Illinois Football in the College Football Playoff?! That’s not just a fan dream anymore — ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky and national experts are giving Bret Bielema’s Illini real respect.

In this episode of Locked On Illini, Sunny Verma breaks down the growing national buzz around Illinois football, why this could be a historic season, and how Phil Steele’s Big Ten preseason team validates the program’s rise. Plus: a sincere thank-you to longtime Illini insider Derek Piper and some final notes before Big Ten Media Days in Las Vegas.

🏈 Dan Orlovsky picks Illinois as a CFP contender

🏆 Phil Steele names 7 Illini to his Big Ten preseason teams

🧠 Why this is a make-or-break year for long-term success

🙏 Farewell to Derek Piper after a decade of Illini excellence

📌 Subscribe for daily Illini content!

🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify & more.

👍 Don’t forget to hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE!

🎯 Goal: 4,000 subs before kickoff vs. Western Illinois

📲 Follow Sunny on X: @talkillini

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

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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!

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch Money

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

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What a weekend for Illinois Athletics!

In today’s Locked On Illini, Sunny reacts to the surprise commitment of 4-star ATH Jacob Eberhart, one of the most exciting players in the 2026 class. A legacy recruit with serious upside, Eberhart brings toughness, versatility, and family ties back to Champaign.

Then we shift to basketball, where Brad Underwood made a sneaky-great addition by hiring Kevin Kruger as assistant to the head coach. Sunny breaks down why Kruger is a smart cultural and tactical fit for the staff. Finally, we check in on Terrence Shannon Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis in NBA Summer League action — and the verdict? TSJ looks ready for the big time. 🏈 Eberhart’s talent + legacy fit 🏀 What Kevin Kruger brings to the bench

🔥 NBA Summer League breakdown

💬 Drop your thoughts below on Jacob’s ceiling and Kruger’s role!

📌 Subscribe for daily Illini content!

🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify & more.

👍 Don’t forget to hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE!

🎯 Goal: 4,000 subs before kickoff vs. Western Illinois

📲 Follow Sunny on X: @talkillini

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/BaQtWMhp

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!

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch Money

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

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY 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 Ten football shakeup: NIL chaos, PJ Fleck's extension, and Penn State's title hopes. Can the Nittany Lions go undefeated in 2023?

Spencer McLaughlin and the Locked On Big Ten Squad dissect the August 1st NIL deadline's potential impact on college football. The hosts debate PJ Fleck's controversial contract extension at Minnesota, questioning if it rewards mediocrity or secures long-term stability. Penn State's upcoming season takes center stage as the panel analyzes their 10.5 win total projection and key matchups against Ohio State and Oregon.

Will fake NIL deals be exposed? Is this Penn State's year to dethrone the Buckeyes? Tune in for expert insights and bold predictions on the Big Ten's most pressing issues.