Best Madtown Podcasts (2026)

1
Music City Magic (12/31/25) 1:04:20

Play Pause

2h ago1:04:20

1:04:20

Illinois football wraps up their 2025 season with a 30-28 walk-off win over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl. Mike Carpenter was in Nashville (sitting in the actual 200 level) to watch Luke Altmyer and the offense control the clock and ice the victory, setting up David Olano's second game-winning field goal of the season. It wraps a bow on the best…

1
The Legend of Luke Altmyer (12/18/25) 57:12

7d ago57:12

57:12

Luke Altmyer will wrap up his three-year stint as Illinois QB with one last rodeo in Nashville. Mike Carpenter discusses the importance of Altmyer in Bret Bielema's rebuilding efforts, how he stacks up with other Illini QBs, and his most memorable moments. Also, a look ahead to the upcoming Braggin' Rights basketball game against Missouri.…

1
Winter Blunderland (12/14/25) 1:04:32

12d ago1:04:32

1:04:32

#13 Illinois loses to #23 Nebraska on a snowy Saturday afternoon in Champaign. Jamarques Lawrence hit the tie-breaking buzzer beater with 0.2 seconds left, thwarting the Illini comeback bid. The main story? Brad Underwood's team looked lifeless, especially on defense where they gave up more than 1.3 points per possession. Strong offensive games fro…

1
#13 Illinois vs. Ohio State LIVE 2nd Half Reaction (12/09/25) 1:14:02

16d ago1:14:02

1:14:02

#13 Illinois basketball kicks off their Big Ten season with an 88-80 road win at Ohio State. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half as Brad Underwood's team, led on by a star performance from Keaton Wagler and productive games from David Mirkovic and Zvonimir Ivisic, withstood FORTY-EIGHT FOULS CALLED and a red-hot Bruce Thornton. The Illini …

1
Music City Mayhem! (12/07/25) 1:00:09

26d ago1:00:09

1:00:09

Illinois revenue sports have invaded the city of Nashville! Mike Carpenter discusses #14 Illini basketball's huge 75-62 win over #13 Tennessee, in which Brad Underwood's team turned in their best performance of the year (at least in the second half) Tomislav Ivisic and Keaton Wagler led the way, while Big Z hit two crucial late 3's to help seal the…

1
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (12/03/25) 58:07

30d ago58:07

58:07

Illinois football inks the #21 recruiting class in the nation on a successful Signing Day. Mike Carpenter reacts to Bielema's best haul yet, coming on the heels of an 8-4 season and quality bowl game. He also discusses the coaching carousel in college football, and where Illini basketball stands entering Saturday's non-conference showdown with Tenn…

1
There's Snow Place Like Home (11/30/25) 1:03:46

1M ago1:03:46

1:03:46

On a snowy night in Champaign, Illinois hangs on to the Hat with a 20-13 win over Northwestern. Mike Carpenter recaps an all-timer of an evening at Memorial Stadium, where Miles Scott and the Illini defense ended the year on a high note to the tune of four takeaways. While the offense sputtered, they managed just enough to get the win, including tw…

1
Illinois vs. UConn LIVE 2nd Half Reaction (11/28/25) 1:13:06

1M ago1:13:06

1:13:06

Illinois basketball struggled offensively in a 74-61 loss to UConn at Madison Square Garden. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half as Kylan Boswell balled out, but the rest of the team struggled to score, especially from three-point range (6/29 as a team). With comments from viewers of the stream, a conversation was had about the state of th…

1
Smackdown in Madtown (11/23/25) 1:04:08

1M ago1:04:08

1:04:08

Illinois football suffers a humiliating 27-10 loss to Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium. Mike Carpenter discusses what went wrong during the sloppy, lifeless performance, and what must happen in the offseason for the Illini program to take another step under Bret Bielema. Next up: that pesky Northwestern team.…

1
Illinois vs. Alabama LIVE 2nd Half Reaction (11/19/25) 1:32:10

1M ago1:32:10

1:32:10

A messy second half performance finds the Illini on the wrong side of a 90-86 game against Alabama. Mike Carpenter reacts during the last twenty minutes of game time as the Crimson Tide hit a few too many timely shots, while Illinois struggles to find offensive consistency. Now 1-1 against ranked teams, Brad Underwood's squad has three more marquee…

