Armchair Illini Podcast

The Nation is on NOTICE! Illinois Football IS FOR REAL After Duke Blowout!

Host Austin Burklund breaks down the massive Illinois Fighting Illini victory over the Duke Blue Devils, 45-19. He dives into how the Illini capitalized on five Duke turnovers and dominated the second half to move to the #9 spot in the AP Poll. The conversation goes beyond the game recap, exploring the growing College Football Playoff buzz in Champaign, the incredible job head coach Brett Bielema has done building the program, and the overall positive momentum for the entire University of Illinois athletic department. Plus, a roundup of all the biggest scores from around the Big Ten.
 
Support the podcast and our partners! Visit Campus Ink, the official Illinois NIL store, and use code "armchairillini" for 15% off your gear! Follow Armchair Illini and Hamilton Walker's on social media for a chance to win a $100 gift card for every home game!
 
 
TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro & Sponsor Reads 1:50 - Illinois vs. Duke Game Recap 8:31 - Illini Rise to #9, College Football Playoff Discussion 13:25 - The Overall Excitement for Illinois Athletics 18:24 - Big Ten Score Roundup 22:23 - Next Week's Preview: Illinois vs. Western Michigan 23:54 - Outro
 
Keywords: Illinois Football, Illini Football, Fighting Illini, Illinois vs Duke, Illinois Duke recap, College Football, Big Ten Football, Brett Bielema, Luke Altmyer, College Football Playoff, AP Poll, Champaign, Armchair Illini Podcast, University of Illinois, Big 10 scores, Illinois Football highlights, Illinois Football postgame

Duke Football vs Illinois Matchup Breakdown with On3’s Connor O’Neill Armchair Illini Podcast

In this special episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, we get ready for "Duke Week" by sitting down with Connor O'Neill, the Duke writer for the On3 Network. He gives us an exclusive look at the upcoming football game between the ranked Illinois team and the Duke Blue Devils.Connor shares his initial thoughts on this exciting matchup, predicting a competitive four-quarter battle between two teams with similar returning talent. He discusses the current era of Duke football, explaining how the program is moving away from being a developmental program and is now able to attract top-tier transfers and recruits.We get a full breakdown of the Duke offense, including a deep dive on new quarterback Darian Mensa, a transfer from Tulane. Mensa is described as a "precision passer" who is a great fit for Duke's offense. Connor also highlights key offensive weapons such as top target Cooper Barkate and a deep stable of running backs, including Jacquez Moore and Peyton Jones.On the defensive side, Connor explains Manny Diaz's "high pressure, high TFL" system. He points out the team's strengths in the secondary, led by preseason All-American Chandler Rivers, but notes a potential weakness in linebacker play and safety depth due to an injury.Finally, Connor gives his prediction for the game and reveals what he thinks will be the deciding factor.Timestamps00:00:11 - Welcome & Guest Introduction00:01:17 - Initial thoughts on the Duke vs. Illinois Matchup00:02:24 - Describing the Current Era of Duke Football00:05:12 - Player Spotlight: Duke QB Darian Mensa00:07:57 - Duke's Offensive Strategy & Key Weapons00:10:20 - Manny Diaz's Defensive Philosophy00:14:59 - Team Strengths and Weaknesses00:16:28 - Fan Excitement and University Resource Allocation00:20:08 - Final Prediction & Why00:21:42 - Where to Find Connor's WorkKeywordsDuke football, Illinois football, Duke vs. Illinois, College football, NCAA, football podcast, Connor O'Neill, On3 Network, Devils Illustrated, Armchair Illini Podcast, Mike Elko, Manny Diaz, Darian Mensa, Luke Altmeier, Cooper Barkate, Jacquez Moore, Chandler Rivers, football preview, college football analysis, Duke football program, Illinois football program

Duke vs. Illinois: Expert Breakdown with On3's Connor O'Neill | Armchair Illini Podcast

In this special episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, we get ready for "Duke Week" by sitting down with Connor O'Neill, the Duke writer for the On3 Network. He gives us an exclusive look at the upcoming football game between the ranked Illinois team and the Duke Blue Devils.
Connor shares his initial thoughts on this exciting matchup, predicting a competitive four-quarter battle between two teams with similar returning talent. He discusses the current era of Duke football, explaining how the program is moving away from being a developmental program and is now able to attract top-tier transfers and recruits.
We get a full breakdown of the Duke offense, including a deep dive on new quarterback Darian Mensa, a transfer from Tulane. Mensa is described as a "precision passer" who is a great fit for Duke's offense. Connor also highlights key offensive weapons such as top target Cooper Barkate and a deep stable of running backs, including Jacquez Moore and Peyton Jones.
On the defensive side, Connor explains Manny Diaz's "high pressure, high TFL" system. He points out the team's strengths in the secondary, led by preseason All-American Chandler Rivers, but notes a potential weakness in linebacker play and safety depth due to an injury.
Finally, Connor gives his prediction for the game and reveals what he thinks will be the deciding factor.
 
