The Drive on ESPN 93.5

03/27/26 Hour 2: Isaac Trotter from 247 Sports & CBS Sports dissects Illinois' win over Houston, previews game against Iowa. Plus our Friday Toasts and your texts!

Isaac Trotter of 247Sports and CBS Sports joins the show to break down Illinois’ impressive win over Houston Cougars. He also previews the Illini’s upcoming matchup against the Iowa Hawkeyes and what to watch for. A must-listen conversation with one of the best college basketball minds!

Plus the text line lights up with questions at 217-359-2255 and the guys give their Friday Toasts!

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03/27/26 Hour 1: Illinois SMOTHERS Houston & moves on to the Elite 8; Kyle Tausk breaks down the win & previews Illini vs Hawkeyes; Jackson Roberts of SI & Baseball Now talks Cardinals Opening Day Win

Illinois dominated Houston Cougars with a smothering defensive performance, punching their ticket to the Elite 8. Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joined the show to break down the key moments from the win and look ahead to the Illini’s matchup with the Iowa Hawkeyes. He highlighted what Illinois needs to carry over to keep the run going.

Later, Jackson Roberts of Sports Illustrated & Baseball Now joined the show to talk baseball and recap the St. Louis Cardinals Opening Day victory. The hour covered a big night for both Illinois basketball and Cardinals baseball.

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03/25/26 Hour 2: Comedy Star & Illini Super Fan Christopher Hightower joins the show!

Comedy star and Illini super fan Christopher Hightower joins the show to bring energy and insight ahead of Illinois vs. Houston. He shares his thoughts on the matchup and why he likes the Illini’s chances, sparking plenty of reaction from listeners. The text line lights up in agreement with Chris’ takes, adding to the excitement around the Sweet Sixteen showdown.

The conversation also shifts to Illinois football and what’s ahead for the program. Plus we talk about his comedy heroes and the upcoming "Salute to Veterans" event at The City Center in Champaign. This is a MUST listen hour!

 

 

 

03/25/26 Hour 1: Jacob Myers of League Him previews Illinois vs Houston, Pat McAvoy of Baseball Now & SI previews the Cardinals season, Tristan Thomas talks Illini and Sweet Sixteen & Parkland Cobras

It's Sweet Sixteen & Opening Day Eve!

Jacob Myers of League Him joins the show to preview Illinois vs. Houston and break down the key matchups heading into the Sweet Sixteen. He shares insight on what the Illini must do to advance and how they stack up against the Cougars.

Pat McAvoy of Baseball Now and Sports Illustrated stops by to preview the upcoming St. Louis Cardinals season, highlighting expectations and key storylines. Pat tells us why it's not doom & gloom for the Red Birds in 2026.

Tristan Thomas adds more Illini coverage, discussing their tournament run and what’s clicking at the right time. He also touches on the Parkland Cobras and their continued postseason success.

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03/24/26 Hour 2: Sunny Verma tells us if Illini are playing their best basketball right now; A KenPom stat that gives Illinois an advantage vs Houston; Cardinals Opening Day Countdown

Sunny Verma from Locked on Illini and Orange & Blue News weighs in on whether Illinois are playing their best basketball at the perfect time. The discussion highlights a key KenPom stat that could give Illinois an edge over the Houston Cougars in the Sweet 16. The guys break down how that advantage might impact the matchup.

Plus, the countdown is on for MLB Opening Day as excitement builds for the St. Louis Cardinals season.

03/24/26 Hour 1: Carson Gourdie talks Illinois vs Houston, Underwood's game plan, and Illini Spring Football; Dr. Daniel Thompson on Women's loss to Vandy & end of season

WICS-TV & Fox Illinois' Carson Gourdie breaks down the Sweet 16 matchup between the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball and the Houston Cougars, diving into what to expect and how Brad Underwood may approach the game. He also shares insights on Illini spring football and what early storylines are emerging.

Later, Dr. Daniel Thompson recaps the Illinois Fighting Illini women's basketball loss to the Vanderbilt Commodores women's basketball. The conversation wraps with a look back at the women’s season and what’s next for the program.

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03/23/26 Hour 2: Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer and Dave Wischnowsky talk Illinois moving on to The Sweet 16, preview Houston game

"The Great" Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer and "The Legend" Dave Wischnowsky join the show to break down Illinois advancing to the Sweet 16. The guys discuss Andrej Stojakovic's performance against VCU and the re-emergence of Tomislav Ivisic in the tournament.

Attention then turns to a high-stakes matchup against Houston. We preview the key factors, matchups, and what Illinois needs to do to keep their season alive. A must-listen hour! 

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03/23/26 Hour 1: Illini men are headed to the Sweet 16! We preview with Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports; Preview Illini women vs Vanderbilt

The Illini men are headed to the Sweet 16 after an impressive victory over VCU. Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the show to break down what’s clicking for Illinois and what lies ahead against #2 Houston.

The focus then shifts to the Illini women as they prepare for their matchup against Vanderbilt in the 2nd round. We preview the key storylines, matchups, and what Illinois needs to do to advance.

03/20/26 Hour 2: Alex Kyi from Armchair Illini talks Illinois' win over Penn & previews the VCU game; Would you rather Illini win a title & be mediocre for 5 years or go to the Elite 8 every year?

Alex Kyi from Armchair Illini joins us t0 break down Illinois’ win over Penn and looking ahead to their matchup with VCU. He shares key insights on what carried the Illini in the opening round and what challenges await in the next game. The conversation also dives into expectations for Illinois moving forward in the tournament.

Plus, we debate a fun hypothetical: would you rather the Illini win one national title and be mediocre for five years, or make the Elite Eight every season?

Evan has your tourney bets with Etched in Stone and our Friday Toasts!

