Brad Underwood made a bold move betting on Andrej Stojakovic to be Illinois' go-to scorer — and he might just have found the next Illini NBA draft pick. In this deep dive player profile, we rewind Andrej’s rise from high school blue chip to Cal breakout star, and break down why his fit in Champaign could be special.

Sunny explains the NBA-level scoring craft, underrated defense, and leadership potential that make Stojakovic one of the most important additions to Brad Underwood’s 2024–25 roster. But we also examine the biggest concern: his inconsistent 3-point shooting. Will Illinois unlock the version of Andrej that dominated the Pac-12? If you’re an Illini fan, you don’t want to miss this one.

👍 Don’t forget to hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE!

🎯 Goal: 5,000 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/wrbCEgpU

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!

Monarch Money

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

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED 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 recruiting heats up as top coaches vie for 2026 talent. Will Washington's defensive upgrades translate to more wins next season?

Spencer McLaughlin and the Locked On Big Ten Squad analyze college football's recruiting landscape, spotlighting the conference's best talent hunters. The hosts break down 2026 class projections for powerhouses like Ohio State, Michigan, and USC, exploring how NIL deals are reshaping recruitment strategies. Washington's defensive overhaul takes center stage, with Roman Thomas highlighting key additions to the Huskies' secondary and front seven. The crew debates Washington's win total for the upcoming season, dissecting crucial matchups against Big Ten heavyweights.

Tune in for insider perspectives on Big Ten recruiting battles and bold predictions for Washington's 2024 campaign.

Illinois Basketball is heading back to Madison Square Garden for a blockbuster Black Friday rematch against the UConn Huskies—the same team that crushed the Illini's dreams in the 2024 Elite Eight. But this time, Brad Underwood is bringing a loaded, veteran squad with European firepower to the nation’s biggest stage.

Is this matchup a brilliant move to boost the program's national profile… or a dangerous gamble that could backfire? Plus, we spotlight an emotional story involving Bret Bielema and NFL star Frank Ragnow that proves Illinois Football's "FamILLy" motto is more than just a slogan. And we break down how this culture is helping Bielema win in the NIL and transfer portal era.

🎙️ Drop your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to vote in the Player Spotlight poll on the channel!

👍 Don’t forget to hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE!

🎯 Goal: 5,000 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/wrbCEgpU 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!

Monarch Money

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

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED 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)

Luke Altmeyer had the chance to return to the SEC—but he said NO and is all in on the Illini. In today’s episode, we break down Altmyer's powerful message, what it means for Illinois football’s national perception, and why this is a huge win for Bret Bielema.

Luke Altmyer had the chance to return to the SEC—but he said NO and is all in on the Illini. In today’s episode, we break down Altmyer's powerful message, what it means for Illinois football’s national perception, and why this is a huge win for Bret Bielema. Plus, we spotlight a rising star in women’s hoops: Jazmin Bailey, a 2027 point guard phenom who just received an offer from Shauna Green and Illinois. Is she the next piece of a championship backcourt?

🧡 Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for daily Illini content!

👇 Join the growing Illini Discord community below!

📢 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for daily Illini football and basketball content — we’re on the road to 5,000 subs before kickoff!

👍 Don’t forget to hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE!

🎯 Goal: 5,000 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/wrbCEgpU

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!

Monarch Money

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

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED 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)

On today’s episode of Locked On Illini, we kick off our brand-new Player Spotlight Series with none other than Kylan Boswell, the hometown guard ready to take the Big Ten by storm. After finishing last season on a tear, could Boswell become Illinois' most important player in 2025-26?

Host Sunny Verma breaks down Boswell’s growth, leadership role, and why he might just win Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. We also dive into what Mihailo Petrovic’s presence means for Boswell's role and how the revamped Illini roster could unleash his full potential.

Plus:

🏀 Why Boswell’s late-season surge matters

💪 The case for Defensive POY

🎯 Can Illinois return to the Big Ten title hunt?

📢 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for daily Illini football and basketball content — we’re on the road to 5,000 subs before kickoff!

👇 Drop your predictions for Boswell’s senior year stat line in the comments!

👍 Don’t forget to hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE! 🎯 Goal: 5,000 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/wrbCEgpU

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!

Monarch Money

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

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED 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)

USC Trojans football is on the brink of a pivotal season. Can Lincoln Riley lead them to a 9-10 win season? With the college football landscape shifting, the Trojans face potential SEC vs Big Ten matchups, and the stakes have never been higher.

Join Spencer McLaughlin and a panel of experts, including Mark Culkin and Jacob Goins, as they dissect USC's upcoming challenges and the evolving college football playoff format. The discussion covers key figures like Lincoln Riley and Greg Sankey, while exploring the implications of cross-conference games and playoff changes.

Will the Trojans rise to the occasion, or will they falter against formidable opponents? Tune in for an insider's perspective on USC's path to success and the broader college football dynamics.

College coaches are talking—and they’ve got major respect for Bret Bielema’s Illini. In this episode of Locked On Illini, Sunny Verma is joined by Big Ten Huddle's JR to break down the anonymous coach quotes from Athlon Sports, including a BOLD statement: “Illinois would’ve made noise in the College Football Playoff.”

We cover: What rival coaches REALLY think about Illinois football

🧠 Why Luke Altmyer might be the most underrated QB in the Big Ten

🔥 Can Illinois elevate to the second tier of the conference? The returning talent that makes Illinois a dark horse CFP contender

🌪️ Then we shift to hoops:

🏀 Big returners for Michigan, Wisconsin, Oregon, Ohio State, and more

How these moves shift the early Big Ten basketball power rankings

📊 👥 Guest: JR from @thebigtenhuddle

👍 Don’t forget to hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE!

🎯 Goal: 5,000 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/wrbCEgpU

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!

Monarch Money

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

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED 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)

Brad Underwood is not backing down. In a recent interview, the Illini head coach made it clear—Illinois is going all-in on the three-point shooting philosophy again next season. But will it work?

On today’s episode of Locked On Illini, Sunny breaks down Underwood’s comments, what it means for Ben Humrichous, Big Z, and the rest of the revamped Illini roster—and whether it’s genius… or insanity. We also dive into: Why Underwood refused to pivot last season The Noah shooting system and its role in practice How this year's team might finally have the pieces to make it work 👀 Is Brad building a Big Ten contender—or repeating the same mistakes?

🎯 Hit LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to help us hit 5,000 before football season!

🧡 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Should Illinois keep bombing from deep?

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/wrbCEgpU

Follow us on X at @talkillini

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!

Monarch Money

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

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED 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)