1
This Calls for a Shellebration (11/16/25) 1:00:00

2M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Illinois football improves to 7-3 with a 24-6 win over Maryland. Mike Carpenter discusses the business-like win spurred on by an inspired defensive performance. No, it wasn't pretty (nor particularly memorable), but this victory gives Bret Bielema the most wins of any Illini coach through their first five seasons. Next up: a trip up to his old stom…

1
Illinois vs. Texas Tech LIVE 2nd Half Reaction (11/11/25) 1:14:32

2M ago1:14:32

1:14:32

Despite JT Toppin's 35 points and an absolutely atrocious flagrant foul call late in the game, a gritty Illinois team finds their way to a huge 81-77 win over Texas Tech. Mike Carpenter reacts happily . . . then angrily . . . then both! . . . during an up-and-down second half. Star turns by Andrej Stojakovic (23 points) and Kylan Boswell (22 points…

1
Illinois vs. Florida Gulf Coast LIVE 2nd Half Reaction (11/07/25) 43:40

2M ago43:40

43:40

Illinois basketball scored another emphatic win, this time 113-70 over Florida Gulf Coast. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half as the Illini offense steals the show. Kylan Boswell (31 points, 10 rebounds) and David Mirkovic (17 points, 11 rebounds) each nab double-doubles, while Keaton Wagler drops 22. While Tomislav Ivisic was out for the…

1
Dominant Debut (11/04/25) 54:41

2M ago54:41

54:41

Illinois basketball kicked off their season in style with a 113-55 win over Jackson State. Mike Carpenter reacts to the undermanned-Illini's dominant debut, featuring a formidable frontcourt duo in Tomislav Ivisic and David Mirkovic, the steady veteran leadership of Kylan Boswell and Jake Davis, and big offensive performances from Ben Humrichous an…

1
Routgers (11/02/25) 57:33

2M ago57:33

57:33

Illinois football bounces back with a dominating 35-13 win over Rutgers. Mike Carpenter discusses the program's third bowl season in four years, an impressive bounce-back by the defense, and the continued excellence of Luke Altmyer. Next up: a bye week to rest up before Maryland comes into town.By Mike Carpenter

1
Scarlet Fright? (10/29/25) 58:16

2M ago58:16

58:16

After an embarrassing defensive effort at Washington, Illinois football looks to pick up the pieces against Rutgers. Mike Carpenter discusses the fallout of Saturday's loss, including Bret Bielema's quotes on how much he'll be involved with Aaron Henry's gameplan. Can the Illini bounce back with a Dad's Day victory heading into the second bye week?…

1
Defenseless in Seattle (10/25/25) 49:15

2M ago49:15

49:15

Illinois football loses 42-25 to Washington in a game featuring yet another terrible performance from Aaron Henry's defense. Mike Carpenter reacts during the fourth quarter (just after the D gave up a 3rd and 18 - yes, a 3rd and 18) and watched as the Huskies sliced and diced their way down the rain-soaked field with ease. Now 5-3, Bret Bielema's t…

1
North by Pacific Northwest (10/22/25) 49:50

2M ago49:50

49:50

After a bye week, #23 Illinois heads out west to face Washington. Mike Carpenter discusses the ramifications a win (or loss) would have on Illini football for the rest of the season, and if Luke Altmyer and the offense can outduel the Ryan Walters-led Husky defense.By Mike Carpenter

1
It's . . . Basketball Season?! (10/19/25) 46:53

2M ago46:53

46:53

Illinois basketball kicks things off with an exhibition game against Illinois State. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half as an injury-depleted Illini show off some new toys (David Mirkovic, Big Z, Keaton Wagler, Brandon Lee) and play at the State Farm Center for the first time in the 2025-26 season.…

