The Drive on ESPN 93.5

02/10/26 Hour 2: J Leman discusses new Illini Defensive Coordinator Barry Hauck's hire and scheme, Tuesday Draft - Best Illini Basketball Players Post-2000

The All-American J Leman breaks down the hiring of new Illini Defensive Coordinator Barry Hauck, discussing his scheme and what it means for the defense moving forward. He shares insight into how the Illini roster could fit within Hauck’s system and the expectations heading into the season.

Tuesday is Draft Day! This week's segment highlights the best Illini basketball players since 2000. Hear debate, analysis, and plenty of Illini nostalgia as the crew builds their all-era lists. Vote for the winner on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

02/10/26 Hour 1: Kyle Tausk of Illini Inquirer previews Illinois vs Wisconsin, Bobby Hauck's 3-3-5 Defense, What are some Olympic athletes injecting into themselves?

"The Great" Kyle Tausk joins us this hour to preview Illinois vs Wisconsin at State Farm Center. How will the Illini bounce back after a tough loss at Michigan State? Why will the guards determine tonight's winner? 

Plus we dive into new Defensive Coordinator Bobby Houck's 3-3-5 Defense; and what are some Olympic athletes injecting into themselves?  

02/09/26 Hour 2: BREAKING Bobby Hauck named Illinois Football Defensive Coordinator; Tristan Thomas talks Illini hoops & local high school basketball

BREAKING: Illinois Football has named longtime Montana head coach Bobby Hauck as its new defensive coordinator, replacing Aaron Henry and bringing decades of experience to Champaign. Hauck, one of the winningest coaches in Big Sky history, recently stepped down at Montana before making the move to the Big Ten.

Meanwhile, Tristan Thomas joins the conversation to break down the latest with Illini basketball as the team continues its push through conference play.
He also discusses standout performances and storylines from the local high school basketball scene.

02/09/26 Hour 1: Brad Sturdy of Illini Guys talks Illinois' loss vs MSU & upcoming game with Wisconsin; Devon Witherspoon shows out at the Super Bowl

Brad Sturdy of Illini Guys breaks down Illinois’ tough overtime loss to Michigan State, a game that left the locker room frustrated after a close battle. He also previews the Illini’s upcoming matchup with Wisconsin as the team looks to bounce back quickly in Big Ten play.

Meanwhile, former Illini standout Devon Witherspoon delivered a huge performance in the Super Bowl, helping lead Seattle’s dominant defense to a 29–13 win. Witherspoon’s big plays — including a sack and a game-changing strip — helped seal a championship night for the Seahawks.

02/06/26 Hour 2: Carson Gourdie of WICS-TV and Chris Solari from the Detroit Free Press talk Illini vs Spartans, Super Bowl prop bets, Friday Toasts

Carson Gourdie from Fox Illinois and WICS-TV joins us this hour to talk Illinois vs Michigan State. We also hear from Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press. Get both perspectives ahead of the Illini vs Sparty.

And it's Super Bowl Weekend! Kurtis tests your knowledge with Super Bowl trivia, Evan's "Etched in Stone" features Super Bowl prop bets, and we give our score predictions.

Plus our Friday Toasts! Cheers!

02/06/26 Hour 1: Doug Bucshon of Orange and Blue News discusses Illinois vs Michigan State, Illini Football coaching changes

Doug Bucshon is the publisher of Orange and Blue News, a part of the On3 family, and has covered Illinois athletics for years. He joins us this hour to discuss Illinois vs Michigan State, Jeremy Fears' issues, Underwood vs Izzo, Keaton Wagler, and much more! 

We also talk with Doug about some of the changes to Bret Bielema's coaching staff, including the addition of TE Coach Jared Elliot and the loss of D-Line coach Terrance Jamison.

Plus, Brad Underwood's presser and more!