Timestamps
 
00:00:11 - Welcome & Guest Introduction
00:01:17 - Initial thoughts on the Duke vs. Illinois Matchup
00:02:24 - Describing the Current Era of Duke Football
00:05:12 - Player Spotlight: Duke QB Darian Mensa
00:07:57 - Duke's Offensive Strategy & Key Weapons
00:10:20 - Manny Diaz's Defensive Philosophy
00:14:59 - Team Strengths and Weaknesses
00:16:28 - Fan Excitement and University Resource Allocation
00:20:08 - Final Prediction & Why
00:21:42 - Where to Find Connor's Work
 
Keywords
 
Duke football, Illinois football, Duke vs. Illinois, College football, NCAA, football podcast, Connor O'Neill, On3 Network, Devils Illustrated, Armchair Illini Podcast, Mike Elko, Manny Diaz, Darian Mensa, Luke Altmeier, Cooper Barkate, Jacquez Moore, Chandler Rivers, football preview, college football analysis, Duke football program, Illinois football program

Illinois Football vs. Duke Preview & Brad Underwood’s Roster with Alex Kyi

Welcome back to the Armchair Illini Podcast! The offseason is over and we're officially in week two of the Illini football slate. Host Austin Burklund is joined by Alex Kyi of Armchair Illini to discuss all things Illini football and basketball. They'll break down the Illini's dominant win over WIU, preview the upcoming game against Duke, and dive deep into the new-look Illini basketball roster.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro0:12 - Welcome & Offseason is Over0:41 - Hamilton Walker's Sponsorship1:14 - Welcoming Alex Kyi1:43 - The idea behind Armchair Illini and its goals3:40 - Illini Football discussion begins3:56 - Initial thoughts on the WIU game4:15 - Takeaways from the WIU game4:45 - Previewing the Duke game5:14 - X-factor for the Illini vs. Duke5:53 - Confidence in the running game6:36 - Thoughts on the wide receiver room7:44 - How the Illini can stop Mensa8:45 - Taking stock of Duke's week one performance9:45 - Luke Altmyer's standing in the Big Ten QB rankings10:52 - Campus Ink Sponsorship11:24 - Predictions for the Illinois vs. Duke game12:54 - Illini Basketball discussion begins13:09 - Confidence in the basketball team's tournament chances14:17 - Kylen Boswell's potential jump in his second year15:51 - Concerns about the team's athleticism17:23 - Most exciting newcomers on the basketball roster18:18 - Expectations for Ben Humrichous19:59 - Expectations for Tomislav21:17 - Brad Underwood's roster building philosophy23:21 - Message to current Illini students25:22 - Closing remarks and thank you to Alex25:56 - OutroKeywords: Illinois Illini, Illini Football, Illini Basketball, Duke Blue Devils, Big Ten Football, College Football, College Basketball, Brad Underwood, Bret Bielema, Luke Altmyer, Armchair Illini, Alex Kyi, podcast, sports podcast, game preview, Illinois vs Duke, Tomislav Ivisic, Kylan Boswell, college sports, NIL.

Alex Kyi on Illinois vs. Duke; and Brad Underwoods new look Illini hoops team!

Welcome back to the Armchair Illini Podcast! The offseason is over and we're officially in week two of the Illini football slate. Host Austin Burklund is joined by Alex Kyi of Armchair Illini to discuss all things Illini football and basketball. They'll break down the Illini's dominant win over WIU, preview the upcoming game against Duke, and dive deep into the new-look Illini basketball roster.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:12 - Welcome & Offseason is Over
0:41 - Hamilton Walker's Sponsorship
1:14 - Welcoming Alex Kyi
1:43 - The idea behind Armchair Illini and its goals
3:40 - Illini Football discussion begins
3:56 - Initial thoughts on the WIU game
4:15 - Takeaways from the WIU game
4:45 - Previewing the Duke game
5:14 - X-factor for the Illini vs. Duke
5:53 - Confidence in the running game
6:36 - Thoughts on the wide receiver room
7:44 - How the Illini can stop Mensa
8:45 - Taking stock of Duke's week one performance
9:45 - Luke Altmyer's standing in the Big Ten QB rankings
10:52 - Campus Ink Sponsorship
11:24 - Predictions for the Illinois vs. Duke game
12:54 - Illini Basketball discussion begins
13:09 - Confidence in the basketball team's tournament chances
14:17 - Kylan Boswell's potential jump in his second year
15:51 - Concerns about the team's athleticism
17:23 - Most exciting newcomers on the basketball roster
18:18 - Expectations for Ben Humrichous
19:59 - Expectations for Tomislav
21:17 - Brad Underwood's roster building philosophy
23:21 - Message to current Illini students
25:22 - Closing remarks and thank you to Alex
25:56 - Outro
Keywords: Illinois Illini, Illini Football, Illini Basketball, Duke Blue Devils, Big Ten Football, College Football, College Basketball, Brad Underwood, Bret Bielema, Luke Altmyer, Armchair Illini, Alex Kyi, podcast, sports podcast, game preview, Illinois vs Duke, Tomislav Ivisic, Kylan Boswell, college sports, NIL.

