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.

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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)