02/05/26 Hour 2: Bulls trade Ayo Dosumnu to the T-Wolves, Illini Women's basketball come up short at Oregon, more on Bret Bielema's press conference

The Chicago Bulls traded former-Illini star Ayo Dosumnu to the Timberwolves, which also happens to be the home of Terrence Shannon Jr. We discuss the trade with NBA Insider Dr. Daniel Thompson.

Dr. Thompson also does an incredible job covering the Illini women's basketball team for Basketball Society. He helps us break down Illinois' tough loss last night at Oregon.

Is Leslie Frazier a candidate for the Illinois defensive coordinator position? What about Kevin Richardson? Both have connections to the Illini and/or Bret Bielema. 

02/05/26 Hour 1: The Illini dominate Northwestern at State Farm Center, Bret Bielema's press conference, Evan Stone vs Tom Izzo

The Illini put together their most dominant performance of the year with an 84-44 victory over Northwestern at State Farm Center. Five Illinois players were in double figures and Andrej Stojakovic led the way with 17 points. We break down the game and look ahead to Saturday at Michigan State.

Speaking of Michigan State, is Tom Izzo overrated? Evan Stone thinks that's the case and the text lines lit UP. 

Plus, who will be the next Illinois Football defensive coordinator?

02/04/026 Hour 2: Lon Tay is back and we're talking Illini, Cardinals, & Life!

The one and only Lon Tay is back on the Drive for a full hour! Uncle Lon updates us on life, his thoughts on Illinois football, Cardinals baseball, and the incredible run of Illinois basketball!

This is a must-listen!

02/04/26 Hour 1: Chris Kwiecinski of FOX32 Chicago talks Illini vs NU Wildcats, Keaton Wagler winning awards

Chris Kwiecinski of FOX32 Chicago joins us to break down the Illini matchup against the Northwestern Wildcats. We discuss key storylines, expectations, and what to watch in the rivalry game. Plus, a look at Keaton Wagler’s recent award wins and what they mean moving forward.

02/03/26 Hour 2: Brian Teague from Chicago Sports State of Mind talks Illinois football & Aaron Henry, Tuesday Draft - Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows, and a SURPRISE GUEST

Brian Teague is back on the show to wrap up his coverage of the Senior Bowl and talk NFL Draft. Plus, who does Brian think will replace Aaron Henry as the new Defensive Coordinator for Illinois football? And who should the BEARS draft at the number 25 spot?

Tuesday equals Draft Day! Today's draft is The Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows ever. Who wins? Who did we miss? Vote on Twitter, Instagram, and our Facebook page.

We have a surprise guest for tomorrow's show. Who is it? Find out this hour.

02/03/26 Hour 1: Dave Wischnowsky talks Illini basketball - is this a National Championship Team?

Dave Wischnowsky has covered Illini athletics for years. So when he says this year's men's team is as good as the 04-05 squad, you should listen. Check out this great conversation!

Plus, the Cardinals moved Brendan Donovan. We look at their current draft stock and farm system.

02/02/26 Hour 2: J Leman discusses Aaron Henry's exit from Illinois Football & possible replacements, Illini athletics have an incredible weekend, and Etched in Stone

Our guy the All-American J Leman joins us this hour to discuss Aaron Henry's departure from Illinois football. Henry is headed to Notre Dame to be the new Co-Defensive Coordinator. Who will replace him? J discusses possible replacements and how much it might cost Illinois to pay a new coordinator.

Plus, Illinois Athletics had an incredible weekend with ranked wins in basketball, track & field, tennis, and wrestling. This led to an all-timer moment from Evan Stone.

Plus, Evan is on a roll with Etched in Stone. Will that continue tonight?

02/02/26 Hour 1: Illini defeat Nebraska & move up to #5, Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer talks about the win, remaining schedule, and Keaton Wagler

The Illinois Men's basketball team got their 2nd road win against a Top 5 opponent in as many weeks, 77-69 over Nebraska. Now the Illini are ranked Number 5 in the country and Keaton Wagler earned his fifth Freshman of the Week award.

