Ty Rodgers, Illinois’ emotional leader and defensive anchor, is officially out indefinitely with a serious knee injury sustained during an offseason pickup game. On today’s episode of Locked On Illini, we break down what this devastating news means for the Illini's 2025–26 season, Brad Underwood’s rotation, and the leadership void left behind.

Will Illinois still be a Big Ten contender without their glue guy? Who needs to step up — and could Brad Underwood look to the portal one last time? Plus: the growing influence of Adam Fletcher, the return of former stars to Champaign, and what it all says about Illinois’ culture. Join the conversation and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for your daily dose of Illini content!

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🎯 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!

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