Episodes
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Illinois Football Is Bowl-Eligible! Nebraska Recap: Collin Dixon Breaks Record & Bowl Projections
Illinois Football is BOWL ELIGIBLE! The Fighting Illini defeated Nebraska 24-13 at Memorial Stadium to improve to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in Big Ten play, securing their third consecutive bowl appearance. Alex Kyi is joined by Armchair Illini lead football writer Kirkland Chappell to break down...
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Illinois Basketball vs Penn Game Preview: FranCon Returns, Jake Davis injury, TJ Power and more!
Illinois vs Penn preview and prediction! Fran McCaffrey returns to State Farm Center with the Penn Quakers on Thursday night. Alex Kyi and Robby break down the matchup, the spread, and what Illinois needs to see before the big test at Texas Tech. In this Illinois vs Penn preview: • Penn Quakers...
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Illinois Football vs Nebraska Preview & Prediction | Illini Bowl Eligibility on the Line
Can Illinois clinch a bowl game against Nebraska? Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund break down the Illini's 20-17 win over Maryland, preview Friday night's Illinois vs Nebraska showdown at Memorial Stadium, and give their official score prediction. Illinois (5-3) and Nebraska (5-3) are both fighting…
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BREAKING: Illinois and Notre Dame football secures scheduling agreement for 2027 and 2028.
Illinois and Notre Dame have agreed for a home and home series in 2027 and 2028. Austin breaks it down from all angles. Could more matchups like this be possible with the 24 team playoff? Is Mizzou football even a rival anymore? Best non-conference team to ever come to Champaign? SUBSCRIBE for…
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Illinois Basketball: 5 Bold Predictions for the 2026-27 Season | Armchair Illini Podcast
Illinois basketball enters the 2026-27 season with Final Four expectations and a roster loaded with talent. But what should Illini fans expect from Brad Underwood and Illinois this season? In this video, we break down 5 bold predictions for Illinois basketball in 2026-27, including potential...
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Illinois Basketball 2026 Season Preview w/ Ryan Hammer | Expectations, Injuries & Big Ten Outlook
Welcome back to another episode of the Armchair Illini podcast! With the 2026–27 Illinois basketball season just a week away, we are joined by college basketball expert Ryan Hammer for a massive preseason preview. We dive deep into why Illini basketball is locked into the top 3 of the preseason...
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Illinois Football STUNS Oregon! What This Win Means for the Illini
Illinois football is back in the win column in a BIG way! The Illini took down Oregon 21-10 at Memorial Stadium, delivering a much-needed victory and potentially changing the trajectory of their 2026 season. Alex Kyi is joined by Kirkland Chappell to break down Illinois football's statement win...
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Former Illini Keaton Wagler LA Clippers Debut Breakdown & Rookie Outlook ft. No Ceilings NBA
Keaton Wagler made an impressive NBA debut with the LA Clippers, recording 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists against the Sacramento Kings! 🏀 The former Illinois basketball star made an immediate impact, and we're breaking down what his performance tells us about his NBA future. Alex Kyi is...
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Illinois vs Oregon Football Preview: Can the Illini Pull Off the Upset?
Illinois football is back from its bye week and faces a massive test against the Oregon Ducks on Saturday, October 24, at 2 p.m. CT at Gies Memorial Stadium. Can Bret Bielema and the Illini pull off a statement win against Oregon, or will quarterback injuries prove too much to overcome? Alex Kyi...
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Illinois Basketball Has TWO Projected 1st-Round NBA Draft Picks! Quentin Coleman & David Mirkovic
Illinois basketball could have TWO first-round NBA Draft picks in the 2027 NBA Draft! 🟠🔵 On this episode of Armchair Illini, Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund break down Sam Vecenie's way-too-early 2027 NBA Mock Draft from The Game Theory Podcast, which projects Illinois freshmen Quentin Coleman at...
