Armchair Illini Podcast

Austin Burklund
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Football
  • Semiweekly

All Episodes of the Armchair Illini Podcast!

  1. 2d ago

    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 breakout stars, key players to watch, and what the Illini could accomplish in a season with championship aspirations. Can Illinois build on last season's Final Four run and compete for a Big Ten championship? We make our predictions for the upcoming season and discuss what could define another exciting year of Illinois basketball. 🏀 SUBSCRIBE for more Illinois basketball analysis, recruiting updates, game previews, postgame reactions, and interviews throughout the season! 🟠 Follow Armchair Illini: 🌐 Website: https://armchairillini.com 📱 X: https://x.com/ArmchairIllini 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armchairillini/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArmchairIllini 💬 What is your boldest prediction for Illinois basketball in 2026-27? Let us know in the comments! #IllinoisBasketball #Illini #CollegeBasketball

  2. 6d ago

    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 power rankings, how the team handles high expectations, the latest updates on the David Mirkovich injury, five-star freshman Quentin Coleman, and our ultimate outlook for the Big Ten title race against Michigan State! Key Discussion Points: 0:00 – Welcome & Intro: Illinois Basketball Season is Almost Here! 2:18 – Why Illini Basketball Expectations Are at an All-Time High 4:03 – Breaking Down the Brutal Non-Conference Schedule (Duke, Texas Tech, UConn, UNC, Missouri) 5:09 – Stefan Vaaks' Transition from Providence & Fit in Champaign 6:48 – What Profiles/Teams Give Illinois Trouble? 7:47 – Preseason Power 30: Why Illinois Landed at #3 12:00 – The David Mirkovic Injury & Impact on the Team's Ceiling 12:59 – Freshman Spotlight: Quentin Coleman's Rising Role 14:21 – State of College Basketball: The Transfer Portal, Retention, & Eligibility Chaos 18:54 – Brad Underwood's Coaching Tier & The "Balkan" Returners 21:40 – Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead to Tip-Off 🤝 Official Partner: Basket Under Review We are proud to announce our new partnership and affiliate link with Basket Under Review! Get an exclusive discount on a yearly subscription and join Trilly Donovan, Brian Rauf, Kevin Sweeney, and the rest of the crew in their exclusive community Discord. 👉 Get your discount here: https://www.basketunderreview.com/affiliates/ 🔗 Links & Connect with Us: Follow Armchair Illini: armchairillini.com Check out Ryan Hammer's Work & Blue Blooded Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@bluebloodedpod Youtube.com/@ryanhammer Don't forget to like this video, subscribe to the channel, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! Stick around later this week as we preview Illinois vs. Maryland football with Austin. #Illini #IllinoisBasketball #BigTen #CollegeBasketball #ArmchairIllini #RyanHammer

  3. Oct 25

    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 over the Oregon Ducks, what went right for the Illini, and what this result means for the rest of the season. 🏈 IN THIS VIDEO: Illinois football takes down Oregon 21-10 What stood out from Kirkland's experience at Memorial Stadium How Illinois shifted the momentum against the Ducks The defensive turnaround under Roger Cooper James Kreutz, Juice Clarke and Matthew Bailey lead the defensive effort Xavier Scott's crucial touchdown-saving tackle Aiden Laughery's 75-yard touchdown run Collin Dixon's spectacular touchdown catch What the Oregon win means for Illinois football's remaining schedule Can the Illini build on this momentum and turn their season around? After a difficult start to the season, Illinois delivered one of its most impressive defensive performances of the year. Can Bret Bielema and the Illini carry that momentum into the rest of the 2026 college football season? Subscribe for more Illinois football analysis, Illini basketball coverage, interviews and everything happening in Champaign. 🟠 FOLLOW ARMCHAIR ILLINI 🌐 Website: https://armchairillini.com 📲 Follow Armchair Illini on social media for the latest Illinois football and basketball news, analysis, and updates. 🍽️ THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR Hamilton Walker's Steaks, Seafood and Spirits — enjoy an outstanding dining experience in Champaign-Urbana, whether you're celebrating an Illini win or gearing up for the next game. #IllinoisFootball #Illini #CollegeFootball

