tinyurl.com/ymnzkebb To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lon and Derek react to the news of MLB lifting its ban for Pete Rose, Joe Jackson and other deceased figures, making them eligible for the Hall of Fame. Later, intern Daniel Herzog leads the guys through Next Question: Illini hoops edition.
City/Suburban Hoops Report and the Chicago Sun-Times's Joe Henricksen joins the show to talk Jalen Brunson's ascension into an NBA star, the current state of Illinois high school hoops, and some old Illini hoops recruiting insight. Later, the guys look back at the loaded list of 2016 recruiting class visitors the Illini brought in.
CBS Sports and 247Sports college basketball writer Isaac Trotter joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to give his thoughts on Illinois basketball's offseason. Trotter breaks down what excites and concerns him about the Illini's 2025-26 roster, how the new pieces fit, potential leaps for the returners and X-factors. He then discusses how the Illini stack up in the Big Ten and a big week ahead at the NBA Draft Combine for Kasaparas Jakucionis and Will Riley. 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: https://tinyurl.com/ymnzkebb To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lon and Derek discuss the Cardinals' 8-game win streak and whether the Cubs/Cardinals series this season could actually be for the NL Central crown. Later, the guys go back and look at Illinois' national championships in athletics on the heels of Illini golf's quest for one.
Illini Golf in NCAAs Jim Buyze from Adkins Golf Club Illini FB Recruit JC Anderson Share this podcast on your social media & please give us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed the podcast! We ask YOU to help Big Sports Radio & IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular grow on social media by following us on all our social media and engaging with the content posted. Every like, love, comment & share help Big Sports Radio and IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular reach more people and establish our position as the leader in entertaining, fast-paced, non-political sports programming. Don't miss our college sports focused podcasts: IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular I on the Illini Mike Cagley's Heat Checks & Hail Marys Thanks for listening!
Lon and Derek talk some baseball and discuss what's needed to juice up the Cubs/Cardinals rivalry again this summer. Later, the guys discuss their level of concern over the Illini's running back depth following the departure of Josh McCray.
Lon and Derek discuss what they think the biggest surprise could be for Illinois basketball, either player or team-related. Later, the guys share their thoughts on what the mix of personalities on the Illini hoops team could look like.
Derek and Kyle continue Next Question: Illinois Basketball Edition with questions about the now close-to-finalized Illini roster.
Derek and Kyle discuss Illinois basketball adding an in-state point guard to a walk on type of roster spot. Later, the guys play Next Question: Illinois Basketball Edition with questions about Illini hoops.
Derek and Kyle talk some Illinois football and discuss some reasons for both optimism and skepticism for the Illini amid getting some preseason Top 10 love from Joe Klatt. The guys also discuss if it's fair to compare what Illinois could do in 2025 to last year's Indiana team.
Lon and Derek discuss what's the most compelling thing to watch in sports right now between MLB, NBA playoffs, NHL playoffs and more. Later, the guys share their thoughts on the potential for the Illini to add a new assistant coach and what they would be looking for.
Lon and Derek discuss how much basketball recruiting has changed nowadays and reminisce on some old stories. Lon shares his thoughts on Trae Taylor's fake out commitment to Illinois. Later, the guys discuss what's on tap this week for the Cubs and Cardinals.
Newest Illini commit Andrej Stojakovic joins the show to share why he chose Illinois, what he thinks next season's team can look like and what he hopes to accomplish in Champaign. Later, Derek and Kyle discuss the NBA playoffs, including the T-Wolves' domination of the Lakers and Jalen Brunson's polarizing play style.
Chris Blocks from Chris Block racing stables joins the show to share his horse racing insight ahead of the 151st Kentucky Derby. Later, Derek and Kyle discuss 4-star Nebraska commit Trae Taylor pulling a wild fake out on the Illini during his commitment.
Chuck's opening monologue. Chuck and Heath discuss a touted QB making a regrettable choice on how he handled his college announcement. Clark Brooks of On3 and SEC Stat Cat looks at some returning QBs for 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QB Trae Taylor committed to Nebraska yesterday and in his announcement had the sheer audacity to throw an Illinois hat on the ground. Illini fans are BIG mad, and we can't understand why.
