Keepin’ It Orange & Blue

Ryan makes the case that Illinois could be the team to beat in Big Ten hoops heading into next season. With key pieces returning, Andrej Stojaković getting healthy, the Ivisic brothers trending up, and Stefan Vaaks adding major offensive firepower, expectations are sky-high in Champaign. Could Illinois start the season near the top of the preseason polls? Subscribe for more Illini basketball, football, recruiting, and offseason coverage from Keeping It Orange and Blue. #Illini #IllinoisBasketball #KIOB #BigTenBasketball

Lincoln brings length, bounce, defensive versatility, and downhill ability to an already-loaded Illinois roster. The 2026 class just keeps getting more interesting. #Illini #EveryDayGuys #IllinoisBasketball #KIOB

Ryan and Kevin are back for Episode 194 of Keeping It Orange and Blue, and there’s plenty to cover in Illini athletics. The guys open with Illinois football recruiting, including a visit from 2027 quarterback commit Sladen Shack. They talk about his toughness, arm talent, fit in Barry Lunney’s offense, and what his commitment says about the continued momentum of Bret Bielema’s program. From there, the conversation turns to the growing 2027 football class, key additions from Iowa and Illinois, the outlook for the upcoming football season, and whether the defense can make enough plays while the offense carries the load. On the basketball side, Ryan and Kevin break down the return of Andrej Stojaković, the addition of Lincoln Williams, the strength of Brad Underwood’s 2026 class, expectations for Quinton Coleman, David Mirković, Stefan Vuković, and why Illinois could enter the season as one of the top teams in the country. They also hit on NBA Draft buzz surrounding Katon Wagler, potential landing spots, Illini golf, the Jenna Hall hire for Illinois softball, and a little summer KIOB housekeeping. Topics include: Illinois QB commit Sladen Shack joins the show Illini football recruiting momentum Bret Bielema’s program floor and future 2027 football class discussion Illinois basketball preseason expectations Andrej Stojaković officially returning Lincoln Williams and the 2026 recruiting class Quinton Coleman’s upside Katon Wagler NBA Draft talk Jenna Hall hired as Illinois softball coach Subscribe for more Illinois Fighting Illini football, basketball, recruiting, and offseason coverage. #Illini #IllinoisBasketball #IllinoisFootball #KIOB #KeepingItOrangeAndBlue

Ayo Dosunmu and Terrence Shannon Jr. are making Illini fans proud on the playoff stage. In this clip from KIOB EP 193, the guys talk about Io and TSJ playing meaningful minutes together for the Wolves, helping swing the Western Conference semifinals, and showing why Illinois fans still ride with their guys long after they leave Champaign. From Io’s big-time scoring nights to Shannon’s impact in key moments, it’s been a fun postseason run for two former Illini stars. Full episode: https://tinyurl.com/mv743h95 #illini #IllinoisBasketball #IoDosunmu #TerrenceShannonJr #NBAPlayoffs #KIOB #200Columns

Andre Stojaković has the NBA tools — size, athleticism, length, and the ability to attack the rim — but the next step is clear: improve the shooting, court awareness, and playmaking. In this clip from KIOB EP 193, the guys discuss why testing the NBA Draft process makes sense for Andre, what feedback he is likely to receive, and why returning to Illinois could set him up for a bigger role, another Final Four push, and a stronger first-round case next year. Full episode: https://tinyurl.com/mv743h95 #illini #IllinoisBasketball #AndreStojakovic #NBADraft #KIOB #200Columns