  4. Oct 22

    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 joined by Albert Ghim of No Ceilings NBA to analyze Wagler's first NBA game, his fit with the Clippers and what Illini fans should expect from the rookie moving forward. 🔥 IN THIS VIDEO Keaton Wagler's historic NBA debut with the LA Clippers How Wagler scored 15 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished out 5 assists Albert Ghim's scouting report on Wagler's NBA game Why Wagler's basketball IQ, passing and ability to read defenses stand out How Wagler fits alongside Darius Garland Ty Lue's rotation and Wagler's potential role with the Clippers What to expect from Wagler against tougher NBA competition Why Wagler's long-term potential makes him such an exciting prospect Could Keaton Wagler develop into a lead offensive creator for the Clippers? Albert Ghim explains what stood out in his debut and why his feel for the game could help him succeed at the next level. 👇 FOLLOW OUR GUEST: ALBERT GHIM & NO CEILINGS NBA 🏀 No Ceilings NBA: https://www.noceilingsnba.com/ 📲 No Ceilings NBA social links: https://linktr.ee/noceilingsnba 🔶 FOLLOW ARMCHAIR ILLINI 🌐 Website: https://armchairillini.com/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@armchairillini 🐦 X: https://x.com/ArmchairIllini 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armchairillini/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArmchairIllini 📰 Newsletter: https://armchairillini.substack.com/ 🏀 Subscribe to Armchair Illini for Illinois basketball news, Illini player interviews, NBA analysis, recruiting updates and coverage of former Fighting Illini stars at the next level. 💬 QUESTION OF THE DAY: What is Keaton Wagler's ceiling in the NBA? Can he become a starting-caliber guard and future offensive engine for the Clippers? Let us know in the comments! 👍 Like the video, subscribe to Armchair Illini and turn on notifications for more Illini basketball coverage.

  5. Oct 20

    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 and Austin Burklund break down everything you need to know ahead of **Illinois vs. Oregon football**, including the quarterback situation, key player matchups, defensive adjustments, and their official game predictions. 🔶 **IN THIS EPISODE:** - **Illinois vs. Oregon Preview:** Can the Illini compete with the Ducks at home? - **Michael Clayton at Quarterback:** What should Illinois expect from its true freshman quarterback? - **Illinois Offensive Line:** Why pass protection and the running game will be critical against Oregon. - **Hudson Clement & Collin Dixon:** Which Illinois playmakers need to step up? - **Oregon Quarterback Situation:** Breaking down the uncertainty surrounding the Ducks' quarterback room. - **Illinois Defensive Adjustments:** Can the Illini generate more pressure and force mistakes? - **Key Defensive Players:** Why James Kreutz and Matthew Bailey could be difference-makers. - **Bret Bielema's Biggest Challenge:** How Illinois can manage the toughest stretch of its schedule. - **Illinois vs. Oregon Predictions:** Our final score picks and upset outlook. Can Illinois take advantage of Oregon's quarterback uncertainty? The Illini will need a strong defensive performance, improved offensive line play, and a big day from their supporting cast to pull off the upset. 👇 **JOIN THE CONVERSATION** Who wins Illinois vs. Oregon, and what's your final score prediction? Let us know in the comments! 🔶 **FOLLOW ARMCHAIR ILLINI** 🌐 Website: https://armchairillini.com 📺 Subscribe for Illinois football, Illinois basketball, recruiting coverage, game previews, and postgame analysis. 🏀 **BASKET UNDER REVIEW** Check out our friends at Basket Under Review for more basketball coverage and subscription savings. 🍽️ **THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR: HAMILTON WALKER'S** Enjoy steaks, seafood, and spirits in Champaign-Urbana. Follow Armchair Illini and Hamilton Walker's on social media for our $100 gift card giveaways. #IllinoisFootball #Illini #IllinoisVsOregon #OregonFootball #BretBielema #BigTenFootball

  6. Oct 16

    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 No. 7 overall and David Mirkovic at No. 16 overall. What would two first-round picks mean for Brad Underwood and the future of Illinois basketball? We dive into Coleman's NBA potential, Mirkovic's breakout freshman season, and what Illini fans should expect from both players in 2026–27. 🏀 IN THIS VIDEO: Quentin Coleman projected No. 7 overall to the Atlanta Hawks David Mirkovic projected No. 16 overall in the 2027 NBA Draft Why Quentin Coleman has lottery-pick potential Can Coleman become a defensive difference-maker for Illinois? Why David Mirkovic could be the centerpiece of the Illini offense Mirkovic's scoring, passing, rebounding and NBA upside How Brad Underwood continues to develop NBA-caliber talent What these projections mean for Illinois basketball's 2026–27 season Are Quentin Coleman and David Mirkovic future NBA first-round picks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 🔶 FOLLOW ARMCHAIR ILLINI 🌐 Website: https://ArmchairIllini.com 📺 YouTube: Subscribe for Illinois basketball and football coverage, analysis, interviews and more. 📱 X: https://x.com/ArmchairIllini 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armchairillini/ 🎙️ Podcasts: Follow Armchair Illini wherever you listen. 🥩 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR: HAMILTON WALKER'S Hamilton Walker's Steaks, Seafood and Spirits — a premier dining experience in Champaign-Urbana. Follow Armchair Illini and Hamilton Walker's for Illini gameday giveaways throughout the season! #IllinoisBasketball #Illini #QuentinColeman #DavidMirkovic #NBADraft #BradUnderwood #CollegeBasketball

