Big Ten football power rankings spark heated debate. Is Penn State truly the top dog, or will Ohio State reclaim their throne?

Spencer McLaughlin and his all-star panel dissect the conference's hierarchy, with USC's placement igniting fierce discussion. Mark Culkin makes a bold case for the Trojans' ascent, while others question their readiness. The crew also analyzes Washington's potential dark horse status and Indiana's win total prediction for the upcoming season.

Key topics include defensive improvements, quarterback performances, and the impact of challenging schedules on team success. Jacob Goins and Craig Sheeman offer optimistic outlooks for the Hoosiers, but can Indiana really hit 9 wins against a tough slate?

Tune in for expert insights on your favorite Big Ten teams and players as the season approaches. Will your team rise or fall in the rankings?

Get ready for one of the most important games on the 2025 college football schedule: Illinois vs Indiana on September 20th. In this Locked On Crossover episode, Sunny Verma (Locked On Illini) and Jacob Goins (Locked On Hoosiers) break down why this game could shape the Big Ten Championship race — and maybe even the College Football Playoff.

Both teams are coming off huge seasons. Both programs are led by culture-changing head coaches. And both fanbases are ready to make noise. Could this be a College Gameday candidate? Could the winner punch their ticket to the CFP? We dive into it all. ✅ How Bret Bielema transformed Illinois football

✅ Why Curt Cignetti’s bold approach has Indiana dreaming big

✅ Which roster has the edge in 2025?

✅ The recruiting war between Illinois and Indiana

✅ And a look at where these basketball programs stand heading into the fall

📅 Illinois at Indiana – Sept. 20, 2025

🔥 Don’t sleep on this one.

📲 Subscribe and become an everydayer of Locked On Illini!

📌 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/GmHuht86

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)

Josh Whitman didn’t hold back at his annual media roundtable—and Illini fans, this one’s a must-watch. From revenue sharing and NIL to a revamped fan experience and national scheduling moves, Whitman made it crystal clear: Illinois is playing to win. In this episode of Locked On Illini, I break down all the biggest takeaways and what they mean for the future of Illini football and basketball. We also talk about the Missouri series update, USC coming to Champaign, and why Illinois is becoming a serious player in both the portal and the pros. Plus, my full reaction to Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley going back-to-back in the NBA Draft! 📌 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/kbqf7wdz

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!

Rugiet

Rugiet Ready is a next-gen prescription treatment designed to amplify arousal in the brain and boost blood flow. Head to Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get 15% off today.

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 flexes its muscles against SEC scheduling. Is a nine-game conference slate the future of college football?

Spencer McLaughlin and fellow Locked On hosts tackle the Big Ten vs SEC scheduling debate, predicting Illinois' football win total, and dissecting potential NCAA tournament expansion. The crew analyzes Brett Bielema's bold stance on conference parity and debates the merits of a 76-team March Madness field. Key matchups for Illinois, including showdowns with Ohio State and Washington, take center stage as the hosts weigh in on the Illini's chances for a breakout season.

Tune in for heated debates on college football's power dynamics and the future of postseason play in both football and basketball.

Will Riley might be the biggest wildcard in the 2025 NBA Draft — but does he have the highest upside?

In this episode, I break down Riley’s rollercoaster freshman season at Illinois and explain why his combination of size, shot-making, and playmaking flashes make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. We’ll look at his strengths, red flags, NBA comps (Brandon Ingram?), and why he might end up being a true steal. Plus, I give my verdict on whether Riley or Stojakovic would’ve made the bigger impact if either returned for another year in Champaign.

Chapters: 00:00 -

Intro 02:10 - Will Riley’s Illinois season review

05:45 - NBA strengths and comps

11:30 - Weaknesses and draft risk

15:00 - Stojakovic vs. Riley for next season

17:30 - Illinois Hall of Fame class preview

📌 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/kbqf7wdz

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!

Rugiet

Rugiet Ready is a next-gen prescription treatment designed to amplify arousal in the brain and boost blood flow. Head to Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get 15% off today.

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)

Kasparas Jakucionis just made the jump from Illinois to the NBA… but is he ready to shine at the next level?

In this in-depth draft profile, we break down Kasparas’ elite playmaking, scoring touch, and high basketball IQ that has scouts buzzing. We also dive into his weaknesses, NBA comparisons (Tyrese Haliburton? Right-handed Manu Ginobili?), and what fans can expect from the Illini star at the next level. Whether you’re an Illinois fan or an NBA fan trying to figure out who your team just drafted — this is your definitive Jakucionis breakdown.

📌 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/kbqf7wdz

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!

Rugiet

Rugiet Ready is a next-gen prescription treatment designed to amplify arousal in the brain and boost blood flow. Head to Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get 15% off today.

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)