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Illinois Basketball’s First Test: Cincinnati Scouting Report & Key Matchups
Illinois basketball is back! 🏀 The Fighting Illini are preparing for their first exhibition of the 2026-27 season against the Cincinnati Bearcats, and we're breaking down the matchup with Paul Fritschner of the Rebound Rundown! Alex Kyi welcomes Paul to Armchair Illini to discuss what Illinois…
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Illinois Football Survives Michigan State, 38-37! Houser Injury, Michael Clayton & Illini Concerns
Illinois football is BACK in the win column! 🟠🔵 The Fighting Illini survived a wild 38-37 victory over Michigan State, but did this win actually solve anything for Bret Bielema and Illinois? Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund break down Illinois football's dramatic win over the Michigan State…
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5-Star Brady Pettigrew Recaps Illinois Basketball Official Visit, His Basketball Journey & More
5-STAR BRADY PETTIGREW breaks down his official visit to Illinois Basketball! 🟠🔵 Armchair Illini: Alex Kyi and Robby Nardini sit down with one of the top basketball prospects in the country to discuss his Illinois basketball official visit, his journey to becoming a 5-star recruit, the…
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5-Star Brady Pettigrew Recaps Illinois Basketball Official Visit, His Basketball Journey & More
5-STAR BRADY PETTIGREW breaks down his official visit to Illinois Basketball! 🟠🔵 Armchair Illini: Alex Kyi and Robby Nardini sit down with one of the top basketball prospects in the country to discuss his Illinois basketball official visit, his journey to becoming a 5-star recruit, the…
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Illinois Football vs. Michigan State Preview & Prediction: Can the Illini Finally Get a Win?
Illinois football heads to East Lansing to take on Pat Fitzgerald and Michigan State, and the Illini desperately need a win. Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund break down the Illinois vs. Michigan State matchup, including the biggest concerns surrounding the Illini defense, the offensive line and…
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Illinois Football Is in SERIOUS Trouble After Purdue Loss… What Happens Next?
llinois football is in serious trouble. The Illini suffered a brutal 24-17 loss to Purdue, dropping Illinois to 2-3 and raising even more questions about the direction of the program. Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund break down what went wrong against Purdue and why Illinois' defense has become such…
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Bobby Hauck OUT at Illinois: Bret Bielema Speaks + Purdue Preview | Illini Football
Bobby Hauck is out as Illinois football’s defensive coordinator after just four games. Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund break down Bret Bielema’s first comments on the coaching change, what could be next for the Illinois defense, and what it means heading into a critical matchup with Purdue. The guys...
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Illinois parts ways with DC Bobby Hauck: What It Means for Bret Bielema & the Illini
Bobby Hauck has been let go by Illinois, sending shockwaves through the Fighting Illini football program. In this video, Armchair Illini hosts Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund break down the latest Illinois football news, what led to Bobby Hauck’s departure, and what this could mean for Bret Bielema...
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Illinois Basketball Lands HUGE Recruiting Weekend: 4 Five-Star Prospects Visit Champaign
Illinois basketball just had one of its biggest recruiting weekends in recent memory. Brad Underwood and the Fighting Illini welcomed four 5-star prospects to Champaign, including 2027 recruits Moussa Kamissoko and Darius Wabbington, along with 2028 prospects Dylan Betts and Bentley Lusakueno.…
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Illinois vs Ohio State Preview: Can the Illini Keep It Close in Columbus?
Illinois football is heading to Columbus for one of its biggest tests of the season. The Illini take on Ohio State in a massive Big Ten matchup, and the question is simple: Can Illinois actually hang with the Buckeyes? In this Illinois vs. Ohio State preview, we break down everything the Illini...
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Illinois Basketball 2026-27 Schedule Breakdown: Big Ten Matchups, Best Games & Predictions
Illinois Basketball’s 2026-27 schedule is officially set, and we’re breaking down everything Illini fans need to know about the upcoming season! Alex Kyi is joined by Robby Nardini from The Champaign Room and Round Table to discuss Illinois basketball’s Big Ten schedule, nonconference matchups,...
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Illinois Football vs SIU Preview: Can the Illini Bounce Back After Duke Loss?
Illinois football looks to bounce back against Southern Illinois after a disappointing loss to Duke. Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund preview the Illini’s Week 3 matchup against the SIU Salukis and discuss what Illinois needs to improve heading into Saturday’s game. In this episode, we break down the...
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Illinois Football vs Duke: What Went Wrong for the Illini in the 31-27 Loss?
Illinois football suffered a heartbreaking 31-27 loss to the Duke Blue Devils. Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund break down what went wrong for the Fighting Illini and what this result means moving forward. In this Illinois football postgame reaction, we discuss the biggest takeaways from the loss…
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Illinois vs Duke Football Preview: What Illini Fans Need to Know About Duke | On3
Illinois football is preparing for a big Week 2 matchup against the Duke Blue Devils, and we’re getting the Duke perspective from Connor O’Neill of On3’s Devils Illustrated. Connor joins Armchair Illini to break down Duke’s 2026 team, what the Blue Devils showed in their season opener, and what...
