The Drive on ESPN 93.5

The National Championship game is set and we know Indiana will take on Miami. Our friend Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports joins us to discuss the latest.

We recap an insane NFL Wildcard Weekend and preview the Steelers vs Texans.

It's Kurtis' week to pick a Tuesday Draft category and he says Evan will have to "bare his soul" this week. What did he choose?

The Illini men's and women's basketball teams scored big wins on Sunday. The men held off an Iowa comeback yesterday at Carver Arena for a 75-69 and are now the 13th ranked team in the country. Keaton Wagler led all scorers with 19 points, while Kylan Boswell and Adrej Stojakovic each added 17. 

For the 4th straight season under Shauna Green, the Illini women's team is nationally ranked. The Illini are now number 25 in the country after a 92-76 on the road over Penn State. Berry Wallace dropped 28 and Maddie Webber added 26 points, including 5 three-pointers, to lead the way.

We break down both games.

The Bears finally slayed The Packers! Chis Kwiecinzki of Fox32 in Chicago chats with us about the Bears biggest comeback of the year!

Chris Kwiecinski from Fox32 Chicago joins the show to preview Bears vs Packers III in this weekend's Wildcard matchup. Has the Bears magic run out or is this where they turn the tide in the NFL's oldes rivalry?

Plus NFL Wildcard Weekend predictions - Kurtis and Evan are completely split in one division.

Etched in Stone hit again! Did you cash in? Evan has 2 more bets tonight.

And we give our Friday Toasts! Cheers!

The Illini men's basketball team had no problem with Rutgers last night at State Farm Center, winning 81-55. Find out why Brad Underwood said this team is "A Coach's Dream."

Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports joins us to break down the College Football Playoffs. Did Miami win on a Pass Interference? Where does Jordan Chambliss go from here? And can Oregon upset Indiana?

And are there Illini fans rooting for Indiana?!

Wild Card Weekend is almost here. Who should be on Upset Alert? We go through the point spreads and make our picks. Who do you think could pull off a stunner?

Speaking of stunners, you will be stunned by the first ever Rap Battle in the history of The Drive. Is it so bad that it's good? You be the judge.

Plus our Score Predictions ahead of Illinois vs Rutgers tonight!

"The Portal giveth and the Portal taketh away." 

Evan Stone does a deep dive into the latest on Illinois football's Transfer Portal news, including details on Angelo McCollum leaving town. 

The Great Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joins us ahead of tonight's Illini men's basketball game against Rutgers. We discuss Tomislav Ivisic's struggles and Zvonimir Ivisic's recent success. Plus, what's Mihalo Petrovic's role going forward and is Keaton Wagler officially a one & done in Champaign?

A'Ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo were in the house last night at State Farm Center for the Illini women's game. We recap the game and discuss A'Ja's message to the team.

Brad Underwood met with the media ahead of the Illinois vs Rutgers game at State Farm Center. Hear the latest from the Illini head coach.

Evan's "Etched in Stone" bet looks at Duquesne vs St. Joseph's.

And who won our Best QB Of All Time draft?!

Bret Bielema has addressed a lot of needs for the 2026 Illini Football team, but what's the most pressing issue? We talk with Fox Illinois & WICS' Carson Gourdie about the latest Transfer Portal news. Plus, Carson gives his insight on what Illini basketball needs to improve on going into this stretch of the season, in particular Ivisic Brothers.

The Cubs traded their top prospect for Edward Cabrera. Was it the right move?

Should the Cardinals trade Brendan Donovan? 

Kurtis throws his CURVEBALLS!

The hour starts with a conversation about the best job openings in the NFL and takes an immediate turn with the breaking news of John Harbaugh's firing from the Baltimore Ravens!

Plus a recap of Illinois State's historic postseason run that ended last night in the FCS National Championship game against Montana State.

This week's Tuesday Draft is "Best NFL Quarterbacks of All Time" and features a special guest. Who wins this week? Vote on Instagram & Twitter @thedrive935 and on the ESPN 93.5 Facebook page!

Stephen Igoe covers East Carolina athletics for "Hoist the Colours" on 247Sports and 94.3 The Game. He's covered new Illini quarterback Katin Houser for the last 2 years and gives us insight into the newest member of the Bret Bielema's roster. 

