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PODCAST · sports

Oskee Talk

by Drew Pastorek

For fans of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 6, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. A Glimmer of Hope? Freshman QB Clayton Guides Illini to Victory in East Lansing

    The Champaign Room's Drew Pastorek relives Saturday's thrilling win over Michigan State (3:11), recaps some of the questionable officiating and coaching decisions (10:44), raves about freshman QB Michael Clayton's Illini debut (22:07), and predicts Illinois' future roster plans (28:12). Drew also...

  2. Cannons and Crossroads: Illini Football Back in the Basement

    Drew is joined by Pleas Honeywood of The Champaign Room to recap the Illini's dismal performance against Purdue (3:20), the dangers of Illinois' revamped scheme (10:38), and the team's overall lack of urgency (15:15). The guys also discuss former DC Bobby Hauck's personality clash (27:21), the...

  3. Hauck's Heave-Ho: Illinois Searching for Another D.C.

    In this episode The Champaign Room's Drew Pastorek recaps Illinois' loss to Ohio State (3:40), commends the Illini's offensive effort (12:42) and questions what fans were truly expecting Saturday (21:16). Drew also breaks down defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck's departure (23:19), the unit's lack...

  4. Bring on the Buckeyes: Illini Open Big Ten Play in Columbus

    In this episode Drew recaps Illinois' blowout win over SIU (3:11) and spotlights Collin Dixon's record-setting start (19:49) as well as the Illini's defensive standouts (24:50). He dives into the history of the "Illibuck" game (27:55), flashes back to Illinois' last trip to Columbus (33:28), and...

  5. Duke Denial: Defense Off the Hook for Saturday's Loss

    Drew breaks down the Illini’s loss to Duke (3:03) and explains why the defense was not to blame (11:31). He previews Saturday's non-conference finale against SIU (24:32), discusses Illinois' offensive strategy (34:42), and criticizes the fanbase's dismal outlook on the rest of the season (37:28)....

  6. Illinois Beats UAB, Duke on Deck

    In this episode Drew revisits the Illini's season-opening victory over UAB (2:49), acknowledges the standouts from Illinois' win (8:03), and previews this week's matchup with Duke (16:06). Drew also provides an injury update and reviews Monday's coaches' comments to the media (24:19). Finally…

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  7. Illini Kickoff Countdown: The O-Line

    Drew previews the Illini offensive line with Pleas Honeywood of The Champaign Room. The guys discuss the mystery and uncertainty of the o-line depth chart entering this season as well as profile some of their notable players to watch. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com...

  8. Illini Kickoff Countdown: The Pass Catchers

    Drew is joined by Pleas Honeywood of The Champaign Room to preview Illinois' wide receivers and tight ends. The guys discuss: Outgoing WRs (4:10) TE exits (13:32) Returning WRs (15:58) Incoming transfers (22:55) The rise of Stepp/Sitkowski (33:48) The youth movement at WR (41:28) Closing the...

  9. Illini Kickoff Countdown: The RBs

    In this episode Drew continues his preseason positional previews by spotlighting Illinois' running backs: Kaden Feagin's positional switch (2:30) Aidan Laughery (3:23) Ca'Lil Valentine (8:27) Jordan Anderson (11:02) Other returning backs (14:24) Incoming freshmen (19:49) Illini being comfortable...

  10. Illini Kickoff Countdown: The QBs

    In this episode Drew continues his preseason positional previews by breaking down the Illini's QB situation: Program departures (3:12) Revisiting Luke Altmyer's career in Champaign (5:35) Introducing Katin Houser (9:55) Carson Boyd's time may be coming (17:15) Michael Clayton (24:01) Dane...

  11. Illini Kickoff Countdown: The Secondary

    In this episode Drew is joined by Pleas Honeywood of The Champaign Room to preview the Fighting Illini DBs: Program departures (6:24) Illinois' "Big Three" are back (7:53) Other notable players returning (20:11) Incoming transfers (25:02) Being more opportunistic (32:24) Newcomers & adding...

  12. Illini Kickoff Countdown: The Linebackers

    Drew's 2026 Illini positional previews continue with a look at the linebacking corps: Program departures (3:45) Returning players (8:04) Grant Beerman's emergence (11:33) Incoming transfers (13:21) Incoming freshmen (17:40) Additional breakout candidates (24:25) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz...