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Illinois Football vs Duke Preview: Week 2 Keys to an Illini Victory & Predictions
Illinois Football vs Duke is here, and Armchair Illini is breaking down everything you need to know before the Illini's Week 2 matchup. Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund preview Illinois vs Duke, discuss the biggest keys to victory, and break down what the Illini need to do on offense and defense to...
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Illinois Football BEATS UAB 42-23: What We Learned From the Illini Season Opener
Illinois football opened the 2026 season with a 42-23 victory over the UAB Blazers, but there was plenty to discuss beyond the final score. In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund break down the Illini's season opener, including the new Memorial Stadium…
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Illinois Football vs. UAB Preview: Can the Illini Start 2026 With a Win?
Illinois football is finally back! The Illini open the 2026 season against the UAB Blazers on Thursday, September 3, and Armchair Illini is breaking down everything you need to know ahead of kickoff. Alex Kyi and Austin Berkland preview Illinois vs. UAB, including the biggest storylines heading...
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Illinois Basketball: Which Freshmen Will Make an Impact in 2026-27? | Illini Recruiting Update
llinois basketball is loaded with young talent heading into the 2026-27 season. Which Illini freshmen could make the biggest impact? In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund break down Illinois basketball's talented freshman class, potential rotations and the...
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Illinois is the 33rd in the AP Top 25|Reacting to the Illini’s ranking
Welcome back to the Armchair Illini podcast! Host Austin Burklund is joined by lead football writer Kirkland Chappell to break down everything you need to know as the Fighting Illini gear up for the upcoming football season. In this episode, we dive deep into fall camp takeaways, the progression…
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2023-24 vs. 2025-26 Illinois Basketball: WHO WINS?
Which Illinois basketball team was better: the 2023-24 Elite Eight team or the 2025-26 Final Four squad? Alex and Austin break down a head-to-head matchup between two of the best Illinois basketball teams of the Brad Underwood era. They compare the 2023-24 Illinois Fighting Illini team featuring...
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Breaking: David Mirkovic Undergoes Foot Surgery | Massive Blow to Illinois Basketball
Illinois basketball suffered a major setback as David Mirkovic underwent surgery after suffering a left foot injury during a team workout. In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex Kyi and Robby Nardini break down everything we know about the injury, discuss the potential recovery...
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Katin Houser Big Ten Media Day Press Conference | Illinois Football Small Podium Session
Illinois Football QB Katin Houser meets with reporters during his Big Ten Media Day small podium session ahead of the 2026 college football season. Watch Houser discuss the Illini, expectations for the upcoming season, his journey to Illinois, and more from Big Ten Media Days. Subscribe to…
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Bret Bielema Big Ten Media Day Press Conference | Illinois Football Small Podium Session
Illinois Football head coach Bret Bielema meets with reporters during his Big Ten Media Day small podium session ahead of the 2026 college football season. Watch Bielema discuss the Illini, expectations for the upcoming season, player development, and more from Big Ten Media Days. Subscribe to...
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Kasparas Jakucionis to the Milwaukee Bucks: What It Means for the Former Illini Star
Former Illinois basketball star Kasparas Jakucionis is headed to the Milwaukee Bucks following the blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, and it could be the perfect opportunity for the former Illini standout. In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex is joined by Ti Windisch of the...
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5-Star Guard NaVorro Bowman Jr. Visiting Illinois! | Illini Basketball Recruiting News
5-Star Class of 2027 guard NaVarro Bowman Jr. is reportedly setting an official visit to Illinois! On this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund break down what this major recruiting news means for Brad Underwood and Illinois Basketball. We discuss how Bowman Jr.…
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Will Riley NBA Breakthrough? Year 2 Outlook with Greg Finberg | Washington Wizards & Illini Hoops
Former Fighting #illini standout Will Riley is turning heads in D.C.! After a dominant end to his rookie campaign and a blistering Summer League performance—including a 32-point night—where does the former Illinois star fit in the Washington Wizards' loaded 2026–27 rotation? Greg Finberg from The...
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Keaton Wagler Goes Off! Clippers Rookie Drops 26, Proves Illinois Star Is NBA Ready ⭐
🏀 Keaton Wagler reminded everyone why he became an Illinois Basketball star. After a slow start to NBA Summer League, the former Illini standout exploded for 26 points, showcasing the scoring ability that made him one of the best players in the Big Ten. Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund break down…
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Illinois Football TE Commit Cade Newman Interview | Why the 2027 Tight End Chose the Illini
Illinois Football continues to build its 2027 recruiting class, and Armchair Illini sits down with tight end commit Cade Newman for an exclusive interview. Cade discusses what made Illinois the right fit, his recruiting journey, his relationship with Bret Bielema and the coaching staff, and what...
