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?

📌 Subscribe for daily Illini content!

🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify & more.

👍 Don’t forget to hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE!

🎯 Goal: 4,000 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

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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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Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch Money

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

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Big Ten takes a stand against SEC's 8-game schedule. Will this reshape college football's landscape?

Spencer McLaughlin and the Locked On Big Ten Squad dissect the conference's bold move, demanding SEC alignment for playoff expansion. The hosts analyze Indiana's controversial non-conference schedule changes and debate Ohio State's projected 10.5-win total. Key discussions include the impact of road games, particularly Ohio State's trip to Wisconsin, and the push for scheduling uniformity across major conferences.

Can the Big Ten force the SEC's hand? Will Indiana's scheduling decisions backfire? Tune in for expert insights on these pivotal issues shaping college football's future.

The Big Ten just drew a hard line against the SEC—and Illinois might be the biggest winner. In this episode of Locked On Illini, I break down why the Big Ten's decision to stick with the current 12-team College Football Playoff format is a massive win for Bret Bielema and the Illini.

We dive into how the Big Ten's refusal to give in to SEC pressure helps schools like Illinois that play a tougher schedule, and why this format finally rewards real football—not just brand names. Plus, I explain how this decision shapes recruiting, national exposure, and why Illinois fans should feel more optimistic than ever about reaching the playoff soon.

👀 Could Illinois be one strong season away from the CFP?

🧱 Why Bret Bielema’s program-building philosophy is now validated

🏈 What this means for 2025 and beyond

📌 Subscribe for daily Illini content!

🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify & more.

👍 Don’t forget to hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE!

🎯 Goal: 4,000 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/fUCSng9W

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!

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch Money

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

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY 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)