  13. Illini Kickoff Countdown: The D-Line

    Drew leads off his football preseason previews by breaking down the defensive line: Program departures (5:21) Returning players (7:15) Transfer additions (8:45) Why Illinois' d-line is the most influential position group on the defense (17:27) Incoming freshmen (21:53) Trusting Bielema's...

  14. In Josh We Trust

    I examine the latest contract extension for Athletic Director Josh Whitman (4:13) and speak about how continuity breeds success (11:06) and the importance of trusting leadership (17:48). I also discuss the tiers of men's hoops' non-conference opponents (20:36), the major questions for the team...

  15. We're Alllllmost There: The Illini's Non-Conference Schedule is Nearly Complete

    In this episode I discuss men's basketball season tickets selling out (3:56), a new home for Mihailo Petrovic (10:20) and the Illini's newest non-conference additions (11:52). I also look back on Illinois' last hoops matchup with Winthrop (15:46) and break down the way too early men's Top 25...

  16. Keaton the Clipper

    In this episode I'm reunited with Pleas Honeywood of The Champaign Room to break down: Keaton Wagler going to L.A. (6:56) Concerns about Wagler's athleticism at the next level (11:12) Wagler's historic freshman season (16:30) Men's basketball's "recruiting sell" (23:06) We also discuss: Other...

  17. Illinois Adds Record-Setting Recruits

    Illini softball has its new head coach (2:25), Illini baseball has an All-American (5:00), and track & field is well represented at the NCAA outdoor championships (7:02). Illinois' basketball teams find out their Big Ten draw (11:36) and men's hoops adds another freshman guard (19:47). Illinois...

  18. Drej Day: Stojakovic Returns to Illinois

    On this episode I discuss how Andrej Stojakovic's return impacts the Fighting Illini's bid for another Final Four (3:51) as well as incoming freshman Quentin Coleman earning a spot on Team USA (17:02). I also introduce Illinois' newest women's basketball recruits (23:15) and criticize the NCAA's...

  19. The Offseason So Far: Illini Isaac Joins the Show

    It's a crossover episode with The Champaign Room's Isaac Ambrose! We chat about Andrej Stojakovic's looming NBA draft decision (3:54), Keaton Wagler's potential new team (9:49), men's basketball's non-conference clash with Duke (15:46), and the benefit of playing so many top-tier opponents…

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  20. Spring Sports Summary

    I recap last week's results from Illini tennis, track & field, and men's & women's golf (2:58) as well as the dismissal of Illinois softball coach Tyra Perry (15:39). I also discuss fresh starts for a pair of former Illini hoopers (21:36), Illinois' next rematch with UConn (31:09), the looming...

  21. Illinois NFL Draft Recap

    In this episode I recap Illinois' 2026 NFL Draft class. (2:49) - Gabe Jacas (5:20) - Jacas' stellar senior season (10:05) - J.C. Davis (14:47) - Miles Scott (20:15) - Luke Altmyer (24:10) - Altmyer's performance in Illini wins (32:04) - Hank Beatty Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See...

  22. Illini Basketball Has Already Aced the Offseason

    I discuss Keaton Wagler declaring for the NBA Draft (3:10), and why retaining David Mirkovic was the Illini's top offseason accomplishment (12:09). I also break down the returns of the Ivisic brothers and Jake Davis and Illinois' 2026 roster construction (26:06) as well as the signing of transfer...

  23. The Offseason Has Arrived: Illini Fall in Final Four

    I review the aftermath of Illinois' Final Four loss to UConn (3:23) and the Illini's inability to overcome bad bounces (5:57). I also highlight some of the top performers from this season (14:20) and examine why this was one of the most memorable seasons in program history (24:47). I also...

  24. Illinois vs. UConn: My Final Final Four Preview

    On this Oskee Talk extra, I remind Illini fans to embrace the moment (3:17). I revisit Illinois' path to Indianapolis (4:22) and spotlight the Illini's standout March Madness performers (11:03). I also look back at UConn's road to the Final Four (15:42), including their unlikely Elite Eight…

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  25. Kings of the South: Fighting Illini Final Four-Bound

    On this episode The Champaign Room’s Brandt Dolce checks in following Illinois’ thrilling run to the Final Four (2:59). We discuss how the narrative surrounding Illini basketball has been forever changed (9:07) and Illinois’ defensive turnaround (21:58). We also compliment Iowa’s March Madness…

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  26. Here Come the Coogs

    In this episode I recap the Illini women's NCAA Tournament loss to Vanderbilt (3:20), recognize this season's standout performances (7:06), and discuss the team's possible offseason plans (12:40). I also take a closer look at the men's Sweet 16 pairings (17:22), revisit the history between…

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  27. How Sweet: Illinois Rolls Into The Second Weekend

    I review Illinois' NCAA Tournament wins over Penn (3:57) and VCU (10:33) as well as call out Brad Underwood's critics (19:49). I also revisit the Illini's history with Sweet 16 opponent Houston (28:11), break down the analytics (33:28) and discuss the matchups I'm most looking forward to (36:17)....