1
Number One Bumma (10/12/25) 58:06

3M ago58:06

58:06

Illinois football can't quite meet the moment, falling 34-16 to #1 Ohio State. Mike Carpenter discusses the frustrating miscues and mistakes, the impressiveness of Ryan Day's Buckeyes, and even some positives to glean from Bret Bielema's team's performance. Next up: a much-needed bye week ahead of a trip to Washington.…

1
Let's Get Nuts! (10/08/25) 1:01:26

3M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Illinois football is faced with a rare opportunity on Saturday: the chance to take down #1 Ohio State in front of a sold-out, orange-clad crowd at Memorial Stadium. Mike Carpenter discusses how Bret Bielema's program-building efforts have led to this moment, one that could be THE signature game in Illini football history.…

1
Luke Nuked'em (10/05/25) 58:52

3M ago58:52

58:52

Illinois football improves to 5-1 after a 43-27 win at Purdue. Luke Altmyer's career-high 390 yards helped lead the way to victory, aided by a monster performance from Hank Beatty and the surefooted David Olano. Mike Carpenter discusses the high-octane offense, shaky defense, and Bret Bielema's 3rd 5-1 start as the Illini head coach. Next up: #1 Oh…

1
Cannon Fodder (10/01/25) 58:26

3M ago58:26

58:26

After a dramatic Homecoming win vs. USC, Illinois football takes the short trip to West Lafayette to face Purdue. Mike Carpenter discusses the Battle for the Cannon, a particularly rough rivalry in recent years for the Illini. Can Bret Bielema and his team take care of business with minimal fuss, or will this matchup continue to be the bane of Illi…

1
Redemption Day (09/28/25) 1:02:40

3M ago1:02:40

1:02:40

Illinois football bounces back in a big way with a thrilling 34-32 win over USC. Mike Carpenter discusses the five-star day at Memorial Stadium, where a sellout crowd watched Bret Bielema's team respond just a week removed from the worst loss of his tenure. Luke Altmyer led the Illini down the field, setting up David Olano's 41-yard game winner as …

1
Sense of UrgenSC (09/24/25) 51:26

3M ago51:26

51:26

The time for Illinois football to lick their wounds is over as they welcome a potent USC team for Homecoming. Mike Carpenter discusses the upcoming matchup, how Bret Bielema's Illini can "get right" again, and the chances they have of pulling off a mild upset at Memorial Stadium.By Mike Carpenter

1
Doom & Gloomington (09/21/25) 1:01:41

3M ago1:01:41

1:01:41

Illinois football gets trounced on the road, a 63-10 shellacking at the hands of the Indiana Hoosiers. Mike Carpenter, who was unfortunately in attendance for the embarrassment, recounts what went so wrong for Bret Bielema's team, and discusses what it means heading into a tough Homecoming matchup against USC.…

1
Throwdown in B-Town (09/17/25) 1:00:54

4M ago1:00:54

1:00:54

#9 Illinois heads across the border to face #19 Indiana in a Saturday night showdown. Mike Carpenter discusses the huge opportunity for Bret Bielema's Illini, reasons to be optimistic and concerned against the Hoosiers, and what a win could mean for either team.By Mike Carpenter

1
Kalama-phew! (09/14/25) 1:00:18

4M ago1:00:18

1:00:18

It was a tale of two halves again for Illini football as they cruise to a 38-0 win over Western Michigan. Mike Carpenter discusses the uninspired play of the first two quarters, and how Illinois responded following Bret Bielema's angry halftime speech. For the third time in four years, the Illini finish non-conference play undefeated.…

1
This is Nine (09/10/25) 54:02

4M ago54:02

54:02

Illinois football carries a top-ten ranking into a sold-out Saturday night matchup against Western Michigan. Mike Carpenter talks about the program's incredible turnaround under Bret Bielema, reasons for optimism following the Duke win, and Larry Gies' $100 million donation to the athletic department.…

1
Duke Nuked'em (09/06/25) 1:10:01

4M ago1:10:01

1:10:01

Illinois football runs away with it in the second half at Duke, overcoming a sloppy start en route to a 45-19 blowout. Mike Carpenter discusses the big-time win for Bret Bielema's team, spurred on by timely turnovers and a near-perfect second half for Barry Lunney's offense. Trevor Vallese joins the show to share his thoughts, including where this …

