The Drive on ESPN 93.5

The Drive welcomes former Cardinals World Series champion Scott Spiezio back to the show to discuss the Cardinals as they reach the midpoint of the 2026 season. Spiezio shares his thoughts on whether St. Louis has what it takes to make a postseason run, reflects on his memorable career, and talks about his new book and upcoming documentary, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at his baseball journey.

Later, Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the conversation to break down the latest performances from former Illinois standouts in NBA Summer League, including the continued development of Kylan Boswell and other Illini alumni looking to earn NBA roster spots. The guys also discuss the direction of the Chicago Bulls, highly touted recruit Caleb Wilson, and what his arrival could mean for the program moving forward.

The show wraps up with a conversation about WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark and her growing frustration with officiating after another emotional game, examining the reaction from fans, media, and players across the league, and what it means for one of basketball's biggest stars.

Illinois Athletics continues to generate headlines as Athletic Director Josh Whitman is reportedly in line for another contract extension after helping elevate the Illini into one of the nation's premier athletic departments. The guys discuss what Whitman's leadership has meant for football, basketball, and the overall direction of Illinois athletics.

The excitement surrounding Illinois basketball keeps growing after the release of the program's latest summer hype video, adding even more anticipation for what could be another special season in Champaign.

Former Illini guard Kylan Boswell also continues to build momentum in NBA Summer League, delivering his best performance yet for the Charlotte Hornets with an efficient scoring night, strong rebounding, and another display of his all-around game.

Later, Cooper O'Kelly joins the show to break down why transfer forward David Mirkovic is already receiving national attention as a preseason Wooden Award candidate, what makes his game unique, and why expectations continue to rise for Illinois heading into the 2026-27 season.

Carson Gourdie of FOX Illinois joins The Drive to discuss Illinois basketball's preseason ranking, national championship expectations, Michigan's place atop the Big Ten, and we reveal the winners of our 2026 MLB All-Star Tuesday Draft.

Hour 2 of The Drive features FOX Illinois sports anchor Carson Gourdie breaking down the early outlook for Illinois basketball entering the 2026-27 season. With the Illini coming off a Final Four appearance and returning one of the nation's most talented rosters, expectations are soaring. Carson discusses where Illinois belongs in the preseason rankings, the biggest questions facing Brad Underwood's team, and why Michigan remains one of the Illini's biggest challengers in the Big Ten despite offseason changes. National projections continue to place Illinois among the country's elite heading into the season.

The hour wraps up with another edition of Tuesday Draft, as we reveal and debate our selections for the best players from the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. Which roster came out on top, who had the biggest steal of the draft, and which All-Stars are poised for huge second halves? Tune in for plenty of baseball talk and friendly competition.

Illinois football adds defensive back Trezavant Boyd to its 2027 recruiting class, Keaton Wagler continues to impress in NBA Summer League with the Clippers, and Argentina defeats England to advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final against Spain.

Hour 1 of The Drive is packed with the latest Illini and international sports headlines. Illinois football continues building momentum on the recruiting trail with a commitment from defensive back Trezavant Boyd, adding another talented piece to Bret Bielema's future secondary.

The guys also break down another standout NBA Summer League performance from former Illinois star Keaton Wagler, whose impressive play is reinforcing why the Los Angeles Clippers selected him with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Plus, the World Cup delivered another dramatic semifinal as Argentina stunned England 2-1 to punch its ticket to Sunday's championship match against Spain. We discuss the biggest moments from the match and preview what should be a thrilling World Cup Final between two global soccer powers.

The second hour kicks off with another Tuesday Draft, as the guys build their ultimate rosters using the biggest stars from the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. From MVP candidates to breakout performers, they debate which players deserve to headline baseball's midsummer showcase.

The conversation then shifts to Las Vegas, where several former Illinois basketball standouts are back in action during NBA Summer League. The crew previews the night's games, discusses the development of the Illini alumni, and reacts to reports that Will Riley has been shut down after an outstanding Summer League performance that further boosted his stock.

To wrap up the hour, it's a preview of one of international soccer's biggest rivalries as England and Argentina meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals. The hosts break down the key matchups, storylines, and predictions as Jude Bellingham and England look to deny Lionel Messi and Argentina a trip to the World Cup Final.

Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat joins The Drive to break down the St. Louis Cardinals at the season's midpoint, discussing what's gone right, what still needs to improve, and whether the club is positioned to contend in the second half. The conversation also covers Jordan Walker's appearance in the Home Run Derby, top prospect JJ Wetherholt signing his new contract, and the latest storylines surrounding the organization.

Plus, the guys react to Spain's 2-0 victory over France to punch its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, discussing the impressive run by La Roja and what to expect as they await the winner of England vs. Argentina.

Tristan Thomas sticks around for Hour 2 of The Drive as the conversation continues on Illinois basketball, including more thoughts on Keaton Wagler, Will Riley, and the Illini's future. The guys then shift to baseball with a full preview of the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby, making their picks for who will take home the trophy before debating one of the biggest questions facing St. Louis: should the Cardinals be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline? With the club sitting at the halfway point of the season, the crew weighs the roster's strengths, weaknesses, playoff outlook, and what moves could define the second half.