Richie O'Leary is back on the show and this time we're talking Illini vs Rutgers ahead of Thursday night's men's basketball game at State Farm Center. It's been a rough season so far for the Knights and Richie doesn't mince words about it.

And Evan announces the topic for today's Draft -  Best NFL Quarterbacks!

We found out very quickly who will be protecting Katin Houser next year for the Illini. Bret Bielema's staff land Wisconsin starting Center Jake Renfro through the transfer portal. Renfro has 1 year of eligibility and will anchor the O-Line in 2026.

Illini basketball got a win in Philadelphia on Saturday night against Penn State. We recap the game and look ahead to Rutgers on Thursday.

The Bears lost the season finale against the Lions after mounting an improbable comeback. They now turn their attention to the Packers on Saturday night for the 3rd time in six weeks. How concerned are you?

Evan's been "riding a cash wave" for a couple of weeks and shares a special bet in today's "Etched in Stone!"

It's the final J Leman Hour of this football season and we're going out with a bang! J recaps the Illini's Music City Bowl win, breaks down the Illini transfer portal, and College Football Playoffs.

Plus, Katin Houser has transferred from East Carolina to the University of Illinois. J discusses the Illini's new QB, expectations for next season, and more!

Lets gooooo!

Shauna Green's team had a signature win over #7 Maryland last night! Daniel Thompson covers Illini Women's Basketball and joins the show to discuss the win. Plus, a dive into the teeth of the schedule that features games against five ranked opponents.

Plus the Bears wrap up the regular season against the Lions.

Who won our Tuesday Draft: Best Movie Sequels?

And our Friday Toasts

Illinois Football had a signature win over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl on December 30th. Now the Transfer Portal is open and some familiar names are leaving town. We have the latest on the Illini roster.

Our guy Ravi Lulla from HurrDat Sports joins the show to discuss a WILD quarterfinal round of the College Football Playoffs. The Final Four are set, but who has an advantage the rest of the way and Ravi explains why it's NOT Indiana?

Plus, the latest on the Illini Men's basketball game against Penn State.

The Illini beat Tennessee last night in a thriller at the Music City Bowl, 30-28! David Olano walked off the game winner and one of the guys predicted it would happen. Listen for a quick recap!

Have a safe and Happy New Year from The Drive!

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Glenn Kinley is the Sports Director for WCIA-3 and is live on location at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. He calls the show with last-minute nuggets for the Music City Bowl and more.

Plus, we try to complete our Tuesday Draft right before kick-off. Today's topic is "Best Movie Sequels of All Time" and the results get heated!

 

We are ready for The Music City Bowl! This hour features keys to the game, a deep dive into the Vols offense & defense, and more.

Plus Kurtis tosses out some Tennessee Curveballs and we talk some Illini hoops.

Coach Underwood's Illini squad took care of business today at State Farm Center, beating Southern 90-55. The win follows Illinois' drubbing of Mizzou in the Braggin' Rights Game, 91-48. We break down the latest victory and preview the upcoming slate of games against Penn State, Rutgers, and Iowa.

Has the magic run out for the Cardiac Bears? Ben Johnson's team lost a thriller last night against the Niners and head back to Chicago for a regular season finale against the Lions. We look at Caleb Williams' missed opportunities, the pass rush, and the current playoff picture.

Plus, our final Tuesday Draft of 2025 is tomorrow! What category will Kurtis pick?

Christmas Break is over and we're back!

J Leman is in studio to preview the Illini vs Tennessee in the Music City Bowl! How will a month off affect Illinois' defense against a high-powered Vols offense? How should Coach Bielema & Lunney utilize Luke Altmyer in this particular game? 

Also, J reacts to Coach Bielema's comments about "the SEC powers-that-be" and how they schedule games. And J's thoughts on Kyle Whittingham taking over at Michigan.

Let's gooooo!

 

Our guy Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports breaks down the opening round of the College Football Playoffs. Is there an upset brewing?

Chris Kwiecinski covers the Bears for Fox32 Chicago and is back on the show. Get the latest info on Bears vs Packers. What is the key to Chicago winning? How will the loss of Rome Odunze and Luther Burden affect the Bears rushing attack?

Plus our Friday Toasts!