Locked On Badgers

DANGER: Keaton Wagler's Rise—Can Badgers SURVIVE Illinois' Hottest Freshman in Big Ten? Illinois Fighting Illini’s explosive offense faces off against a defensively inconsistent Wisconsin Badgers squad—does Keaton Wagler's breakout freshman campaign give Illinois the decisive edge? Ryan Harings and Sunny Verma break down the high-stakes Big Ten basketball matchup, spotlighting Wagler's rise from overlooked recruit to conference star, Nolan Winter’s efficient scoring, and the keys for each team: rebounding, transition play, and limiting catch-and-shoot threes. With Illinois boasting historic KenPom offensive efficiency and Wisconsin relying on hot perimeter shooting, which squad bends or breaks in Champaign? Sunny Verma offers insider insights on Illinois’ deep roster. The hosts debate X-factors, potential freshman slumps, and what Badger fans must watch for in late-game scenarios. Plus, quick-fire grades on each program’s football transfer portal haul and the importance of retention. This episode packs critic