Brad Underwood isn't backing down — he's doubling down. Illinois Basketball has officially extended its series with SEC powerhouse Tennessee for two more years, with games set in Nashville and Chicago. After two heartbreaking losses to the Vols, why is Underwood choosing to run it back?

In this episode of Locked On Illini, we break down:

Why Illinois benefits from tough non-conference matchups How this series helps build an NCAA Tournament résumé

What a win over Tennessee could mean for the 2025–26 squad

The latest on both teams’ rosters and expectations for the showdown

📍 Dec. 6 in Nashville. 2026 in Chicago. Let’s settle the score.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and join the biggest Illini community on YouTube!

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/EEmgjksk

Follow us on X at @talkillini

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!

Monarch Money

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

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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)

Big moves in Champaign this week — and we’re breaking it all down.

✅ Camryn Crocker joins Brad Underwood’s staff as the newest assistant coach. We dive into his background, why this is a smart hire, and what Crocker brings to the Illini program.

✅ Illinois Football adds 2025 DB Parker Crim, a key pickup in Bret Bielema’s long-term recruiting vision. Crim might not be a flashy name, but his film shows a tough, physical player who fits the Illini mold.

✅ PLUS — We’re celebrating 1 year of Locked On Illini! A huge thank you to everyone who’s listened, commented, subscribed, and built this amazing Illini community. This episode is a perfect mix of news, analysis, and gratitude — don’t miss it.

🧡💙 Like, subscribe, and tell us: What’s been YOUR favorite Locked On Illini moment so far?

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/632cNGsZ

Follow us on X at @talkillini

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!

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k

Did you know your Fire TV is also an Xbox? Turn any TV into your gaming and entertainment hub with Fire TV Stick 4K devices — no console required. Head to Amazon.com/firetvlockedon to get started. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and compatible controller required.

Monarch Money

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

WayFair

After the holiday hustle, there’s nothing like giving your home a little TLC. Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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)

Is the college football landscape on the brink of a seismic shift? With talks of expanding the College Football Playoff to 16 teams, the debate heats up as experts weigh in on the implications for the Big Ten and SEC. Craig Sheeman and Trent Condon offer contrasting views on whether this expansion dilutes competition or provides new opportunities for teams like the Iowa Hawkeyes.

The discussion also explores the potential role of Nick Saban in a federal commission examining college football, sparking mixed reactions. As the Michigan Wolverines' upcoming season is dissected, Isaiah Hull predicts an overachieving performance, despite defensive losses. Key figures like Jim Harbaugh and Bryce Underwood are spotlighted, adding depth to the analysis.

Tune in for a comprehensive breakdown of these pivotal topics and discover how they could reshape college football's future.