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WCIA 3's Tristan Thomas joins The Drive in-studio to break down Keaton Wagler's impressive Summer League performance with the Los Angeles Clippers, Will Riley's development, and the latest Illinois basketball storylines. The guys also evaluate the St. Louis Cardinals at the halfway point of the MLB season, discussing what's gone right, what needs to improve, and what to expect in the second half.

Plus, a recap of Conor McGregor's disastrous UFC 329 return after his comeback ended just 69 seconds into the main event with a devastating knee injury against Max Holloway, raising major questions about his future.

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The Cardinals open a pivotal weekend series against the Atlanta Braves, and we break down the pitching matchups, key storylines, and what St. Louis needs to do to keep building momentum in the National League race. We also discuss top prospect JJ Wetherholt officially signing his first professional contract, what the deal means for the former first-round pick, and why Cardinals fans should be excited about one of the organization's brightest young stars.

Later, we dive into one of our most entertaining Friday debates as Soccer takes on Star Wars in a battle of global popularity and cultural impact. Which one comes out on top?

We also reveal the winner of this week's Summer Blockbuster Movie Draft, react to listener votes, and finish the show with our weekly Friday Toasts, recognizing the people, performances, and moments that deserve a little extra appreciation heading into the weekend.

It's the perfect Friday mix of Cardinals baseball, baseball prospects, sports, movies, pop culture, and plenty of laughs on The Drive.

Former Illinois star Keaton Wagler made his long-awaited NBA Summer League debut with the Los Angeles Clippers, and we break down what stood out despite a challenging first game. We discuss Wagler's performance, what it means moving forward, and why Illini fans shouldn't overreact after one Summer League appearance.

Later, Brian Ames joins the show to preview the annual Illini ReBounders Golf Outing, discussing how the event supports Illinois basketball, the excitement surrounding the program, and what fans can expect as the offseason continues.

Plus, we recap the latest Illini headlines and look ahead to another busy weekend in the sports world.

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Kyle Tausk of Illini Inquirer joins the show to break down the latest from Illinois basketball summer workouts, what the newly announced Illinois vs. UConn matchup on December 4th at the United Center means for the Illini, and which freshmen are already generating buzz heading into the season. We dive into where Brad Underwood’s roster stands this summer, what early takeaways matter most from offseason practices, and which young players could make an impact sooner than expected.

Plus, the crew wraps up the hour with another edition of “Draft Day,” this time building the ultimate list of summer blockbusters. Be sure to vote for who you think won!

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Illinois basketball's marquee non-conference matchup with UCONN is locked in for December 4th at the United Center in Chicago. We break down what the high-profile showdown means for Brad Underwood’s team, how it strengthens Illinois’ schedule, and why it could be one of the most anticipated games of the season.

Plus, we preview the Cardinals vs. Brewers matchup, recap the Cubs’ loss to the Orioles, and Kurtis Allen gets back in the studio to cover the latest Illini Headlines.

Evan Stone and Pierce the Fierce talk about Cubs Cardinals 4th of July series and World cup!

Carson and Evan break down the Illini football schedule. How many wins are on the schedule? We find out Quinn doesn't like popcorn, but she does like crime.

Carson Gourdie is IN STUDIO to kick off the show as we talk about the HOT Cubs and surprising White Sox start. Jaylen Brown traded FOR WHAT???? And the USMNT beats Bosnia to move on to the Round of 16. What is a red card anyways?

Hour 2 Evan and Pierce talk about World cup matches as well as NBA offseason and the upcoming NFL season!

Hour 1 Evan and Pierce talk about game one between Cardinals and Braves, as well as the match-up for USA Mens soccer, and Pierce the Fierce gets a chance at redemption!

Hour 2 Kicks off with Evan and Quinn discussing Cardinals/Cubs and then jumping into the Tuesday Draft! Greatest Iconic Games of all time!

The Drive looks ahead to one of the biggest baseball weekends of the summer with an early breakdown of the St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs Fourth of July showdown at Wrigley Field. Kurtis and Evan discuss the pitching matchups, division implications, and why the rivalry series could help shape the National League race heading into the All-Star break.

Later, the guys hit the latest NBA headlines, including free agency buzz, trade rumors, and the biggest stories around the league following the draft. The hour wraps with a recap of the latest action from the FIFA World Cup knockout stage, including key results, standout performances, and what to watch as the tournament moves toward the Round of 16.

Illinois basketball continues to generate recruiting buzz as the Illini host a highly touted 5-star prospect for an unofficial visit. Kurtis and Evan break down what the visit could mean for Brad Underwood's program and recap the latest headlines surrounding Illinois athletics. Later, Chris Hightower returns to the studio for another entertaining showdown, challenging Pierce the Intern in a spirited edition of "Name That Coach." Sports talk, recruiting updates, and plenty of laughs fill Hour 1 of The Drive.