  28. Selection Sunday: Illinois Learns Its NCAA Tournament Fate

    I'm joined by The Champaign Room's bracket guru Robby Nardini to discuss the lack of suspense on Selection Sunday (2:46), reveal Illinois’ first-round matchup with a familiar face (6:48), take a glance at the rest of the South Region (12:33) and if he agrees that a change of scenery can help the...

  29. Agog Again: Illini Can't Close vs. Badgers

    I share my favorite story from the Big Ten Tournament (5:00), recap the Fighting Illini’s stunning loss to Wisconsin (12:51), discuss the post-game remarks from players & Brad Underwood (24:55), and analyze the team’s seeming lack of a killer instinct (36:27). Finally, I also briefly preview...

  30. Regular Season Wrap-Up: Illinois Start BTT Play on Friday

    The Champaign Room's Pleas Honeywood and Brandt Dolce join me to share their vibes following the end of the regular season (4:58) as well as takeaways from Sunday's win at Maryland (10:03) and our biggest concerns heading into postseason action (14:29). We also discuss whether it's too late for…

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  31. Maize and Boos: Illini's Flaws Exposed in Loss to Michigan

    In this episode I recap women's basketball's near upset of #9 Iowa (3:15) and break down potential B1G Tournament positioning ahead of the regular season finale (10:46). I also examine the aftermath of Friday's loss to Michigan (14:48) and the biggest weakness of the men's basketball roster being...

  32. Coast to Coast: Illini Stunned at UCLA

    This week, I break down Illinois' blowout win at USC (3:27) and discouraging loss to UCLA (10:24). I also discuss Keaton Wagler's history-making freshman season (13:13), the Illini's data-driven gameplan (24:27), and their recent late-game woes (26:56). Next, I glance at the B1G outlook (33:15)…

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  33. Balanced Diet: Illini Hoops Rebounds Against IU

    This week I'm joined by The Champaign Room's Pleas Honeywood to recap men's basketball's blowout win over the hated Hoosiers (4:16) and discuss why Sunday was more about "process" than "results" (9:39). We also analyze the Illini's Big Ten outlook (27:18), Keaton Wagler's offensive balance…

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  34. Brawl in Breslin: My Outlook on Illini Basketball Remains the Same

    Inside this edition of 'Oskee Talk' I recap Illinois' blowout win versus Northwestern (3:33) as well as their OT loss at Michigan State (13:16). I also discuss why my outlook on Illinois' season hasn't changed (28:21), the Illini's tournament ceiling (35:37), and weigh in on the critiques of Brad...

  35. Is Illinois the Best Team in the Big Ten?

    In this episode I highlight the standouts from the opening of track & field season (4:25), recap men's basketball's wins over Washington (7:17) and Nebraska (10:47), examine Keaton Wagler's epic three-game stretch (20:46) and break down Illinois' best start in 20 years (25:04). I also review the...

  36. Wagler Wows, Authors All-Time Illinois Moment

    I'm joined by the Champaign Room's Robby Nardini & Brandt Dolce to discuss Illinois' red-hot three-point shooting and break down Keaton Wagler's legendary performance at Purdue as well as the Fighting Illini's historic offensive output and we look ahead to a pivotal week in the Big Ten race. We...

  37. Keaton keys Illinois’ surge

    I'm joined by The Champaign Room's Pleas Honeywood & Brandt Dolce to review Illinois' victories against Northwestern & Minnesota (5:00) and the Illini exceeding early expectations (21:08). We also discuss Illinois' veteran players deferring to Keaton Wagler (24:16), the freshman phenom's rapid...

  38. Illini Hoops Handles Its Business

    This week I revisit men's basketball's wins over Rutgers & Iowa (5:33) and examine the Illini's shooting improvements (15:54) as well as their early Big Ten success (17:10). I also take a closer look at the conference standings (23:47) and look ahead to Wednesday's game at Northwestern (27:29). I...

