Talk Illini

Sunny
  • 5.0 (2)
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Talk Illini is your go-to daily show for everything Illinois Fighting Illini. Hosted by Sunny Verma & Jonathan Rhoades, Talk Illini delivers in-depth coverage of Illini football and men’s basketball, while also highlighting recruiting news, women’s basketball, and other standout programs across the university. From game previews and postgame breakdowns to player profiles, recruiting updates, and analysis of the biggest Big Ten and national stories, Talk Illini gives fans a balanced mix of insider insight and passionate discussion.

  1. 3D AGO

    BACK TO WINNING: Kylan Boswell Returns as Illinois Crushes Indiana 71-51

    --------------------------Join the Talk Illini Discord! https://discord.gg/cN9XCg9SReach out to talkillini@gmail.com for business inquiries!--------------------------"Talk Illini" is your go-to source for all things Illinois Fighting Illini, hosted by Sunny Verma & Jonathan Rhoades in partnership with Orange and Blue News and On3. Every week, dive into insightful analysis, exclusive interviews, and the latest recruiting news on Illini football, basketball, and beyond. Join us for hour-long episodes packed with expert breakdowns, behind-the-scenes stories, and conversations with coaches, athletes, and insiders. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to Illinois athletics, "Talk Illini" will keep you informed, entertained, and connected to the orange and blue. Subscribe now and make Talk Illini your #1 spot for Illini sports content!

    19 min

  2. 5D AGO

    EXPERT: Bobby Hauck Introduced as New Defensive Coordinator | Did Bielema Get His Guy??

    Illinois football introduced Bobby Hauck — and if you listened closely to his opening press conference, you could hear the blueprint for where this defense is headed.This wasn’t just coordinator clichés. Hauck talked about multiplicity, disguise, creating chaos for opposing quarterbacks, and building a defense that forces offenses to prepare for everything. After several seasons of structure and bend-don’t-break tendencies, it feels like Bret Bielema is ready to reintroduce aggression into Illinois’ identity.In this episode, I break down what stood out most from Hauck’s first comments, how his relationship with Bielema shaped this hire.Shoutout to Carson for joining the discussion – check out his insights on Orange and Blue News! For more on Illinois football, follow us on social media--------------------------Join the Talk Illini Discord! https://discord.gg/cN9XCg9SReach out to talkillini@gmail.com for business inquiries!--------------------------"Talk Illini" is your go-to source for all things Illinois Fighting Illini, hosted by Sunny Verma & Jonathan Rhoades in partnership with Orange and Blue News and On3. Every week, dive into insightful analysis, exclusive interviews, and the latest recruiting news on Illini football, basketball, and beyond. Join us for hour-long episodes packed with expert breakdowns, behind-the-scenes stories, and conversations with coaches, athletes, and insiders. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to Illinois athletics, "Talk Illini" will keep you informed, entertained, and connected to the orange and blue. Subscribe now and make Talk Illini your #1 spot for Illini sports content!

    13 min

  3. FEB 8

    Illinois’ Winning Streak Ends at Breslin, Lose 85-82 in an OT Heartbreaker | Illini Podcast

    --------------------------Join the Talk Illini Discord! https://discord.gg/cN9XCg9SReach out to talkillini@gmail.com for business inquiries!--------------------------"Talk Illini" is your go-to source for all things Illinois Fighting Illini, hosted by Sunny Verma & Jonathan Rhoades in partnership with Orange and Blue News and On3. Every week, dive into insightful analysis, exclusive interviews, and the latest recruiting news on Illini football, basketball, and beyond. Join us for hour-long episodes packed with expert breakdowns, behind-the-scenes stories, and conversations with coaches, athletes, and insiders. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to Illinois athletics, "Talk Illini" will keep you informed, entertained, and connected to the orange and blue. Subscribe now and make Talk Illini your #1 spot for Illini sports content!

    15 min

  4. FEB 6

    RAPID REACTION: Bret Bielema Loses KEY ASSISTANT to the NFL! What's Happening?

