Illinois football has started the year with some big questions — and on today’s episode of Locked On Illini, we’re spinning the Worry Wheel to see how concerned Illini fans should be.

Topics include: Ty Rodgers’ injury update and why it looks like a lost season (and how redshirt rules complicate things) Andrej Stojakovic’s knee sprain and why the concern is minimal compared to Rodgers Brad Underwood’s roster building — should fans be nervous about the 2026 recruiting class compared to Purdue? The offensive line struggles — why the worry level is at a 4/5 heading into Indiana, USC, and Ohio State Wide receiver depth — can someone emerge behind Hank Beatty? Running back injuries — what happens if two of the top three RBs miss time? Secondary play — why the panic meter is lower than some fans think Plus: thoughts on the AP poll voting system, Larry Gies’ $100M donation, and why the O-line remains the most pressing issue for Bret Bielema’s squad heading into a brutal schedule stretch.

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/nMfQz96F

Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV

Watch Me Record Live on Tik Tok: https://t.co/QvIn1UqJkE

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.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Tee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit https://5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025.

The Game Cap

Grab your team’s classic bar or retro circle designed hat and use code LOCKEDON for an exclusive discount. Head to Because legends wear The Game. Head to https://thegamecaps.com

DoorDash

With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.

Mazda

It’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle. Mazda. Move and Be Moved.

SupplyHouse

Join the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit https://www.supplyhouse.com/apply-for-trademaster to sign up for free and use promo code SHCOLLEGE5 for 5% off your first order.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at https://www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets 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)

Illinois basketball is hosting one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 class — 7’ center Sinan Huan from Georgetown Prep and the Chinese youth national teams.

In today’s Locked On Illini, Sunny breaks down: Why Huan is more mobile and versatile than traditional 7-footers His elite rim-protecting skills (5 blocks per game at the U19 FIBA World Cup — same company as Victor Wembanyama) Areas for growth, including rebounding and consistency Why Illinois’ strength program and international recruiting pipeline make Champaign a strong fit Which schools Illinois is competing with (Purdue, Alabama, Maryland, Creighton, Northwestern & more) Why Huan’s visit this weekend could be a turning point in his recruitment Plus: updates from Bret Bielema’s press conference, including injuries to Aidan Laughrey and Dylan Roziek, and why Luke Altmyer’s performance against Duke felt like a “legacy 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?id=61564192637267

NEW ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/nMfQz96F

Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV

Watch Me Record Live on Tik Tok: https://t.co/QvIn1UqJkE

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.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY Tee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit https://5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025.

The Game Cap

Grab your team’s classic bar or retro circle designed hat and use code LOCKEDON for an exclusive discount. Head to Because legends wear The Game. Head to https://thegamecaps.com

DoorDash

With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.

Mazda

It’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle. Mazda. Move and Be Moved.

SupplyHouse

Join the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit https://www.supplyhouse.com/apply-for-trademaster to sign up for free and use promo code SHCOLLEGE5 for 5% off your first order.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at https://www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets 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)

In this episode of Locked On Illini, Sunny is joined by Spencer McLaughlin of Locked On College Football to break down: Why Illinois continues to face brand bias in the rankings The importance of the upcoming Indiana and USC matchups Why Ohio State will be the true measuring stick game How Bret Bielema and his staff keep proving doubters wrong Why Illini fans should appreciate the coaching edge they now have The Illini aren’t just winning — they’re dominating. So why are experts still overlooking them? Let’s talk about it. 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/nMfQz96F Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV

Watch Me Record Live on Tik Tok: https://t.co/QvIn1UqJkE

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.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Tee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit https://5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025.

The Game Cap

Grab your team’s classic bar or retro circle designed hat and use code LOCKEDON for an exclusive discount. Head to Because legends wear The Game. Head to https://thegamecaps.com

DoorDash

With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.

Mazda

It’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle. Mazda. Move and Be Moved.

SupplyHouse

Join the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit https://www.supplyhouse.com/apply-for-trademaster to sign up for free and use promo code SHCOLLEGE5 for 5% off your first order.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at https://www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets 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)