Illinois Football is quietly building a monster—and it starts in the secondary. In this episode of Locked On Illini, we break down why Illinois has officially earned the title of DBU, with six defensive backs currently on NFL rosters and more on the way. We dive into what’s powering this pipeline: elite development, pro-ready coaching, and a recruiting shift that’s pulling in four-stars Illinois never used to land.

Special guest Brian Smith from Locked On The Portal joins to scout Illinois’ latest future star Jacob Eberhardt and explains why this is the most balanced Illini class in decades. Plus, Sunny shares his thoughts on the Kingfisher mascot debate and how it impacts the next generation of Illini fans.

👀 Who’s next in line for NFL stardom out of Champaign? Why is this class different than the Zook or Lovie Smith eras? And how does a successful 2025 season elevate the whole program?

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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

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