1
Tobacco Road Warriors (09/03/25) 53:08

4M ago53:08

53:08

Bret Bielema's Illini hit the road for an early test against Duke, led by star transfer QB Darian Mensah. Mike Carpenter discusses the matchup, the pros and cons of scheduling tough non-conference games, and what Illinois stands to gain (or lose) on Saturday.By Mike Carpenter

1
All Right on the Western Front (08/30/25) 52:29

4M ago52:29

52:29

Illini football kicked off their 2025 season with a 52-3 blowout over Western Illinois. Mike Carpenter reacts to the team's performance, including a dominant Gabe Jacas, star turn by Hank Beatty, and efficient quarterback play from Luke Altmyer. Next up: a crucial non-conference road game at Duke.By Mike Carpenter

1
Tay & Carp Rides Again! (08/25/25) 1:30:51

4M ago1:30:51

1:30:51

It's Game Week! To wrap up all the preseason prognostications, Mike Carpenter welcomes Lon Tay onto the show for a wide-ranging discussion about all things Illini football. In Bret Bielema's fifth season at the helm, can Illinois take advantage of a favorable schedule and experienced roster to nab a spot in the College Football Playoff?…

1
Feel the Wern (08/23/25) 1:18:53

4M ago1:18:53

1:18:53

We're less than a week away from the 2025 Illini Football season! Mike Carpenter is joined by Jeremy Werner for a wide-ranging discussion on Bret Bielema's team, what it's like to cover a winning Big Ten program, and how sustained success may finally be within reach for long-suffering Illinois fans.By Mike Carpenter

1
Vallese the Kraken (08/18/25) 1:20:50

5M ago1:20:50

1:20:50

Mike Carpenter and Trevor Vallese discuss the upcoming Illinois football season, including a deep dive on the schedule and which games will be the most consequential. They also talk about Bret Bielema's five-year reclamation project, taking the Illini program from Big Ten bottom-feeders to College Football Playoff contenders.…

1
Return of the 'saac (08/11/25) 1:08:35

5M ago1:08:35

1:08:35

Mike Carpenter is joined by The 200 Level contributor Isaac Ambrose for a wide-ranging discussion of the upcoming Illini football season. They discuss the team's lofty expectations, reasons for optimism and concern, and which games on the schedule will make or break their CFP aspirations.By Mike Carpenter

1
Bret Hot American Summer (08/04/25) 51:36

5M ago51:36

51:36

Illinois football season is just around the corner, and with the latest coaches' poll slotting Bret Bielema's team at #12, expectations are high. Mike Carpenter discusses how the Illini program has been transformed under Bielema - from Big Ten basement dwellers to a sexy pick for the College Football Playoff.…

1
Scratch That 'ic (04/28/25) 50:48

8M ago50:48

50:48

One, two, three, four . . . FIVE BALKANS?! Illinois basketball lands its biggest portal addition of the offseason, adding junior wing Andrej Stojakovic to the team. Mike Carpenter discusses the marquee addition, just two days after Serbian point guard Mihailo Petrovic signed with the Illini. Brad Underwood's 2025-26 roster looks to be (nearly?) com…

1
BasketBalkans (04/09/25) 1:01:02

9M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

The European Pipeline continues to produce for Brad Underwood's Illini with the addition of Tomi's twin brother Zvonimir and 6'9" David Mirkovic. Mike Carpenter recaps the last week-plus of offseason craziness, including the returns of Kylan Boswell, Ty Rodgers, and Jake Davis. He also discusses some of the general stupidity with the portal era, in…

1
The Portal Taketh (03/31/25) 1:12:39

9M ago1:12:39

1:12:39

Portal season begins inauspiciously for Brad Underwood's program as Morez Johnson Jr. and Tre White are leaving after just one year. Mike Carpenter discusses the importance of retention as evidenced by three of the Final Four team rosters, and how the lack of a returning core makes the offseason even more consequential. He also talks about the sign…

