# Ep. 1181 - Tom Fornelli on the state of Illini football

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/illini-inquirer-podcast-an-illinois-fighting-illini-athletics-podcast-1047532/ep-1181-tom-fornelli-on-the-state-of-illini-football
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/illini-inquirer-podcast-an-illinois-fighting-illini-athletics-podcast-1047532/ep-1181-tom-fornelli-on-the-state-of-illini-football.md
Podcast: [Illini Inquirer Podcast: An Illinois Fighting Illini athletics podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/illini-inquirer-podcast-an-illinois-fighting-illini-athletics-podcast-1047532)
Published: 2026-06-04T18:13:33+00:00
Episode link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pscrb.fm/rss/p/serve.castfire.com/audio/8425512/8425512_2026-06-02-121512.192.mp3?rssID=6019
Audio file: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pscrb.fm/rss/p/serve.castfire.com/audio/8425512/8425512_2026-06-02-121512.192.mp3?rssID=6019
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Duration seconds: 2740

## Resource

CBS Sports college football writer Tom Fornelli, a U of I graduate, joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to discuss his thoughts on Illinois football entering Year Six under Bret Bielema. Fornelli discusses what Bielema has accomplished, how new QB Katin Houser fits Barry Lunney Jr.'s offense, the hiring of defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck and 2026 expectations. Fornelli also discusses his thoughts on the state of college football and who he's buying and selling in the Big Ten in 2026. SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR Cheers Health: For a limited time our listeners are getting 20% off their entire order by using code ILLINI at CheersHealth.com . Just head to CheersHealth.com and use code ILLINI for 20% Off.  Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8   Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct    Go VIP for just 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz  

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