The Drive on ESPN 93.5

04-29-26 Hour 2: NCAA Tournament expands from 68 to 76 teams - Can they get this right? We read your texts; Tuesday Draft Results - best place to drink a beer!

Hour 2 dives into the NCAA Tournament expanding from 68 to 76 teams and whether the change will actually improve the event.

We also react to listener texts on the topic and wrap things up by revealing the results of our Tuesday Draft, highlighting the best places to drink a beer!

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04-29-26 Hour 1: Latest on Andrej Stojakovic declaring for NBA Draft and what fans need to know; Illini Headlines; Latest on Cubs, Cardinals, and NL Central

Hour 1 focuses on the latest developments surrounding Andrej Stojakovic declaring for the NBA Draft and what it means for fans moving forward. The show also covers key Illini headlines and wraps up with an update on the Cubs, Cardinals, and the latest movement in the NL Central.

04-28-26 Hour 2: Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports talks Illini at NFL Draft & Chicago Bears; Our Tuesday Draft - Best Places to Drink a Beer

Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the show to break down the impact of the Illinois Fighting Illini football at the NFL Draft! Plus, Brian grades the Chicago Bears draft. Which player do he and Evan completely disagree on?

Plus, it’s time for the Tuesday Draft as the crew has some fun ranking the best places to drink a beer!

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04-28-26 Hour 1: We're back! Illinois football had a great weekend at the NFL Draft; Chicago Bears Draft Grades; Recap of The Oskees at State Farm Center

We’re back with a packed hour, highlighted by a strong showing from Fighting Illini football at the NFL Draft over the weekend. The guys also break down draft grades for the Chicago Bears and what it all means moving forward.

Plus, a recap of The Oskees at State Farm Center. Intern Coop was on The Orange Carpet all night.

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04/24/26 Hour 2: Glenn Kinley talks Illini players prepping for NFL Draft, Illinois Marathon, and local sports; "Around the Bases" looks at MLB Headlines; Friday Toasts!

WCIA 3 Sports Director Glenn Kinley joins the show to discuss Illinois Fighting Illini players preparing for the NFL Draft, along with a look at the Illinois Marathon and other local sports storylines.

The hour also features “Around the Bases,” breaking down the latest headlines from Major League Baseball. It all wraps up with Friday Toasts!

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04/24/26 Hour 1: Jacob Infante from Pro Fooball & Sports News talks Chicago Bears & NFL Draft; Illini Headlines; "Name A Forgettable Franchise"

Jacob Infante joins the show to break down the Chicago Bears and their outlook heading into the NFL Draft, including key needs and potential targets. It's a must-listen conversation!

The hour also features the latest Illini headlines, keeping you up to date on what’s happening around campus. Plus, the crew has some fun with “Name A Forgettable Franchise,” sparking plenty of debate and throwback discussion.

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04/23/26 Hour 2: Illini Wrestling's Zac Braunagel talks competing in US Open Championships; more NFL Draft talk; Cubs win a walk-off; Things you CAN'T say at The Masters

Zac Braunagel from Illini wrestling joins the show to discuss competing at the US Open Championships and what the experience means for his growth on the mat.

The conversation then shifts back to more NFL Draft storylines and key updates as the event approaches.

The hour wraps up with a recap of the Chicago Cubs pulling off an exciting walk-off win and "Things you can't say at The Masters!"

04/23/26 Hour 1: Illini legend Kurt Kittner talks NFL Draft experience, Luke Altmyer, and more; Sean Hammond from Chicago Tribune talks NFL Draft & Chicago Bears

An Illini legend helps us kick off the show! Kurt Kittner joins us to share insight on his NFL Draft experience while also discussing Luke Altmyer and his development.

Later, Sean Hammond from the Chicago Tribune breaks down the latest NFL Draft storylines and what to expect from the Chicago Bears. The hour delivers a strong mix of local perspective and league-wide draft analysis.

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04/22/26 Hour 2: Brian Walton from The Cardinal Nation talks early season success of the Redbirds & the Cardinals' farm system; "From The Office of Evan Stone - NFL Draft Edition"

Brian Walton from The Cardinal Nation joins the show to break down the early season success of the Redbirds and what’s fueling their strong start. He also dives into the Cardinals’ farm system, highlighting key prospects and overall organizational depth. The conversation gives a full picture of both the present and future of St. Louis baseball.

Plus, we roll into “From The Office of Evan Stone – NFL Draft Edition,” with a full Mock Draft of the First Round. Plus our takes, storylines, and a fun spin on everything surrounding the draft.

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04/22/26 Hour 1: Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer talks Illini basketball roster for 2026-2027, who could be a breakout star, and more; Illini Headlines, Tuesday Draft Recap, and Your texts

Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joins the show to break down Illinois’ 2026–27 roster, including potential breakout candidates and key pieces to watch. We also hit the latest Illini headlines and recap Tuesday Draft with listener reactions. The hour wraps with your texts, featuring fan takes and questions on Illinois basketball.

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04/21/26 Hour 2: Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports talks Chicago Bears & NFL Draft; Tuesday Draft w/ Listener Lindy - Best Minor League Team Names

Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the show to break down the latest surrounding the Chicago Bears and preview the upcoming NFL Draft.