Illini Inquirer basketball analyst Mike LaTulip joins Jeremy Werner to break down Illinois basketball's additions of Cal transfer Andrej Stojaković and Serbian guard Mihailo Petrović. He discusses how each fits with the Illini, how they impact the Illini and their potential this season. LaTulip also breaks down Ben Humrichous' return, the rest of the Big Ten and what's ahead for the Illini during summer workouts. 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: https://tinyurl.com/ymnzkebb To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Derek and Kyle discuss how interested they are in Hard Knocks and what they make of the very strange Bill Belichick situation that's made headlines. Later, the guys discuss whether they think the Illini's unique international-filled roster will be a top national storyline next college basketball season.
Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Derek Piper react to California transfer Andrej Stojakovic signing with Illinois basketball. The guys break down his fit and how he can get better at Illinois. The guys also discuss the addition of Serbian guard Mihailo Petrovic, the likely return of Ben Hurmichous and what they think of the Illini roster, which looks complete. 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: https://tinyurl.com/ymnzkebb To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Derek gives his take on Andrej Stojakovic committing to Illinois and how he fits with next season's Illini roster. Later, Lon, Derek and Kyle share their thoughts on the Illini's 2025-26 conference opponents in basketball and how Illinois could fare.
Derek and Kyle discuss whether or not Illinois is completely done adding to its roster after the Stojakovic addition and what, if anything, the roster could still use. Later, the guys share some early thoughts on teams that could be near the top of the Big Ten entering next season.
Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner recap their NFL Draft experiences with Joey in Green Bay and Jeremy down in Florida for Illini WR Pat Bryant's draft party. The guys discuss Bryant getting drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round and five other Illini signing free agent deals. The guys then talks with former Illini OL Alex Palczewski about his NFL career with the Broncos, Bryant joining him and how his Illini career shaped him. The guys wrap up discussing the Illini's latest spring transfer portal additions. 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: https://tinyurl.com/ymnzkebb To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
One, two, three, four . . . FIVE BALKANS?! Illinois basketball lands its biggest portal addition of the offseason, adding junior wing Andrej Stojakovic to the team. Mike Carpenter discusses the marquee addition, just two days after Serbian point guard Mihailo Petrovic signed with the Illini. Brad Underwood's 2025-26 roster looks to be (nearly?) complete, so how will all these mostly-veteran new faces gel together?
Lon and Kyle break down the Illini landing Cal transfer Andrej Stojakovic and how important the addition is for the Illini's outlook next season. Later, former Chicago Tribune writer Dave Wischnowsky joins the show to give his take on the Stojakovic addition, the Illini's offseason and the Cubs' hot start to the season.
Former Illinois guard Sean Harrington joins the show to share his thoughts on how Brad Underwood has constructed the Illini roster this offseason and what the team could look like next season. Later, Lon and Kyle recap some exciting series in the NHL and NBA playoffs.
Lon and Derek discuss where things stand with Andrej Stojakovic as the waiting game on his official announcement continues and how highly thought of an Illini team with him on it could be. Later, the guys share their thoughts on the Bears' first round selection of Michigan tight end Colston Loveland.
Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss the latest on Illinois football, starting with Luke Altmyer sticking with Illinois despite interest from Tennessee, transfer portal departures and additions, Victor Singleton's decommitment and Tony Balanganayi's commitment. Then the guys discuss spring ball stock risers, Pat Bryant's NFL Draft stock and the Illini most likely to be drafted in 2026. 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: https://tinyurl.com/ymnzkebb To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Illini Inquirer's Joey Wagner joins the show to share his insight on Illini football post-spring ball, Illini basketball's international efforts, and Illini women's basketball's offseason. Derek gives his brief scouting report on Mihailo Petrovic. Later, the Chicago Tribune's Meghan Montemurro joins the show to share her thoughts on the Cubs' hot start to the season.
Derek and Kyle discuss another Cubs thrilling victory over the Dodgers and how fun their start to the season has been offensively. They also discuss the Cardinals' early season disappointment. Later, the guys break down how Andrej Stojakovic would fit with the Illini and what they could still be missing.
Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats about Josh McCray transferring to Georgia, four-star DB Victor Singleton flipping his commitment from Illinois to Texas A&M and a big week for the Illini football roster ahead. Then Mike LaTulip joins him to talk about the Illini basketball offseason so far, including Kylan Boswell, Tomislav Ivisic and Ty Rodgers returning; Zvonimir Ivisic and David Mirkovic joining; and the possibility of Ben Humrichous returning. LaTulip then breaks down the potential fit of Cal transfer wing Andrej Stojakovic and Arizona State transfer guard Adam Miller. 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: https://tinyurl.com/ymnzkebb To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices