Illinois basketball is BACK 🏀

Sunny Verma previews the 2025–26 Illinois season opener vs. Jackson State, highlighting what Illini fans should look for as Brad Underwood’s team officially tips off the year. With Mihailo Petrovic out and Andrej Stojaković a game-time decision, Illinois will already test its depth early. 🏀 In this episode: Injury updates: Petrovic OUT, Stojaković questionable, Ty Rodgers still sidelined How Brad Underwood might handle a shortened rotation Why this game matters less for the score and more for chemistry and conditioning Early Big Ten outlook and how Illinois stacks up nationally Football side note: Illinois’ back-to-back bowl eligibility and why Bielema’s program is in a historic stretch

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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 TALK ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/cN9XCg9S 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.

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