Orange & Blue News Podcast

In this episode, 2026 Illinois football commit Davon Grant dives into how the last few months have unfolded since his commitment to the Illini. Grant also opens up about his strong relationship with wide receivers coach Justin Stepp and how the Illini coaching staff operates under Bret Bielema’s leadership.

Cam Thomas, a 2026 four-star linebacker from Lakota West (West Chester, OH), announced his commitment today. As a result, Illinois has surged in the national team recruiting rankings. According to Rivals.com, Illinois now ranks 9th in the country, with only two other Big Ten programs cracking the top 10—Oregon at No. 1 and Penn State at No. 5.

Illinois' 2026 wide receiver commit, Davon Grant, is a 6-foot-4, 200-pound athlete from DeKalb, IL. Grant discusses his recruiting process with Illinois and head coach Bret Bielema, as well as the importance of staying home to represent his state university.

Ismael Kante, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker from Iowa Central Community College by way of Minneapolis, Minn. Kante is ranked as the No. 21 overall JUCO prospect in the Class of 2025 and the No. 1 junior college linebacker in the class. Kante talks about how special head coach Bret Bielema is.

Destiny Jackson, ranked 24th nationally, and her mother Teshunda Crockwell discuss her recruitment journey and future in women’s basketball. What sold the family on Illinois and her future plans.

Former Illini Marcus Griffin talks past and present Illinois basketball, Griffin also discusses Terrence Shannon Jr. where he ranks in terms of all-time greats. He also shared who the main player was that got the ball rolling to keep the Peoria Pipeline going.

Ben Humrichous, an Illini transfer commit from Evansville, IN, joins me to discuss his journey and what led him to Illinois.

Illinois Tight End Commit Cole Rusk will enroll in the 2024 spring semester. Rusk mentions his passion for the opportunity to play for his home state university.

This special holiday edition for college basketball fans, today's guest is Tim Anderson from the Illinois men's basketball program. His future plans for Illinois long-term and shared how good this team could be in March.

Today's guest is Anthony Kyle originally from Elkhart, Indiana, now resides in the Quad City area where he's the personal trainer for (Flourish Season). Davenport North's Iowa Divine Bourrage, a Top 10 recruit nationally who receives Anthony's training. Bourrage is a player the Fighting Illini women's program is recruiting hard.

Jeremiah Fears - Jeremy Fears Sr. Recruiting Update, driving in the Windy City (Chicago - Cell Towers). Fears discussed the latest with his younger son and his recruitment, where Illinois stands in the big picture, and his thoughts on reclassifying.

Illinois recruit Jason Jakstys discusses his commitment, Jakstys also mentions Power-Five programs that were interested in him as well as his expectations once he arrives on campus. 

Illinois women's basketball transfer from Duke Shay Bollin, shares why the Illini were so special to her. The Massachusetts high school prospect was one of the nation's top 40 players coming out of Bridgewater – Raynham Regional HS per ESPNW. Bollin is ready to expand her game and help Illinois win she discussed here.

Illinois basketball prospect Mikey Lewis joins Ked's Recruiting Roundup.Recently Lewis received an Illinois offer along with five other schools. Lewis was named as one of the top EYBL performers during session one in Atlanta.

Ked's Recruiting Roundup with Chicago Kenwood's Russell Cunningham. Made an unofficial visit to Illinois, he recaps his visit and discussed how the coaches and players made him feel.

Illinois WR commit Collin Dixon from Tallmadge, OH, talks football recruiting 101 on Christmas Eve.  Collin was a one-time Wisconsin Badger recruit, but after the coaching change and the way Illinois left the door open for him from previously recruting him,  Dixon knew Illinois was where he should be.

Avery Jones talks about his journey before committing to East Carolina, and how he ended up at Illinois. Jones is aware that the talented line play in the Big Ten Conference helped his decision. 

Illinois women basketball recruits Cori Allen and Gretchen Dolan discuss signing day. Colin and Allen discussed playing each other once, who won and described their individual play. The future of the program is why both girls committed along with other important factors. Allen and Dolan are both 4-star recruits by several recruiting publications. 

DB Saboor Karriem talks about his passion for Illinois football and what made it easy for him to commit. Karriem is a 6-3, a 180-pound defensive specialist from West Orange NJ. The star DB had twenty-seven offers before picking the Illini.

Illinois women's program lands another elite player, Cori Allen. This addition of Ked's Recruting Roundup guest is All-American guard Cori Allen from Montverde Academy. Allen is a 5-11 combo guard/wing that can do it all. According to some recruting services, she's a top 25 prospect.