  7. Oct 13

    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 can expect from Cincinnati under new head coach Jared Calhoun, the Bearcats' revamped roster, and the biggest challenges Brad Underwood's squad could face in its first test of the season. With Illinois entering the season with Final Four expectations and a loaded roster, how will the Illini's new-look backcourt of Stefan Voks and five-star freshman Quentin Coleman handle Cincinnati's experienced guards? 🏀 IN THIS EPISODE: Illinois basketball's first exhibition against Cincinnati What new head coach Jared Calhoun brings to the Bearcats Cincinnati's revamped roster and transfer portal additions Tylen Riley, Miles Colvin and Cincinnati's dangerous backcourt How Cincinnati's fast-paced offensive style could challenge Illinois Stefan Voks and Quentin Coleman's first test in an Illinois uniform Illinois' potential advantage in the frontcourt What to watch as the Illini begin their 2026-27 campaign 📍 Illinois vs. Cincinnati Saturday, October 17, 2026 4 p.m. CT | 5 p.m. ET 🔶 FOLLOW ARMCHAIR ILLINI 🌐 Website: https://armchairillini.com 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@armchairillini 🐦 X: https://x.com/ArmchairIllini 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armchairillini 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArmchairIllini 📰 Newsletter: https://armchairillini.substack.com/ 🏀 FOLLOW PAUL FRITSCHNER & THE REBOUND RUNDOWN Paul Fritschner covers Cincinnati-area basketball and the national college basketball landscape. Check out his work for in-depth analysis, interviews, roster breakdowns and coverage of teams across the Ohio basketball scene. 🎙️ The Rebound Rundown — All platforms: https://linktr.ee/reboundrundown 🐦 Follow Paul on X: https://x.com/PaulFritschner 📸 Follow Paul on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulfritschner/ 📺 Rebound Rundown on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheReboundRundown 🔥 SUBSCRIBE for Illinois basketball news, game previews, recruiting updates, player interviews and in-depth Illini analysis all season long! 👍 Like the video, leave a comment with your Illinois-Cincinnati prediction, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. #IllinoisBasketball #Illini #CincinnatiBasketball #CollegeBasketball #BigTenBasketball #BradUnderwood #FightingIllini

  8. Oct 12

    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 Spartans, including Katin Houser injury, Michael Clayton's clutch performance, and what the Illini need to do to get back on track for the rest of the 2026 season. 🏈 IN THIS EPISODE: Illinois vs. Michigan State RECAP: How the Illini escaped with a 38-37 win Katin Houser injury update and what his absence means for Illinois football Michael Clayton steps up at quarterback, throwing two touchdowns Hudson Clement, Collin Dixon and Brayden Trimble lead the Illini receiving corps Javari Barnett flashes his potential as a future star in the Illinois backfield Illinois football's defensive collapse in the second half Offensive line improvements and what they mean moving forward Can Illinois still make a bowl game in 2026? What the Michigan State game means for the rest of the Illini football season Illinois improved its record with a dramatic victory, but questions remain about the defense, quarterback situation and the team's ability to compete against the Big Ten's toughest opponents. We break down the good, the bad and what comes next for Bret Bielema's Fighting Illini. 🏀 ARMCHAIR ILLINI x BASKET UNDER REVIEW Armchair Illini is partnered with Basket Under Review to bring you more Illinois basketball recruiting coverage, analysis and insider perspectives. Check out Basket Under Review through our affiliate link in the video description and use our available affiliate discount code for a subscription. 🔗 FOLLOW ARMCHAIR ILLINI 🌐 Website: https://armchairillini.com 📰 Newsletter: https://armchairillini.substack.com Subscribe to the channel for Illinois football and Illinois basketball news, game recaps, recruiting updates, analysis, podcasts and more. Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! 🍽️ PROUD SPONSOR: HAMILTON WALKER'S STEAKS, SEAFOOD & SPIRITS Thank you to Hamilton Walker's for supporting Armchair Illini. Follow our social media accounts for $100 Illini gameday gift card giveaways during select game weeks! Drop your thoughts in the comments: How confident are you in Illinois football moving forward after the Michigan State win? Like the video, subscribe to Armchair Illini and share this episode with another Illini fan! #IllinoisFootball #Illini #FightingIllini #BigTenFootball #CollegeFootball

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5
out of 5
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About

All Episodes of the Armchair Illini Podcast!

Information

  • Creator
    Austin Burklund
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Armchair Illini Podcast

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