Armchair Illini Podcast

Austin Burklund
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Football
  • Updated Semiweekly

All Episodes of the Armchair Illini Podcast!

  1. 4d ago

    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 biggest questions surrounding Brad Underwood's roster heading into the 2026-27 season. We also dive into Illinois basketball recruiting, including several major five-star targets and upcoming visits. 🏀 IN THIS EPISODE: • Which Illinois basketball freshmen could earn significant minutes • The potential roles of Illinois' young players in 2026-27 • How David Mirkovic's injury could impact the frontcourt rotation • Illinois' desire to play faster and use its depth • NaVorro Bowman Jr. and his status as a major Illinois recruiting target • Brady Pettigrew and his potential reclassification to 2027 • Darius Wabbington joining Illinois' recruiting picture • Illinois' growing list of elite high school recruiting targets • Brad Underwood and the Illini coaching staff's recruiting success • The future of Illinois basketball beyond the 2026-27 season The Illini are coming off a Final Four appearance and are looking to build on that momentum with a talented young roster and an increasingly impressive recruiting pipeline. Subscribe to Armchair Illini for Illinois basketball news, recruiting updates, game analysis, player breakdowns and everything Fighting Illini. 🌐 Armchair Illini: ArmchairIllini.com 📺 YouTube: Armchair Illini on YouTube 📱 Follow Armchair Illini: Facebook Instagram X/Twitter TikTok #IllinoisBasketball #IlliniBasketball #IllinoisIllini #IllinoisBasketballRecruiting #Illini #CollegeBasketball #BradUnderwood

  2. 4d ago

    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 of the offensive line under Jake Renfro, and how Katin Houser is looking under center. We also discuss Kaden Feagin’s intriguing transition, react to Illinois landing at #33 in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll, and predict what to expect from the brand new 3-3-5 defensive scheme. Plus, we go game-by-game to offer our official season record predictions in a loaded Big Ten conference! Support Our Sponsors: 🥩 Hamilton Walker's Steak, Seafood and Spirits: The premier dining experience in Champaign! During every Illini football home game week this season, we are giving away a $100 gift card to Hamilton Walker's! Follow Armchair Illini and Hamilton Walker's on Facebook, X, and Instagram for giveaway details. 👕 The Campus NIL Store: Get officially licensed gear from your favorite Illini stars! Use promo code ARMCHAIRILLINI for 15% off your order and gear up before the season starts. Video Chapters: 00:00 - Intro & Sponsor Giveaways (Hamilton Walker's & NIL Store) 01:32 - Fall Camp Updates & Offensive Line Outlook 03:05 - Katin Houser & The Quarterback Room 04:21 - Kaden Feagin's Move to Tight End 06:01 - AP Top 25 Poll Reactions: Illinois at #33 08:44 - 2024 Schedule Breakdown & Trap Games 10:30 - Analyzing the New 3-3-5 Defense 14:45 - Official Season Record Predictions (7-5 or 8-4?) 18:34 - The Strength of the Big Ten Conference 24:49 - Final Thoughts & Outro About Armchair Illini: Armchair Illini is your premier destination for University of Illinois athletics and Big Ten sports coverage. Hosted by Austin Burklund, we bring you in-depth analysis, game previews, and exclusive content surrounding the Fighting Illini. Make sure to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more daily Illini content, and check out ArmchairIllini.com for Kirkland Chappell's latest preseason articles! #Illini #IllinoisFootball #BigTenFootball #ArmchairIllini #CollegeFootball #FightingIllini #IlliniFootball #BigTen

  3. Aug 9

    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 Terrence Shannon Jr., Marcus Domask, Coleman Hawkins and Quincy Guerrier with the 2025-26 team led by Keaton Wagler, David Mirkovic and Andrej Stojakovic. The guys debate which team would win, comparing offensive firepower, physicality, depth, size, defense, coaching and postseason experience. They also discuss Brad Underwood's evolution as a coach and which team they would take in a one-game matchup. Who would you take — the 2023-24 Elite Eight team or the 2025-26 Final Four team? 🔶🔷 FOLLOW ARMCHAIR ILLINI 🌐 Website: https://armchairillini.com 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArmchairIllini 🐦 X/Twitter: https://x.com/ArmchairIllini 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armchairillini 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArmchairIllini 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@armchairillini 🎙️ LISTEN TO THE ARMCHAIR ILLINI PODCAST Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/armchair-illini-podcast/id1832847045 Podbean: https://armchairillini.podbean.com/ 📰 Subscribe to the Armchair Illini Newsletter: https://armchairillini.substack.com/ 👕 Get officially licensed Illinois NIL merchandise and save 15% with code ARMCHAIRILLINI. #illinoisbasketball #illini #illinoisfightingillini #ncaabasketball #collegebasketball #bigtenbasketball #BradUnderwood #ArmchairIllini