03/20/26 Hour 1: Recap of Illinois' dominant win over Penn; Dr. Daniel Thompson previews Illini women's game vs Colorado

We opened Hour 1 by recapping Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball’s dominant NCAA Tournament win over the Penn Quakers men's basketball. It was a historic night for David Mirkovic! The Illini controlled the game from start to finish, showcasing their depth and offensive firepower. 

Then, Dr. Daniel Thompson joined the show to preview the upcoming matchup for Illinois Fighting Illini women's basketball. He broke down what to expect as they prepare to face the Colorado Buffaloes women's basketball.

03/19/26 Hour 2: Illinois vs Penn preview part 2 with WCIA3 Sports Director Glenn Kinley, Score predictions, and Evan's very strange contest

Hour 2 continues the Illinois vs. Penn preview with great insight from WCIA3 Sports Director Glenn Kinley joining the show. The conversation dives deeper into matchups and what the Illini need to do to advance. The guys also give their final score predictions for the game.

Plus, Evan introduces a very strange contest for listeners to win a brand new Illini crewneck sweatshirt.

 

 

 

03/19/26 Hour 1: Preview Illinois vs Penn with Carson Gourdie of WICS-TV & Fox Illinois and Valerie Guevarra & Emilie Chi from The Daily Pennsylvanian

The NCAA Tournament is here!

We preview Illinois vs. Penn in the NCAA Tournament with insight from Carson Gourdie of WICS-TV and Fox Illinois. Valerie Guevarra and Emilie Chi from The Daily Pennsylvanian join the show to provide the Penn perspective. The discussion breaks down key matchups, strengths, and potential X-factors on both sides. It’s a well-rounded look at what to expect as the Illini and Quakers get set to clash.

03/18/26 Hour 2: Isaac Ambrose from The Champaign Room helps us break down the NCAA Bracket & Illini odds; Our Final Four picks; Etched in Stone

Isaac Ambrose joins the show to break down the NCAA Tournament bracket and assess the odds for the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball. The conversation dives into key matchups, potential upset alerts, and how the Illini stack up against the field.

The guys also reveal their Final Four picks and debate which teams have the best path to a title run.

Plus, another edition of “Etched in Stone” locks in the day’s best bets.

01/18/26 Hour 1: Tristan Thomas from WCIA-3 Sports talks what Illini need to do to make a postseason run; Keaton Wagler is a Consensus All-American

Tristan Thomas from WCIA3 Sports joins the show to break down what the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball must do to make a deep postseason run. He highlights the importance of consistency on both ends of the floor and improved shot selection in key moments. The conversation also touches on leadership and the need for veteran players to step up in high-pressure situations.

Plus, Keaton Wagler earns recognition as a Consensus All-American, capping off an outstanding season.

03/17/26 Hour 2: Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer talks Illinois & NCAA Tournament, Five Tournament Guarantees From Evan Stone

"The Great" Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joins the show to break down Illinois basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook. He shares insight on matchups, expectations, and what the Illini need to make a deep run. What will help or hinder the Illini? The conversation covers both strengths and potential concerns heading into March Madness.

Plus, Evan Stone delivers his Five Tournament Guarantees with bold predictions for the bracket. We get an official report "From the Office of Evan Stone."

03/17/26 Hour 1: Keaton Wagler is an All-American, Rapheal Davis talks NCAA Tournament, Big Ten teams & gives a STRONG opinion on the Illini basketball team

Rapheal Davis joins the show to break down the NCAA Tournament and evaluate how Big Ten teams stack up nationally. He offers insight into matchups, strengths, and potential pitfalls for the conference.

Davis also gives praise to AP Second Team All-American Keaton Wagler and dives deep into Illinois, analyzing their postseason outlook. He doesn’t hold back, delivering a strong and candid opinion on what the Illini are—and aren’t—capable of in March. Who did Rapheal call "soft" and what will carry Illinois on a deep run?

03/16/26 Hour 2: Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports talks Illini hoops; What carries Illini men's team - scoring or defense? Illini Women are the youngest in the tournament

Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the show to talk all things Illini basketball as both teams prepare for the NCAA Tournament.

We break down the outlook for the Illinois men and what they need to make a deep run. Will this team be carried more by its scoring ability or by its defense?

Plus, we discuss the Illinois women entering the tournament as the youngest team in the field and what that could mean for their run. 

03/16/26 Hour 1: All Tournament Talk for Illini men's & women's at-large bids, Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports discusses which tournament teams are on Upset Alert

The brackets are set and the Illini are dancing. The Illinois men’s team earns a 3-seed and will face Penn in the first round, while the Illinois women’s team lands a 7-seed and takes on Colorado. We break down both matchups and what the paths could look like for each team in the tournament.

Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports also joins us to discuss the teams across the bracket that could be on upset alert. 🏀

Plus a full slate of Illini Headlines!

 

 

 

03/13/26 Hour 2: Tristan Thomas from WCIA3 Sports joins us for live reactions to Illinois' 91-88 loss to Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament

Tristan Thomas from WCIA 3 Sports joins us for live reactions after Illinois falls to Wisconsin 91–88 in the Big Ten Tournament. We break down the key moments that swung the game and what went wrong for the Illini down the stretch. Tristan shares his perspective from courtside and what the loss means heading into the NCAA Tournament. Plus, our biggest takeaways from a wild finish in Chicago. 🏀

03/13/26 Hour 1: Our Immediate Live Reactions of Illinois' 91-88 loss to Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament

We react live to Illinois vs Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament and break down everything that happened on the court. From the biggest moments to the turning points that decided the game, we give our immediate takeaways. Plus, what the result means for Illinois moving forward in the postseason. 🏀