The Drive on ESPN 93.5

03/12/26 Hour 2: A preview of Illinois vs Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament; Bears Mock Draft; Etched in Stone

We preview Illinois vs Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament and what the Illini need to do to advance. The guys break down the key matchups, including how Illinois can attack Wisconsin’s defense.

Later, they dive into a Chicago Bears Mock Draft and discuss potential targets at DE & DT.

The hour wraps up with another edition of Etched in Stone.

03/12/26 Hour 1: Illini NFL Pro Day Coverage; Brad Sturdy from Illini Guys talks upsetting Brad Underwood and Illinois basketball's postseason prospects

Our coverage from the Illini NFL Pro Day, highlighting which Illinois players impressed scouts ahead of the upcoming draft. The show broke down key performances and what they could mean for players hoping to boost their draft stock.

Brad Sturdy from Illini Guys joined the us to talk about upsetting Brad Underwood and the current direction of Illinois basketball. The conversation also turned to the Illini’s postseason outlook and what needs to happen for the team to make a deep run.

03/11/26 Hour 2: Alex Kyi from Armchair Illini talks Illinois & Big Ten Tournament and Bret Bielema's new coaching staff; Etched in Stone; Tuesday Draft Winner; Bam Adebayo's 83 vs Kobe Bryant's 81

Alex Kyi from Armchair Illini joins the show to talk Illinois basketball and preview the Big Ten Tournament. He also shares his thoughts on Bret Bielema’s updated coaching staff and what it could mean for Illini football.

Later, the guys dive into another edition of Etched in Stone with Evan's bets for tonight. Plus they reveal the winner of the Tuesday Draft.

And they wrap up by debating Bam Adebayo’s 83-point performance versus Kobe Bryant’s legendary 81-point game. Evan explains why Bam's game was NOT that impressive.

03/11/26 Hour 1: Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports on Keaton Wagler's season, David Mirkovic's post game, Big Ten Tournament, and the latest on Maxx Crosby & The Chicago Bears

Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the show to break down Keaton Wagler’s impressive season and his latest accolades as an All-American. We also discuss David Mirkovic’s post game play and the team’s mindset heading into the Big Ten Tournament. Later, the conversation shifts to the NFL and the latest rumors involving Maxx Crosby. They also talk about what the potential move could mean for the Chicago Bears.

03/10/26 Hour 2: "The Great" Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer; Tuesday Draft: Best Gardens

The Great Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer is back with us! We talk about the end of the Illini regular season, preview the Big Ten Tournament, and even a little banter about Kyle's beloved Miami Dolphins. Plus, who is the one team he wouldn't want to run into in the tournament?

It's Tuesday and it's Spring Time! So we're drafting our Best Gardens. What we're planting might surprise you. Vote for who wins on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

03/10/26 Hour 1: Keaton Wagler wins Freshman of the Year; Doug Bucshon from Orange & Blue News talks Illini end of season & Big Ten Tournament; more NFL Free Agency news

Keaton Wagler was named Freshman of the Year, highlighting a strong debut season. How good is his year compared to the last 5 FOTY winners? 

Doug Bucshon of Orange & Blue News joined the show to break down the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball season and what to expect in the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament. The conversation focused on how Illinois can position itself for a postseason run and the key factors that will determine success.

The hour also featured the latest updates and major moves from around the NFL as teams continue making deals during NFL Free Agency.

03-09-26 Hour 2: Ravi Lulla talks NCAA Tournament and bad QB Deals

Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports discusses why the NCAA Tournament selection committee has screwed up. Who should get automatic bids? Also, NFL QB contracts are out of control. 

03-09-26 Hour 1: Illini beat Maryland; NFL Free Agency BIG MOVES

The Illini head home from College Park with a tough win over Maryland, on to the Big Ten Tournament. Free Agency kicks off with TONS of money flying around...

03/06/26 Hour 2: Glenn Kinley from WCIA-3 talks Shauna Green's impact on Illini basketball, Big Ten Tournament, and local high school hoops; Etched in Stone, Friday Toasts

WCIA 3's Sports Director Glenn Kinley joins the show to discuss the impact that Shauna Green has had on Illini women’s basketball. He also shared insight on the Big Ten Tournament and the excitement surrounding local high school hoops.

Later in the hour, the crew runs another round of Etched in Stone.

We wrap up the week with our Friday Toasts! Cheers!

03/06/26 Hour 1: Tribute to listener Anonymous Randy, Dr. Daniel Thomspon calls in from the Women's Big Ten Tournament, Carson Gourdie talks all things Illini

We start the show with a tribute to longtime listener Anonymous Randy.

Then, Dr. Daniel Thompson called in from the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament to share the latest on the Illini and the atmosphere at the event.

Later in the hour, Carson Gourdie joined the show to talk all things Illinois athletics. The crew wrapped up the segment with more Illini discussion and reactions.

 

 

 

03/05/26 Hour 2: What's more important for Illini Basketball in the post season: 3-point percentage or limiting turnovers?, Evan & Coop learn about Snipe Hunts, Etched in Stone

The guys debated what will matter more for Illinois basketball in the postseason: knocking down three-pointers or limiting costly turnovers. The conversation looked at how each factor could impact the Illini’s chances of making a deep tournament run. Also, how did this debate lead to our first On-Air Injury?!