  4. Aug 4

    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 timeline, examine how it impacts Brad Underwood's loaded 2026-27 roster, and debate who must step up if Mirkovic misses significant time. We also discuss: David Mirkovic's foot injury and surgery Possible recovery timeline How Illinois replaces one of its most important frontcourt players Which players could see expanded roles Brad Underwood's options moving forward Illinois basketball's difficult non-conference schedule If you're an Illinois Fighting Illini fan, this is everything you need to know about one of the biggest stories of the offseason. 👇 Subscribe for daily Illinois Fighting Illini coverage 🏀 Armchair Illini 🌐 Website: https://armchairillini.com 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArmchairIllini 🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/ArmchairIllini 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArmchairIllini 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armchairillini 👍 Like the video if you enjoy Illinois basketball coverage. 💬 Comment below: How much will David Mirkovic's injury impact the Illini this season? #IllinoisBasketball #Illini #DavidMirkovic #BradUnderwood #CollegeBasketball #BigTen #FightingIllini #ncaa

  5. Jul 29

    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 Armchair Illini for the latest Illinois Football news, press conferences, recruiting updates, game analysis, and exclusive Illini coverage. #Illini #IllinoisFootball #BretBielema #BigTenMediaDay #CollegeFootball #BigTen #katinhouser

  6. Jul 29

    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 Armchair Illini for the latest Illinois Football news, press conferences, recruiting updates, game analysis, and exclusive Illini coverage. #Illini #IllinoisFootball #BretBielema #BigTenMediaDay #CollegeFootball #BigTen

  7. Jul 24

    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 Gyro Step Podcast @GyroStepPodcast to break down what Milwaukee is getting in Jakucionis, how he developed during his rookie NBA season, his long-term upside, and why the Bucks may be an ideal landing spot. We discuss: Kasparas Jakucionis' NBA development His fit with the Milwaukee Bucks Impact of the Giannis blockbuster trade What Illinois basketball fans should expect Ceiling and future outlook in Milwaukee If you're an Illinois basketball fan or follow the NBA, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. 👍 Like the video if you enjoyed it. 🔔 Subscribe for daily Illinois basketball and Illinois football coverage. Official Illinois NIL Store: Use code ARMCHAIRILLINI for 15% OFF your order! Follow Armchair Illini: 🐦 X: https://x.com/ArmchairIllini 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/ArmchairIllini 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/ArmchairIllini 🌐 Website: https://armchairillini.com #illinoisbasketball #illini #uiuc #bucks #milwaukeebucks #KasparasJakucionis #MilwaukeeBucks #NBA #BradUnderwood #giannis #Bucks #CollegeBasketball #ArmchairIllini

  8. Jul 23

    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. fits alongside Illinois' 2027 foundation (Mason Martin & Quentin Kitt), why top recruits are choosing the Fighting Illini over powerhouse programs like UConn, Arizona, and Texas, and how Brad Underwood continues to dominate the high school recruiting trail. 🏷️ Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & Big Illinois Recruiting News 1:07 - Campus InK. NIL Sponsorship 1:30 - NaVorro Bowman Jr. Setting Official Visit to Illinois 3:43 - 2027 Class Foundation: Mason Martin & Quinton Kitt 5:51 - Why the 2027 Class is CRITICAL for Illinois 7:40 - Illinois vs UConn, Arizona, & Texas: The Pitch to Bowman Jr. 12:45 - What happens if Brady Pettigrew reclassifies? 🔥 Don't forget to LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to the channel for daily Illinois Basketball & Football coverage! 🎟️ Get 15% OFF official NIL merch at Campus Inl using code: ARMCHAIRILLINI nil.store/armchairillini #IllinoisBasketball #EveryDayGuys #FightingIllini #CollegeBasketballRecruiting #BradUnderwood #ArmchairIllini #illini #illinibasketball

See All (100)

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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

You Might Also Like