1
Illinois vs. Arizona: 20 Years Later (03/26/25) 15:39

9M ago15:39

15:39

*** This is an excerpt from The 200 Level: An Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball Fan's Journey by Mike Carpenter *** March 26, 2005 is a date etched into Illini basketball lore. Top-seeded Illinois took on a familiar foe in #2 seed Arizona at Allstate Arena in Rosemont. Mike Carpenter reflects on the greatest comeback in program history, a 15-poin…

1
Reflections on 2024-25 Illini Basketball (03/25/25) 1:02:52

9M ago1:02:52

1:02:52

Brad Underwood's 8th season at Illinois was one of tantalizing highs and frustrating lows. Mike Carpenter recaps the season in the aftermath of a 2nd-round loss to Kentucky, as the Illini finish with a 22-13 overall record after a 12-3 start. He discusses the individual seasons of players, lessons to be learned as Underwood constructs his next rost…

1
Not With a Bang, But a Whimper (03/23/25) 1:35:09

9M ago1:35:09

1:35:09

The 2024-25 Illini basketball season ends unceremoniously in the second round at the hands of #3 seed Kentucky. The 85-74 defeat saw the Wildcats in control for nearly all forty minutes, as sloppy starts to both halves doomed Brad Underwood's team. Mike Carpenter and Kenton Elmore spend much of the second half contextualizing the season, how it wil…

1
Will-Waukee (03/21/25) 1:15:42

10M ago1:15:42

1:15:42

Illini basketball not only survives and advances, but does so with style in an 86-73 win over Xavier. Mike Carpenter, Andrew Wilson, and Kenton Elmore react during the First Round victory, setting up a huge matchup against Kentucky on Sunday. Will Riley drops 22, Tomislav Ivisic grabs a 20-10 double double, Kasparas Jakucionis was one rebound away …

1
Luck 'o the Illini (03/17/25) 1:02:24

10M ago1:02:24

1:02:24

Illinois basketball lands a #6 seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, awaiting the winner of a play-in game between Xavier and Texas. Mike Carpenter reacts to the Illini's draw, favorable in many respects, and how two wins would completely change how this team is remembered. He discusses the potential matchups against the two #11 seeds and #3 seed Kentu…

1
It's March! (03/10/25) 51:32

10M ago51:32

51:32

Illinois basketball finishes the regular season with a 20-11 record (12-8 conference). Up next: the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis. Mike Carpenter discusses the weekend ahead and why the BTT is always one of his favorite parts of each season. He also opens up the listener mailbag to see what fans' expectations are as Brad Underwood's team enter…

1
Boiler Down! (03/07/25) 53:03

10M ago53:03

53:03

Illini basketball notches their 20th win of the season in epic fashion, riding a 13-1 closing run to take down Purdue 88-80 (their first win over the Boilers since 2021). Mike Carpenter reacts after attending the game at a raucous State Farm Center. For 30+ minutes, Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn got what they wanted offensively. But, Brad Unde…

1
Crossover Pod w/ The Board Room (03/04/25) 1:20:39

10M ago1:20:39

1:20:39

Mike Carpenter and the hosts of The Board Room join up for a crossover podcast. They start by addressing their Twitter kerfuffle before delving into a conversation about this Illini basketball team, Brad Underwood's tenure, adjusting expectations, fan criticism, and much more! Special thanks to Josh, Jon, and Matty for taking the time to record thi…

1
A-Maize-ing (03/02/25) 57:10

10M ago57:10

57:10

A mere eight days after a blowout vs. Duke, Illinois basketball wins in emphatic fashion at Michigan 93-73, their ninth straight against the Wolverines. Mike Carpenter reacts after the surprising victory, made even more impressive by how Brad Underwood's team had been struggling the previous month. With two straight wins, the Illini look ahead to t…

1
Ticket Punched (02/26/25) 59:24

10M ago59:24

59:24

Illinois basketball bounces back against an old foe, beating Iowa 81-61 and all but assuring a trip to the NCAA Tournament. Mike Carpenter reacts to the impressive win, even against a subpar Hawkeyes team, and discusses if Brad Underwood's team can carry over some of the positives into games at Michigan and vs. Purdue. Also, he talks about Underwoo…