College Football Playoff negotiations hit a snag. Will the 2026 format be decided before kickoff?

Hosts dissect the ongoing CFP debates, exploring potential impacts on conference championships and automatic qualifiers. The conversation shifts to June's recruiting frenzy, with updates on Ohio State's methodical approach and UCLA's surprising Florida pipeline. Nebraska's 2025 win total predictions take center stage, as the panel analyzes the Cornhuskers' favorable schedule and potential for a breakout season under Matt Rhule.

Tune in for expert insights on Big Ten football's hottest topics and discover why Nebraska might be a dark horse contender in 2025.

BREAKING: Nick Hankins, one of the top cornerbacks in the nation, just committed to the Fighting Illini—and that might cap off the greatest recruiting week in Illinois football history. In today’s episode, Sunny breaks down Hankins’ game, why this is such a massive in-state win, and how Bret Bielema is completely flipping the script in Champaign.

We’ll also touch on the other headline-grabbing commits this week—Kai Pritchard and Isaiah Williams—and why this 2026 class could go down as HISTORIC.

🧡 Locked On Illini is your home for daily Illinois basketball and football talk.

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with the Illini’s biggest storylines!

📌 Subscribe for daily Illini content!

🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify & more.

👍 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/ZY4wKqHK

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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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 monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

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Another day, another major recruiting win for Bret Bielema and the Illini! In this episode of Locked On Illini, we break down the commitment of Class of 2026 edge rusher Kayden Bennett from Suffield Academy in Connecticut. What does Bennett bring to the table? Why is his film turning heads despite a lower star rating? And what does this mean for Illinois' pass-rushing future?

Host Sunny Verma dives into Bennett’s disruptive traits, his fit in Aaron Henry’s defense, and the growing pipeline of athletic, high-motor edge talent heading to Champaign. Plus, what does this tell us about outside linebackers coach Trent Harris and his early success on the recruiting trail? 💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments — is this one of Illinois’ most promising edge hauls in recent memory?

🧡 Locked On Illini is your home for daily Illinois basketball and football talk.

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with the Illini’s biggest storylines!

📌 Subscribe for daily Illini content!

🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify & more.

👍 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/ZY4wKqHK

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 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)