  39. Portal Season: Houser, Bailey Highlight Illinois' Early Moves

    In this episode I highlight the flurry of early transfer portal moves for Illini football, including the departure of kicker David Olano (7:27), the addition of QB Katin Houser (11:17), an impact signing on the offensive line (21:03) and the return of Matthew Bailey (27:22) -- plus breaking…

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  40. The Final Note: Illinois Wins Music City Bowl to End 2025

    The Champaign Room's Pleas Honeywood & Don Glenn join me to revisit Illinois' Music City Bowl victory versus Tennessee. We also discuss the legacies of Luke Altmyer & Bret Bielema and briefly look towards the 2026 season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for…

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  41. Arch Nemesis: Illini Maul Mizzou, Keep Braggin' Rights

    On this episode of “Oskee Talk” I revisit Monday’s Braggin’ Rights beatdown of Mizzou, reminisce about the history of the rivalry & discuss why the series should continue before previewing the non-conference finale versus Southern. I also recap women’s hoops closing out their non-conference...

  42. Husker Don't: Fan Overreaction Ramps Up After Nebraska Loss

    The Champaign Room's Brandt Dolce joins me to recap men's basketball's performances against Ohio State (8:56) and Nebraska (12:12), examine Illinois' most concerning defensive stat (19:50), and discuss Illini fan overreactions (28:21). We scrutinize Brad Underwood's stubbornness (30:58) and more...

  43. Happy Birthday to me! Illini take down Tennessee

    Brandt Dolce of The Champaign Room rejoins me to recap Illinois' men's basketball win over Tennessee in Nashville (3:42), discuss Brad Underwood's offensive template (23:02) and the challenging schedule ahead (34:21), and preview this week's Big Ten matchups versus Ohio State (41:11) and Nebraska...

  44. Talking Tennessee with The Vol Bros

    On this bonus episode I’m joined by Evan & Ruston Pierce from TheVolBros.com to preview Saturday’s Top 25 tilt with Tennessee. The guys provide early-season observations of the Volunteers and explain why they don’t like the timing of this game. We also discuss each team’s overhauled rosters and…

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  45. Illini Football Should Use Bowl Prep as a Springboard

    Brandt Dolce of TheChampaignRoom.com joins me to analyze the future outlook of Illinois football, including potential staff upheaval and offseason roster needs. We review this historic stretch of Illini football and what it means for program stability as well as look at possible bowl…

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  46. Illinois Minces Maryland

    On this episode I recap Illinois football’s victory over Maryland (2:44), highlighting Luke Altmyer’s rise in the Illini record books (8:27) and noting that the program is currently in one of its most successful stretches (17:11). I also preview Illinois’ upcoming game against Wisconsin (21:32),...

  47. Texas Tech Toppled: Illinois Makes Early Season Statement

    On this episode I recognize women's soccer's first NCAA Tournament berth since 2013 (2:47) before revisiting Illinois' thrilling victory over Texas Tech in Champaign (5:46), including a milestone win for Brad Underwood (9:05). I also spotlight standout performances from Tech's JT Toppin (13:38)…

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  48. Illinois’ first “deep water” game is here

    On this episode I look back on men's basketball's blowout win over Florida Gulf Coast (3:30), including impressive starts from freshmen David Mirkovic and Keaton Wagler (10:37) and Zvonimir Ivisic claiming a spot in Illini history (16:52). I also preview the matchup with #11 Texas Tech (21:06),...

  49. Illini Basketball is Back!

    In this episode I recap the season-opening win for Illini women's basketball (1:53) and discuss who can fill the leadership void in 2025 (8:06). I also break down men's basketball's blowout of Jackson State (10:39), review the Illini's perimeter prowess (16:20), and wonder if this year's roster…

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  50. Bye Week #2: Optimism Restored for Illini Football

    On this episode I recap the end of the women's soccer season and a rough stretch for Illini volleyball (3:13). I'm then joined by Brandt Dolce of TheChampaignRoom.com to review Illini football's blowout win over Rutgers (13:32). We reset the program's expectations as they enter their second bye...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

For fans of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini.

HOSTED BY

Drew Pastorek

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Oskee Talk have?

Oskee Talk currently has 393 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Oskee Talk about?

For fans of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini.

How often does Oskee Talk release new episodes?

Oskee Talk publishes regularly with 393 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Oskee Talk?

You can listen to Oskee Talk on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Oskee Talk?

Oskee Talk is created and hosted by Drew Pastorek.
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