Illinois basketball tips off its exhibition season Sunday vs Illinois State, but they’ll do it shorthanded — with Tomislav Ivišić, Ty Rodgers, Andrej Stojaković, and Mihailo Petrovic all sidelined.

Sunny Verma breaks down what to expect, who could step up, and what fans should be watching most closely in this first look at the 2025–26 Illini. 🏀 Basketball Segment: The full injury and availability update from Brad Underwood Why this could be a breakout opportunity for Zvonimir Ivišić How Illinois might structure its lineups without Tomislav What to watch from new defensive coordinator Camryn Crocker’s system Keaton Wagler hype — what’s real and what’s overblown? Ben Humrichous and Jake Davis: steady veterans to watch What a “glorified practice” might still reveal about Illinois’ chemistry 🏈 Football Segment: Illinois’ bye week results: no help from the scoreboard Why losses by Duke, Washington, and USC actually hurt Illinois’ résumé How Bret Bielema’s “1–0 each week” mindset must guide the rest of the season Why Illinois still controls its path to a 10-win finish, but can’t slip again Recruiting note: 2026 target Adam Umadak visits Champaign, plus intel on Jsiah Jervis 🎙 Hosted by Sunny Verma, the daily voice of Locked On Illini — your home for Illinois basketball and football coverage, every day.

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

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?id=61564192637267

NEW ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/YjgQbzyU

Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV

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

Article Referenced:

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.