CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -The hype for Illinois men's basketball ahead of the 2025-26 season extends beyond Central Illinois.

The Illini are ranked No. 17 in the preseason AP college basketball poll.

One of the many national college basketball reporters taking an interest in Illinois is Isaac Trotter. Trotter is a Central Illinois native and graduate of Blue Ridge high school. He also attended the University of Illinois.

Now working for CBS Sports and 247 Sports, Trotter keeps an eye on a variety of college basketball topics and teams - not excluding the Illini.

Watch his full conversation with WCIA 3's Tristan Thomas above, and click here for the full Your Illini Nation Tip-Off Show.

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