
The Drive is your daily Illini sports podcast from ESPN 93.5. Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone cover Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball, Illinois Fighting Illini football, the Chicago Bears, Cardinals, Cubs and the biggest sports stories in Champaign-Urbana with interviews, analysis, and a lot of laughs. New episodes every weekday. šļø
Follow The Drive on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The Drive is your daily Illini sports podcast from ESPN 93.5. Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone cover Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball, Illinois Fighting Illini football, the Chicago Bears, Cardinals, Cubs and the biggest sports stories in Champaign-Urbana with interviews, analysis, and a lot of laughs. New episodes every weekday. šļø
Episodes

38 minutes ago
38 minutes ago
The guys debate whether the New York Knicks would rather face the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals after OKC grabbed a 3-2 series lead.
Plus, EvanĀ will go head-to-head with WCIA 3's Tristan Thomas on the hardwood, more discussion on Andrej StojakoviÄās looming decision, Tuesday Draft results for the Best 90ās Comedy Movies, and Pierce the Intern steals the spotlight!

43 minutes ago
43 minutes ago
Illinois basketball waits for the decision from Andrej StojakoviÄ as heās expected to announce his future at 7 p.m. (he's coming back).
Illini Headlines include football TV game times being announced and Quentin Coleman earning a spot on the U.S. U18 National Team. Plus, the St. Louis Cardinals fall to the Milwaukee Brewers while the Chicago Cubs drop their 10th straight game.

2 days ago
2 days ago
Hour 2 featured Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer discussing why Andrej Stojakovic is expected to return to University of Illinois Fighting Illini, Brad Underwoodās contract and program expectations, projecting Illinoisā starting five heading into next season and much more.
We also wrapped up the show with a Tuesday Draft featuring the best ā90s comedy movies. Who won? Which movies did we miss?

2 days ago
2 days ago
Hour 1 of todayās show featured racing analyst Brian Ames breaking down one of the wildest editions of the Indianapolis 500 ever, as Felix Rosenqvist edged David Malukas in the closest finish in race history. We also discussed the Cubsā losing streak reaching nine games while the Cardinals and Brewers continue battling for first place in the NL Central. Plus, Illini Headlines covered another addition to Shauna Greenās coaching staff.

6 days ago
6 days ago
Hour 2 features Adda Lavalle from AlBat breaking down whether Alex Bregmanās massive contract would actually be worth it for the Cubs. Plus, Letās Go Racing continues as we draft the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 fields, and we wrap up the week with Friday Toasts!

6 days ago
6 days ago
Hour 1 is all about racing as Brian Ames joins the show to preview the Indy 500, break down the top storylines, and explain what makes this yearās race so intriguing. Plus, the Cubs miss key opportunities in a loss to the Astros, and we hit the latest Illini Headlines with updates from Illinois athletics.

Wednesday May 20, 2026
Wednesday May 20, 2026
The St. Louis Cardinals walk it off against the Pittsburgh Pirates as the guys recap the thrilling finish and preview the upcoming series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Plus, āEducating Evan Stoneā dives into the history and traditions of the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 ahead of Memorial Day weekend, and the crew reveals the results from the Tuesday Draft: Best Spielberg Movies!

Wednesday May 20, 2026
Wednesday May 20, 2026
Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports joins the show to discuss potential expansion of the College Football Playoff and why growing the field even more could negatively impact the sport. Plus, Kurtisā Curveballs returns with āSports Moments That Reveal Your Ageā as listeners share the iconic plays, athletes, and memories that instantly show their generation.

Tuesday May 19, 2026
Tuesday May 19, 2026
The St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates square off as we break down the matchup, while Arsenal F.C. captures the Premier League title ā complete with live reactions and updates from Evanās Mom overseas! Plus, the Tuesday Draft returns with our favorite movies from legendary director Steven Spielberg.

Tuesday May 19, 2026
Tuesday May 19, 2026
Carson Gourdie returns to break down the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball offseason, why Andrej StojakoviÄ is expected to return, and expectations for Illinois Fighting Illini football this season.
Plus, Kurtisā Curveballs make their return with plenty of random sports thoughts and facts about smells.