    Illinois football is losing another key piece of its defensive staff. Defensive line coach Terrance Jamison is headed to the NFL, joining the Buffalo Bills as their new defensive line coach. The move comes as Bret Bielema continues to overhaul the defensive side of his program following multiple offseason staff departures.In this breaking news episode, Sunny Verma & Carson Bounds discuss Jamison’s impact on Illinois’ defensive line development, including his role in producing NFL talent like Jer’Zhan Newton and several other pro linemen. I also break down how this departure fits into the broader defensive scheme reset underway in Champaign — and what it means for the Illini moving forward.Guest joins at the end to react and analyze the impact.--------------------------Join the Talk Illini Discord! https://discord.gg/cN9XCg9SReach out to talkillini@gmail.com for business inquiries!--------------------------"Talk Illini" is your go-to source for all things Illinois Fighting Illini, hosted by Sunny Verma & Jonathan Rhoades in partnership with Orange and Blue News and On3. Every week, dive into insightful analysis, exclusive interviews, and the latest recruiting news on Illini football, basketball, and beyond. Join us for hour-long episodes packed with expert breakdowns, behind-the-scenes stories, and conversations with coaches, athletes, and insiders. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to Illinois athletics, "Talk Illini" will keep you informed, entertained, and connected to the orange and blue. Subscribe now and make Talk Illini your #1 spot for Illini sports content!

    11 min

  5. FEB 5

    Illinois Handles Business With 40 Blowout of Northwestern — Now All Eyes on Michigan State

    Illinois crush Northwestern with a dominant 84-44 win, sparking talk of a deep March run. Can the Illini sustain this elite form against rivals like Michigan State?Sunny Verma and Carson Bounds break down Illinois’ high-powered offense, defensive improvements, and individual standouts. The discussion spotlights Andrej Stojakovic’s efficient scoring and aggressive play, David Mirkovic’s emerging versatility and lockdown defense, and Keaton Wagler’s consistent leadership at point guard. Insights include the team’s surging three-point shooting, the impact of injuries to Kylan Boswell, and how Ben Humrickhouse’s hot hand could elevate the roster.Key topics: Illinois’ rising KenPom ratings, Big Ten implications, and Saturday’s crucial matchup against Tom Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans. Will the Orange and Blue continue their winning streak and shape the conference race? Don’t miss this essential analysis of Illinois basketball’s explosive potential.--------------------------Join the Talk Illini Discord! https://discord.gg/cN9XCg9SReach out to talkillini@gmail.com for business inquiries!--------------------------"Talk Illini" is your go-to source for all things Illinois Fighting Illini, hosted by Sunny Verma & Jonathan Rhoades in partnership with Orange and Blue News and On3. Every week, dive into insightful analysis, exclusive interviews, and the latest recruiting news on Illini football, basketball, and beyond. Join us for hour-long episodes packed with expert breakdowns, behind-the-scenes stories, and conversations with coaches, athletes, and insiders. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to Illinois athletics, "Talk Illini" will keep you informed, entertained, and connected to the orange and blue. Subscribe now and make Talk Illini your #1 spot for Illini sports content!

    21 min

  6. FEB 2

    STATEMENT MADE: Illini Show Growth in 78-69 Victory Over Nebraska | Illini Podcast

    Illinois didn’t just beat Nebraska — they showed who they are becoming.The No. 9 Illini walked into Pinnacle Bank Arena, one of the loudest environments in college basketball, and took control when it mattered most. The result was a 78–69 road win over a Nebraska team that hadn’t lost at home in two months — and Illinois did it without Kylan Boswell.This wasn’t revenge for December.This was validation.In this episode, I break down:• Why this Nebraska win feels different than a normal resume boost• How Illinois responded after Nebraska buried 11 threes in the first half• The defensive gamble that flipped the game• Why Illinois dominated the glass and the paint• The emergence of the Ivišić Twin Towers as a real identity• Keaton Wagler’s second-half takeover — and what it says about his maturity• Why Illinois is evolving instead of regressing without Boswell• Brad Underwood’s adjustments — yes, adjustments• Why this team is no longer sneaking up on anyoneIllinois isn’t surviving anymore.They’re solving problems in real time.--------------------------Join the Talk Illini Discord! https://discord.gg/SwVtGQS5Reach out to talkillini@gmail.com for business inquiries!--------------------------"Talk Illini" is your go-to source for all things Illinois Fighting Illini, hosted by Sunny Verma & Jonathan Rhoades in partnership with Orange and Blue News and On3. Every week, dive into insightful analysis, exclusive interviews, and the latest recruiting news on Illini football, basketball, and beyond. Join us for hour-long episodes packed with expert breakdowns, behind-the-scenes stories, and conversations with coaches, athletes, and insiders. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to Illinois athletics, "Talk Illini" will keep you informed, entertained, and connected to the orange and blue. Subscribe now and make Talk Illini your #1 spot for Illini sports content!

