The Drive on ESPN 93.5

01/09/26 Hour 2: Chris Kwiecinski of Fox32 Chicago previews Bears vs Packers III, NFL Wildcard Predictions, Etched In Stone hits again, Friday Toasts

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!

01/09/26 Hour 1: Illini handle Rutgers, Ravi Lulla talks College Football Playoffs, Miami beats Ole Miss, and Indiana vs Oregon, Illini fans rooting for Indiana?

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?!

01/08/26 Hour 2: NFL Wildcard Weekend Upset Alerts, Illini vs Rutgers score predictions, and The Drive's First Rap Battle

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!

01/08/26 Hour 1: Latest Illini Football Transfer Portal news, Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer talks Illini vs Rutgers, A'Ja Wilson at Illinois Women's Game

"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.

01/07/26 Hour 2: Brad Underwood meets with the media before Illini vs Rutgers, Etched in Stone, and Best QB Draft Winner

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?!

01/07/26 Hour 1: Carson Gourdie talks Illini Football's biggest need in Transfer Portal & Men's Basketball vs Rutgers, Cubs trade for Edward Cabrera, Cardinals news, Kurtis' Curveballs

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!

01/06/26 Hour 2: BREAKING - John Harbaugh FIRED from Ravens, Illinois State's loss in the FCS Championship, and Tuesday Draft: Best NFL QBs of All Time

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!

01/06/26 Hour 1: Stephen Igoe talks Katin Houser & Illini Football, Richie O'Leary talks Rutgers vs Illini Basketball, and Tuesday Draft Announcement

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!

01/05/26 Hour 2: Breaking News: Illini football lands Wisconsin C Jake Renfro, Illini basketball win in Philly, Bears lose to Lions, Etched in Stone

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!"

01/05/26 Hour 1: J Leman talks Illini transfer portal, Katin Houser, College Football Playoffs, and more

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!

01/02/26 Hour 2: Illini Women's Basketball STUN #7 Maryland, Bears vs Lions, Etched in Stone, and Friday Toasts

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

01/02/26 Hour 1: Illini Football Transfer Portal updates, Ravi Lulla discusses College Football Playoffs, and Illini Men's Basketball vs Penn State

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.

12/31/25 The Illini Win the Music City Bowl!

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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12/30/25 Hour 2: Music City Bowl part 2, Glenn Kinley from WCIA-3 live from Nissan Stadium, Tuesday Draft - Best Movie Sequels

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!

 

12/30/25 Hour 1: Music City Bowl 2025 part 1, Keys to the Game, Kurtis' Tennessee Curveballs,

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.

12/29/25 Hour 2: Illini Men's Basketball take care of Southern U, Bears lose to Niners, and our next Tuesday Draft announcement

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?

12/29/25 Hour 1: We're back and J Leman is in-studio to talk Illini, the Music City Bowl, and Kyle Whittingham at Michigan

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!

 

12/19/25 Hour 2: Ravi Lulla breaks down the College Football Playoffs opening round, Chris Kwiecinski fom Fox32 with the latest on Bears vs Packers, Friday Toasts

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!

12/19/25 Hour 1: The latest on Illini Wrestling Coach Mike Poeta, Kyle Tausk talks Illini vs Mizzou, Evan's Soccer Minute, and Kurtis' Curveballs

Josh Whitman placed Illinois Wrestling coach Mike Poeta on indefinite administrative leave. The university said the decision stems from “potential violations of his employment agreement stemming from possible noncompliance with University fiscal control policies.” We have the latest.

Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joins us to talk about the Braggin' Rights game. Plus, more Illini basketball nuggets.

Evan gets a whole minute to talk about his favorite soccer team and Kurtis throws the Curveballs!

12/18/25 Hour 2: Illini vs Mizzou Braggin' Rights talk with Ally Schneipp & Joseph Pasthila, Etched in Stone bets, Cardinals & Cubs updates, and more Bears vs Packers

Ally Schneipp and Joseph Pasthila cover Mizzou Basketball for the Columbia Missourian. They join us to talk about Monday's Braggin' Rights game between the Illini and Tigers. Why is this more than a rivalry game for the Mizzou Tigers this year? How will the Illini respond after the home loss to Nebraska?

We need some money! Evan has your 5 bets for this weekend and a few games to stay away from. 

Plus, the Cardinals are looking to offload talent while the Cubs added a few depth pieces. And more on Bears vs Packers.