Monday May 18, 2026
Monday May 18, 2026
Zack Pearson from Bear Wire returns to break down the Chicago Bears schedule release, rookie minicamp takeaways, and the latest on whether a new stadium project is finally moving forward. Plus, the crew gives out their Etched in Stone selections for tonightās Major League Baseball slate.

Monday May 18, 2026
Monday May 18, 2026
Brad Sturdy from Illini Guys joins the show to break down the latest with Illinois basketballās offseason, the buzz around Andrej StojakoviÄ, and Brad Underwoodās new contract extension, plus updates on the Illinois football roster. We also recap the Chicago White Sox taking down the Chicago Cubs, while the St. Louis Cardinals pick up another win.

Friday May 15, 2026
Friday May 15, 2026
Elias Schuster joins the show to break down the latest in the Crosstown Series between the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox, plus the latest buzz surrounding the Chicago Bulls and the upcoming NBA Draft. The guys also discuss the best possible landing spot for Keaton Wagler as his basketball future takes shape. Plus, āEtched in Stoneā returns and the crew wraps up the week with their Friday Toasts!

Friday May 15, 2026
Friday May 15, 2026
Tristan Thomas from WCIA 3 joins the show to break down the latest on Brad Underwoodās contract update and what it means for Illinois basketball moving forward.
The guys also take the āIrritable Sports Fan Testā and see just how fired up fans really get during games.
Plus, all of todayās biggest Illini headlines and updates from around Champaign-Urbana.

Wednesday May 13, 2026
Wednesday May 13, 2026
Ā
Plus, another edition of āFrom the Office of Evan Stoneā dives into the future of LeBron James and what could be next for the NBA superstar as speculation continues around the final stage of his career. The show also officially welcomes new intern Pierce to the team and puts him through his first on-air introduction.

Wednesday May 13, 2026
Wednesday May 13, 2026
The University of Illinois and Duke University officially announced a marquee home-and-home basketball series, giving Illini fans a massive non-conference matchup to look forward to over the next two seasons. The guys break down what the series means nationally for Illinois and how it could impact the programās growing reputation under Brad Underwood.
Plus, the latest from the NBA Draft Combine on Andrej StojakoviÄ and his future as scouts continue to evaluate his stock heading into the draft process.
Chris Kwiecinski from FOX 32 Chicago joins the show to react to the Chicago Bears schedule release and break down the biggest matchups, toughest stretches, and prime-time storylines for the 2026 season.

Tuesday May 12, 2026
Tuesday May 12, 2026
Curt Bishop of Sports Illustrated and Redbird Rants joins the show to discuss the Cardinalsā strong start to the season, whatās fueling their early success, and whether it can continue over the long haul.
The guys also hold a Tuesday Draft featuring the best Chicago athletes of all time, sparking plenty of debate and nostalgia, before sending Intern Cooper off in style as he heads into summer break.

Tuesday May 12, 2026
Tuesday May 12, 2026
Andrej Stojakovicās NBA Draft stock continues to climb, and Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the show to break down why scouts are becoming increasingly intrigued by his upside and overall fit at the next level. Are the chances of him leaving Illinois on the rise?
The guys also dive into the latest outlook for the Illinois menās basketball schedule, highlighting key matchups, difficult stretches, and opportunities for the Illini heading into the season.

Monday May 11, 2026
Monday May 11, 2026
Illinois is well represented at the NBA Draft Combine as Keaton Wagler, Kylan Boswell, and Andrej Stojakovic all look to boost their draft stock in front of scouts and executives.
The guys also react to top in-state recruit Cam Warner committing to Oregon over Illinois and what it means for the Illini moving forward.
Plus, Evan previews the upcoming World Cup and discusses the biggest storylines and teams to watch heading into the tournament.

Monday May 11, 2026
Monday May 11, 2026
Rick Horton joins the show to break down the Cardinalsā season, including whatās gone right lately and where the team still needs to improve as the summer approaches.
Pierre Noujaim from Fox 9 Minneapolis also stops by to discuss the Timberwolves evening up their playoff series with the Spurs and what changed after Game 3.
Plus, the latest Illini headlines, including updates from Illinois football and basketball.