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Should Clippers Fans Worry About Keaton Wagler’s Summer League Debut? | Future Fit with the Clippers
Keaton Wagler made his NBA Summer League debut with the Los Angeles Clippers, and we brought on Joey Linn, Clippers beat writer, to break down everything he saw from courtside in Las Vegas. Despite a challenging first game, Joey shares why Clippers fans shouldn't overreact, what stood out about...
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Brad Underwood Compares Lincoln Williams to Ayo Dosunmu | Illinois Basketball summer news
Brad Underwood had some very interesting comments about Illinois basketball freshman Lincoln Williams during his recent media availability, and we break down exactly what they mean for the future of the Illini. In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund discuss:...
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Illinois Football WR Eddie Kasper on Why He Chose Illinois & His 2026 Expectations
Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Eddie Kasper joins Armchair Illini for an exclusive interview to discuss his journey to Champaign, why he chose Illinois Football, and his expectations for the 2026 season under Bret Bielema. 🏈 In this interview, Eddie Kasper discusses: • Why he committed…
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Illinois Basketball Recruiting: Why 5-Star Guard Brady Pettigrew Is a Priority for the Illini
Illinois basketball recruiting is heating up as five-star guard Brady Pettigrew continues to emerge as one of the top prospects in the country. In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund break down what makes Pettigrew such a special talent and why the Illinois...
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Illinois Basketball: North Carolina Scheduled in Nashville & Morez Johnson Jr. Opens Up on Transfer
Illinois Basketball has a major non-conference showdown on the schedule as the Fighting Illini take on North Carolina in Nashville during Big Ten play. 🏀 In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Austin Burklund and Alex Kyi break down: 🔥 Illinois vs. North Carolina scheduled for…
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Illinois Basketball News: Kylan Boswell Signs with Hornets, Humrichous Joins Nets | Illini vs UNC?
🏀 Illinois Basketball has been busy! In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Austin and Alex break down: ✅ Former Illinois guard Kylan Boswell signing a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets ✅ Former Illini forward Ben Humrichous earning an Exhibit-10 deal with the Brooklyn Nets ✅...
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Keaton Wagler Drafted No. 5 Overall by Clippers | Illinois Basketball NBA Draft Reaction & Analysis
Keaton Wagler is officially headed to the NBA. The Los Angeles Clippers selected Illinois Fighting Illini star Keaton Wagler with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, making him Illinois' highest NBA Draft selection since Deron Williams was taken third overall in 2005. In this episode of...
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Keaton Wagler: A TOP 5 PICK? Illini NBA Draft Special | Boswell & Humrichous
Illinois Basketball is set for a HUGE week as the 2026 NBA Draft approaches! 🏀 On this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex and Robbie break down the NBA Draft outlook for Illinois stars Keaton Wagler , Kylan Boswell, and Ben Humrichous. Will Jakucionis become Illinois' first NBA Lottery...
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Can Shauna Green Take Illinois Women’s Basketball to the Sweet 16? | Roster & Portal Breakdown
Illinois Women's Basketball is coming off another successful season, and the future looks brighter than ever. In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, host Alex welcomes Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports @chicagostateofmind to break down the Illini women's basketball…
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Illinois Football Recruiting HEATER 🔥 | Bennett Konkey & Steven Alexis Commitment Breakdown
Illinois football recruiting continues to build momentum under Bret Bielema! In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund break down the latest Illini commitments from Bennett Konkey and Steven Alexis and discuss what each player brings to Champaign. How do these...
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Who Is Illinois Basketball’s Biggest X-Factor? | Illinois Final Four Expectations with Illini Isaac
Illinois basketball is coming off a historic Final Four run, but who will be the X-factor for Brad Underwood's 2026-27 Illini squad? In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex is joined by Illini Isaac to discuss expectations for Illinois basketball, the pressure (or lack thereof)...
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Illini Basketball Lands Lincoln Williams! Breaking Down Illinois’ Newest 2026 Recruit
Illinois Basketball has added another piece to its 2026 recruiting class as Lincoln Williams officially joins the Illini. In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex and Austin break down what Williams brings to Illinois Basketball, including his athleticism, defensive upside, scoring...