Evan and Coop also learned about the legendary “snipe hunt,” leading to some BIG laughs  from listeners. 

The hour wrapped up with another edition of Etched in Stone.

03/05/26 Hour 1: Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports talks Bears trading DJ Moore to Bills, Bret Bielema & Illini Football Coaches presser, and Illini Women in the Big Ten Tournament

It was a BUSY news day. Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joined the show to discuss the Chicago Bears trading wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills and what the move could mean for the franchise moving forward.

The guys also reacted to Bret Bielema and the Illinois football coaching staff speaking to the media and what stood out from the latest presser. Attention then turned to Illinois women’s basketball as they compete in the Big Ten Tournament. Shauna Green's squad beat Wisconsin last night and play Michigan State tonight in Indianapolis.

Plus all of the other Illini Headlines!

03/04/26 Hour 2: Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer breaks down Illinois cruising past Oregon & previews the Maryland game, Etched in Stone, and Best Jersey Draft Winner

Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer breaks down how Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball cruised past Oregon Ducks and what clicked for Andrej Stojakovic in the dominant performance. He also previews Illinois’ upcoming matchup against the Maryland Terrapins and the Big Ten Tournament.

Evan dives into another edition of Etched in Stone with the latest betting angles and insights. Plus, we reveal the winner of the Best Jersey Draft and debate whether the right pick took home the title. 

03/04/26 Hour 1: Brad Sturdy from Illini Guys talks Illinois' dominant win over Oregon & football landing CB Justin Johnson, Illini Headlines, Lou Holtz passes away

Brad Sturdy from Illini Guys breaks down Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball’s dominant win over the Oregon Ducks and what it means moving forward. He also discusses Illinois football landing cornerback Justin Johnson and the impact he could make on the program.

We hit the latest Illini Headlines from around campus.

Plus, we reflect on the life and legacy of legendary coach Lou Holtz following news of his passing.

03/03/26 Hour 2: Chris Kwiecinski of Fox32 Chicago talks Drew Dalman retiring & impact on Bears, Tuesday Draft - Best Sports Jerseys, Illinois vs Oregon score predictions

Chris Kwiecinski of Fox 32 Chicago joins the show to break down Drew Dalman’s retirement and what it means for the Chicago Bears moving forward. The conversation focuses on how the Bears adjust along the offensive line and what this signals about their offseason plans.

Later, it’s Tuesday Draft time with the crew selecting the best sports jerseys of all time. What jersey did Evan draft that upset Kurtis?

The hour wraps with score predictions for Illinois vs. Oregon as the Illini host the Ducks for Senior Night.

03/03/26 Hour 1: Tristan Thomas previews Illini vs Oregon, Dr. Daniel Thompson talks Illini Women's Basketball & Big Ten Tournament, Drew Dalman tells Chicago Bears he's retiring

Tristan Thomas previews Senior Night as the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball get set to host the Oregon Ducks at State Farm Center.

Dr. Daniel Thompson joins the show to discuss the momentum of Illini Women’s Basketball and what to expect in the upcoming Big Ten Conference Tournament.

The hour also covers the major NFL news of center Drew Dalman informing the Chicago Bears that he plans to retire. It’s a packed first hour with postseason implications on the court and a big roster development in the NFL.

03/02/26 HOUR 2: "From The Office of Evan Stone - getting the Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl," Cardinals offer perks for fans this year

“From the Office of Evan Stone” lays out a blueprint for getting the Chicago Bears back to the Super Bowl and what it will take to make that dream a reality. The segment breaks down roster moves, the draft, and the path through the NFC. Plus, we give you one of our best original songs ever.

We dive into the latest updates surrounding the St. Louis Cardinals as they unveil new perks and incentives for fans this season. It’s a mix of football ambition and baseball buzz in Hour 2.

 

 

 

03/02/26 HOUR 1: Doug Bucshon from Orange and Blue News talks Illini's loss to Michigan, Illini Headlines

Doug Bucshon from Orange and Blue News joins the show to break down Illinois’ loss to Michigan Wolverines and what went wrong down the stretch. He shares his biggest takeaways from the game and how the team can respond moving forward. The conversation also looks at key performances, coaching decisions, and areas Illinois must improve. Plus, we cover today’s Illini Headlines and the latest news surrounding the program.

 

 

02/27/26 Hour 2: Rob Connolly of Finlete Sports talks Cardinals & Investments, Isaac Ambrose on Illini vs Wolverines, Score Predictions

Rob Connolly of Finlete Sports joins the show to talk Cardinals baseball and explains how you can invest in a player's future MLB earnings. It's a fascinating conversation about the state of Sports Betting in 2026.

Isaac Ambrose from The Champaign Room surprises us with a call about the Illini vs. Michigan and the biggest matchups to watch.

We wrap it up with score predictions and our Friday Toasts! Cheers!

02/27/26 Hour 1: Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer Previews Illinois vs Michigan and his "Rivalry" with Rapheal Davis, Illini Headlines

Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer previews Illinois vs. Michigan Wolverines and breaks down the keys for the Illini to get a big rivalry win. He also shares insight on his ongoing “rivalry” with Rapheal Davis and how it adds extra fun to Big Ten matchups.

Plus, we cover the latest Illini Headlines, including roster updates.