Illinois vs. Penn Preview: TJ Power, Fran McCaffrey & The Illini’s Path to the Sweet 16

Welcome back to the Armchair Illini podcast! In this episode, we break down Selection Sunday and the Illinois Fighting Illini's draw as a 3-seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.The Illini are headed to Greenville, South Carolina, to face the 14-seeded Penn Quakers. It’s a matchup filled with storylines, featuring Penn head coach and former Iowa foe Fran McCaffrey, along with star player TJ Power. We also recap the disappointing Big Ten Tournament loss to Wisconsin and discuss what Brad Underwood’s squad needs to do to regain their defensive grit for a deep March run.In this episode: Selection Sunday Reactions: Why the Illini ended up in Greenville instead of St. Louis.Scouting Penn: Can Illinois stop TJ Power after his 44-point performance in the Ivy League title game? Wisconsin Recap: Breaking down the 91-88 overtime loss and the defensive lapses that cost the Illini. Bracket Mayhem: Details on how to win a signed Luther Head jersey or a signed mini-helmet from NFL draft prospect Hank Beatty! Links & Resources: Read more at: ArmchairIllini.com. Join our Yahoo Sports Bracket Group: https://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/mens-basketball-bracket/group/18178/invitation?key=f704a73b8bd5c5de Follow us on Twitter/X: @ArmchairIllini Follow us on Instagram: @ArmchairIllini Shop the NIL Store: [Link to Illini NIL Store] Subscribe for more Illinois basketball coverage throughout March Madness!