Illinois Football 2025-2026 Season Predictions: Playoff Bound?

The Fighting Illini football season is finally here! Hosts of the Armchair Illini podcast, Austin and Kirkland Chappell, break down every single game on the 2025-26 schedule. They discuss the team's strengths, potential pitfalls, and bold predictions, including a possible college football playoff run!In this video, you'll find:Game-by-game predictions: A full breakdown of the Illini's schedule and the outcome for each matchup.Insights on key players: Why quarterback Luke Altmeyer and the returning coaching staff are crucial for success.Hot takes and bold predictions: Is a college football playoff berth a real possibility for the Illini?Discussion on the new Big Ten: How the conference's changing landscape, with new teams like USC and the evolving dynamics, will impact Illinois.The future of the program: What a successful season could mean for fan engagement, donations, and future recruiting under head coach Bret Bielema.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro & Sponsor: Hamilton Walker's1:00 - Welcome Kirkland Chapel of Armchair Illini1:51 - Expectations for the season3:21 - What could cause the Illini to fail?4:45 - The team's biggest strength: Coaching retention5:25 - Thoughts on the 2024 schedule6:16 - Game 1: Western Illinois Leathernecks7:29 - Game 2: Duke Blue Devils10:42 - Game 3: Western Michigan Broncos12:10 - Sponsor: Campus Ink12:57 - Game 4: Indiana Hoosiers16:15 - Game 5: USC Trojans18:06 - Game 6: Purdue Boilermakers19:30 - Game 7: Ohio State Buckeyes23:00 - Will Illinois vs. OSU be a "GameDay" game?24:30 - Game 8: Washington Huskies25:58 - Game 9: Rutgers Scarlet Knights27:09 - Game 10: Maryland Terrapins28:45 - Game 11: Wisconsin Badgers30:56 - Game 12: Northwestern Wildcats & Final Record33:55 - College Football Playoff predictions and the future of the program36:00 - Outro & SocialsKeywords:Illinois Football, Fighting Illini, Illini, Armchair Illini, College Football, Big Ten, Big Ten Football, Illinois Football Predictions, Bret Bielema, Luke Altmeyer, College Football Playoff, Western Illinois, Duke, Western Michigan, Indiana, USC, Purdue, Ohio State, Washington, Rutgers, Maryland, Wisconsin, Northwestern.

Kirkland Chappell of Armchair Illini: Illinois Football 2025-2026 Season Predictions: Playoff Bound?

The Fighting Illini football season is finally here! Host of the Armchair Illini podcast, Austin and guest Kirkland Chappell, break down every single game on the 2025 schedule. They discuss the team's strengths, potential pitfalls, and bold predictions, including a possible college football playoff run!
In this video, you'll find:
Game-by-game predictions: A full breakdown of the Illini's schedule and the outcome for each matchup.
Insights on key players: Why quarterback Luke Altmeyer and the returning coaching staff are crucial for success.
Hot takes and bold predictions: Is a college football playoff berth a real possibility for the Illini?
Discussion on the new Big Ten: How the conference's changing landscape, with new teams like USC and the evolving dynamics, will impact Illinois.
The future of the program: What a successful season could mean for fan engagement, donations, and future recruiting under head coach Bret Bielema.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro & Sponsor: Hamilton Walker's
1:00 - Welcome Kirkland Chapel of Armchair Illini
1:51 - Expectations for the season
3:21 - What could cause the Illini to fail?
4:45 - The team's biggest strength: Coaching retention
5:25 - Thoughts on the 2024 schedule
6:16 - Game 1: Western Illinois Leathernecks
7:29 - Game 2: Duke Blue Devils
10:42 - Game 3: Western Michigan Broncos
12:10 - Sponsor: Campus Ink
12:57 - Game 4: Indiana Hoosiers
16:15 - Game 5: USC Trojans
18:06 - Game 6: Purdue Boilermakers
19:30 - Game 7: Ohio State Buckeyes
23:00 - Will Illinois vs. OSU be a "GameDay" game?
24:30 - Game 8: Washington Huskies
25:58 - Game 9: Rutgers Scarlet Knights
27:09 - Game 10: Maryland Terrapins
28:45 - Game 11: Wisconsin Badgers
30:56 - Game 12: Northwestern Wildcats & Final Record
33:55 - College Football Playoff predictions and the future of the program
36:00 - Outro & Socials

Courtney Brewer of WCIA 3 talks Illini football storylines, Luke Altmyer, Bret Bielema and more!

Austin brings Courtney Brewer of WCIA 3 on the show to talk about the Illini football camp storylines, Bret Bielema, The coordinators, Luke Altmyer and more! 

Heather Dinich of ESPN talks Illini and the College Football Playoff

ESPN's Heather Dinich talks Illini and the college football playoff. 

Ben Stevens (Big Ten Ben) on Illinois, Altmyer, and some Big Ten Pre-Season Superlatives

Austin talks with Ben Stevens about the Illini hype, Luke Altmyer's place in the B1G QB hierarchy, and Austin throws out some Big Ten Superlatives at Ben.