    10 min

  7. JAN 30

    DEBATE: Keaton Wagler is the BEST PLAYER (NOT Just Freshman!) in the BIG TEN | Illini Podcast

    We all agree on one thing: Keaton Wagler has locked up Big Ten Freshman of the Year.But here’s the real question — why aren’t we talking about something bigger?In this episode, I make the case that Keaton Wagler should be a legitimate Big Ten Player of the Year candidate, and that if Illinois goes on the road and beats Nebraska, he should be the odds-on favorite.The numbers, analytics, and context all support it.In this episode:• Why preseason narratives around Braden Smith need to be re-evaluated• How team success matters in POY voting• Keaton Wagler’s conference-only production vs the field• Bart Torvik metrics that show Wagler as the Big Ten’s most impactful player• Why “Freshman of the Year” isn’t a ceiling — it’s a floor• The Nebraska game as a potential turning point in the national conversation• Why Illinois’ historic offensive efficiency starts with KeatonThis isn’t about hype.It’s about what’s actually happening on the court.--------------------------Join the Talk Illini Discord! https://discord.gg/cN9XCg9SReach out to talkillini@gmail.com for business inquiries!--------------------------"Talk Illini" is your go-to source for all things Illinois Fighting Illini, hosted by Sunny Verma & Jonathan Rhoades in partnership with Orange and Blue News and On3. Every week, dive into insightful analysis, exclusive interviews, and the latest recruiting news on Illini football, basketball, and beyond. Join us for hour-long episodes packed with expert breakdowns, behind-the-scenes stories, and conversations with coaches, athletes, and insiders. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to Illinois athletics, "Talk Illini" will keep you informed, entertained, and connected to the orange and blue. Subscribe now and make Talk Illini your #1 spot for Illini sports content!

    11 min

  8. JAN 30

    Illinois vs Washington Recap: Good Play Continues For the Illini Ahead Of Nebraska Clash!

    ILLINOIS basketball news: Dive into the latest recap of Illinois vs Washington, where the Illini secured a 75-66 win! Keaton Wagler shines with 22 points and 8 assists, leading Illinois to their 10th straight victory. Ben Humrichous adds 14 points in a gritty battle. Washington vs Illinois highlights include second-chance points dominance and Big Ten standings drama. Illinois basketball win keeps them tied for first—don't miss this Talk Illini breakdown!Welcome to Talk Illini, your go-to source for in-depth Illinois basketball analysis and Big Ten updates. Hosted by JR, we're part of the Orange and Blue News on the On3 network. Whether it's game recaps, player spotlights, or conference predictions, we've got you covered.Subscribe for more ILLINOIS basketball news and exclusive content!Check out our latest episodes on Illini wins and Big Ten rivalries.Mention to our collaborators: Thanks to the team at Orange and Blue News for the insights!Video Chapters:00:00:00 - Intro and Game Overview (Positive start on Illinois' win streak!)00:01:11 - Defensive Breakdown (Illinois' zone shines)00:02:26 - Second Chance Points Edge (Illini's rebounding praise begins)00:03:00 - Ad Break Spot 1 (Quick commercial here)00:04:02 - First Half Recap (Positive on up-tempo rhythm)00:05:29 - Second Half Highlights (Illinois keeps control)00:06:26 - Keaton Wagler's Stellar Performance (All positives on his growth!)00:08:23 - Ben Humrichouse's Confidence Boost (Hustle plays spotlight)00:09:13 - Stat Surprises and Impressions (Illinois edges out despite ties)00:10:02 - Ad Break Spot 2 (Another commercial opportunity)00:11:41 - Players of the Game (Shoutouts to Wagler, Merkovich, and Humrichouse)00:13:00 - Final Thoughts and Nebraska Preview (Optimism for the next big win!)--------------------------Join the Talk Illini Discord! https://discord.gg/cN9XCg9SReach out to talkillini@gmail.com for business inquiries!--------------------------"Talk Illini" is your go-to source for all things Illinois Fighting Illini, hosted by Sunny Verma & Jonathan Rhoades in partnership with Orange and Blue News and On3. Every week, dive into insightful analysis, exclusive interviews, and the latest recruiting news on Illini football, basketball, and beyond. Join us for hour-long episodes packed with expert breakdowns, behind-the-scenes stories, and conversations with coaches, athletes, and insiders. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to Illinois athletics, "Talk Illini" will keep you informed, entertained, and connected to the orange and blue. Subscribe now and make Talk Illini your #1 spot for Illini sports content!

    15 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Talk Illini is your go-to daily show for everything Illinois Fighting Illini. Hosted by Sunny Verma & Jonathan Rhoades, Talk Illini delivers in-depth coverage of Illini football and men’s basketball, while also highlighting recruiting news, women’s basketball, and other standout programs across the university. From game previews and postgame breakdowns to player profiles, recruiting updates, and analysis of the biggest Big Ten and national stories, Talk Illini gives fans a balanced mix of insider insight and passionate discussion.

Information

  • Creator
    Sunny
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sunny
  • Show Website
    Talk Illini

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