It's a lot of numbers and our guy "The Great" Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joins us this hour to break it all down!

01/30/26 Hour 2: Illini vs Cornhuskers predictions, Seahawks for sale ahead of Super Bowl? Amari Bailey wants to leave NBA & play college ball again

We break down predictions for Illini vs. Cornhuskers and what to expect in the matchup. Who will handle Pryce Sandifort defensively and will the Keaton Wagler train keep rolling?

Plus, news broke this afternoon that the Seattle Seahawks could actually be up for sale with the Super Bowl approaching. Is this a distraction or a nothing before the game?

Former UCLA guard Amari Bailey says he wants out of the NBA after 10 games to return to college basketball. He's hired a lawyer and an agent to make it happen. What will this mean for the game?

And Etched in Stone & Friday Toasts!

01/30/26 Hour 1: Final update from Brian Teague at the Senior Bowl; Gabe Jacas thrives as Luke Altmyer & JC Davis continue to improve, Ravi Lulla talks Illinois vs Nebraska basketball

Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins us once again from the Senior Bowl in Mobile. Gabe Jacas continues to be the best defensive player on the field.  Plus, Luke Altmyer and JC Davis had their best practices of the week! 

Illini basketball got a solid win last night at home against Washington. Now they head to Nebraska for a showdown that could decide the Big Ten Championship. Ravi Lulla from HurrDat Sports joins us to break down the game.

01/29/26 Hour 2: How confident are YOU about tonight's Illini vs Huskies game? Plus, Etched in Stone and how did Bill Belichick not got into the Hall of Fame?

We've had great guests on this week ahead of the Illinois vs Washington game, with a few people calling it a definite trap game. So how confident are YOU about tonight's game? We answer your texts at 217-359-2255.

Have you seen ONE person agree with the decision to keep Bill Belichick out of the Hall of Fame? Neither have we.

Evan got things back on track with Etched in Stone last night. He's got 3 new bets for tonight. Lets go!

01/29/26 Hour 1: Illini Senior Bowl Updates with Brian Teague and Carson Gourdie talks Illinois vs Washington

Brian Teague checks in again from Mobile, Alabama at the Senior Bowl. Is Gabe Jacas still the best player on the field? How did Luke Altmyer's running ability impress coaches? And why did JC Davis have a rough day? 

Carson Gourdie from WICS-TV joins us to talk about tonight's Illinois vs Washington game at State Farm Center. Carson tells us why he thinks tonight IS a trap game, but the Illini will ultimately win.

01/28//26 Hour 2: Illini basketball vs WU Huskies with Roman Tomashoff, Illini football schedule part 2, Etched in Stone, Tuesday Draft Results

Brad Underwood's squad is coming off their biggest win of the season and an all-time performance from Keaton Wagler at Purdue. Will that success carry over to tomorrow night at State Farm Center against Washington? We talk with Roman Tomashoff from Huskie Wire if this is a Trap Game for Illinois.

We take another look at the Illinois 2026 football schedule, who has the easiest and the toughest schedules in the Big Ten.

Evan's heater came to a screeching halt last night with Etched in Stone. Let's see if he cooks tonight.

And who won the Tuesday Draft for our Super Bowl Spreads?!  

01/28/26 Hour 1: Illini updates from the Senior Bowl with Brian Teague, US Olympian & U of I grad Sarah Warren, Illini Football Schedule

We're traveling the globe this hour and we start at The Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports is live on location with updates on Luke Altmyer, Gabe Jacas, and JC Davis. Which of the 3 did Brian say was "the best player on the field?" 

Sarah Warren is representing the United States in speedskating at the Winter Olympics. She's also a U of I grad and called us from Germany! Sarah tells us how she overcame TEN knee surgeries to make the Olympic team. This is an incredible conversation!

Illinois football released their schedule yesterday and dive in a little bit more.