The hour also features a fun Tuesday Draft with listener Lindy, as the guys make their picks for the best Minor League Baseball team names.

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04/21/26 Hour 1: Jeff Jones from the Bellville News-Democrat talks Cardinals early season success; Dave Wishnowsky on Illini basketball offseason; Illini Headlines

Jeff Jones from the Belleville News-Democrat joins the show to break down the early-season success of the Cardinals and what’s fueling their strong start.

Dave Wishnowsky also stops by to discuss the latest developments in the Illini basketball offseason and what it means for the program moving forward. The hour wraps up with a look at the latest Illini headlines.

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04/20/26 Hour 2: How the NL Central became the hottest division in baseball; Headlines from NBA Playoffs, NHL Playoffs, and NFL Draft; Score Kylie Morgan Tix

Hour 2 dives into how the National League Central has emerged as one of baseball’s most competitive divisions early in the season. The show also hits key headlines from the NBA Playoffs, Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the upcoming NFL Draft.

Plus, listeners get a chance to win tickets to see Kylie Morgan live at The City Center in Champaign!

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04/20/26 Hour 1: Quentin Coleman officially commits to Illini basketball; Brandon Lee to the Transfer Portal - is the roster set?; Evan "Stone Cold" Dominates Wrestlemania Predictions

Quentin Coleman officially commits to the Illini and Brandon Lee has entered the Transfer Portal, sparking the question of whether the roster is now fully set heading into next season? The text line lights up.

Meanwhile, Evan "Stone Cold" steals the spotlight by dominating the show’s WrestleMania prediction contest with an impressive performance.

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04/17/26 Hour 2: Sunny Verma from Locked On Illini talks Andrej Stojakovic's return & incoming Freshman Class; Evan "Stone Cold's" Wrestlemania Predictions; Around the Bases; Friday Toasts

Sunny Verma from Locked On Illini joins the show to break down Andrej Stojakovic’s return and what to expect from Illinois’ incoming freshman class. The guys also have some fun with Evan “Stone Cold’s” WrestleMania predictions, plus another edition of Around the Bases. And as always, they wrap things up with Friday Toasts.

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04/17/26 Hour 1: Andrej Stojakovic is BACK with the Illini. Brad Sturdy joins us to break down the news, Zavier Zens joining Illinois, and more.

Big news for Illinois basketball as Andrej Stojakovic is officially back with the Illini, giving the roster a major boost heading into next season. Brad Sturdy joins the show to break down what Stojakovic’s return means, along with insight on newcomer Zavier Zens and how he fits into the program. Plus, more reaction and analysis on what this all means for Illinois moving forward.

04/16/26 Hour 2: Tristan Thomas talks returning Illini players, their impact, Ty Rodger's legacy as a Culture Guy, and Illinois Spring Football; NFL Draft talk; Etched in Stone

Tristan Thomas joined the show to break down the returning Illini players and the impact they’ll have heading into next season. He also reflected on Ty Rodgers’ legacy, emphasizing his role as a true “culture guy” during his time at Illinois, while touching on Illini spring football storylines.

The hour rounded out with NFL Draft discussion, what is the best fit for Luke Altmyer in the NFL, and the latest “Etched in Stone” bets.

04/16/26 Hour 1: The Ivisic Twins & Jake Davis are BACK with the Illini; Recap of Brad Underwood's Kickin' Cancer event; Ty Rodgers enters the Transfer Portal

Big news for Illinois as the Ivisic twins and Jake Davis are officially returning, giving Brad Underwood a strong core heading into next season. The announcement came last night at Underwood’s “Kickin’ Cancer” event. The trio join a returning David Mirkovic, but what will Andrej Stojakovic do? How could John Blackwell fit into the equation? 

Meanwhile, Ty Rodgers has entered the transfer portal, adding an interesting wrinkle to the Illini’s offseason outlook. We break it all down this hour.

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04/15/26 Hour 2: Carson Gourdie previews Brad Underwood's "Coaches vs Cancer" Event and gives us football recruitment nuggets; More on David Mirkovic returning to Illinois

Carson Gourdie joined the show to preview Brad Underwood’s “Coaches vs. Cancer” event, highlighting its importance to the community and the continued support from the Illinois basketball program. Gourdie also shared the latest football recruiting nuggets, offering insight into prospects and the direction of the Illini’s future roster.

The hour also features additional discussion on David Mirkovic’s return to Illinois and how his presence strengthens the team heading into the 2026 season.

04/15/26 Hour 1: David Mirkovic is BACK with the Illini; Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports discusses the breaking news; The Providence Journal's Bill Koch talks Stefan Vaaks to Illinois

llinois basketball got a major boost as David Mirkovic announced his return to Champaign, adding experience and stability to the Illini frontcourt for the 2026 season. Brian Teague of Chicago State of Mind Sports joined the show to discuss the impact of the news and how it strengthens Illinois’ outlook in the Big Ten.

The hour also featured Bill Koch of The Providence Journal, who broke down transfer Stefan Vaaks and what his skill set and Big East experience will bring to the Illini.

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