
The Drive is your daily Illini sports podcast from ESPN 93.5. Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone cover Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball, Illinois Fighting Illini football, the Chicago Bears, Cardinals, Cubs and the biggest sports stories in Champaign-Urbana with interviews, analysis, and a lot of laughs. New episodes every weekday. 🎙️
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Episodes

May 7, 2024
May 7, 2024
54 min
Derek and Kyle discuss some Illini basketball scheduling news as they reportedly are set to play Duke at Madison Square Garden in 2024. The guys talk about what else could be in store for the Illini's future schedule, including whether or not they should play at the United Center or the Maui Invitational.

May 6, 2024
May 6, 2024
53 min
Jeff Jones from the Belleville News Democrat joins the show to share his insight on what's went wrong for the Cardinals to begin the season. Lon and Derek air out their Cardinals complaints. Later, the guys discuss if we're overlooking Morez Johnson's impact in 2024-25 too much.

May 6, 2024
May 6, 2024
54 min
Lon and Derek discuss the Illini landing a commitment from Croatian big man Tomislav Ivisic and what he'll bring to the Illini. Later, the guys share their thoughts on how the Illini frontcourt has shaped up with all of the offseason additions.

May 3, 2024
May 3, 2024
50 min
Derek shares his thoughts on an international big man Illinois is seemingly close to adding to its roster and what he brings to the Illini. Later, Derek and Kyle hit on some of the biggest portal names still available and if they should be on Illini fans' radars.

May 3, 2024
May 3, 2024
54 min
Derek and Kyle talk a little baseball amid the Cubs bullpen blowing yet another late lead. Later, the guys discuss Coleman Hawkins' public comments to Jeff Goodman regarding his decision to enter the transfer portal.

May 2, 2024
May 2, 2024
53 min
Lon and Derek continue discussing a variety of topics. Later, Chris Block from Chris Block Racing Stables, Inc. joins the show for an in-depth breakdown of Saturday's Kentucky Derby field.

May 2, 2024
May 2, 2024
54 min
Lon is back in studio after his time off and the guys pick his brain on everything he's missed, including the Cardinals, the Illini's portal pursuits, the NFL Draft and more.

May 1, 2024
May 1, 2024
53 min
Derek and Kyle discuss Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins entering the transfer portal and how to feel about it. The guys talk about whether they view it as simply a leverage play or a true desire to head elsewhere for a fifth year of college basketball.

May 1, 2024
May 1, 2024
44 min
Derek and Kyle discuss another disappointing Cardinals series and what their plans could look like at the trade deadline if things stay on their current path. The guys also discuss Illinois basketball landing a commitment from Evansville transfer Ben Humrichous.

Apr 29, 2024
Apr 29, 2024
55 min
Derek and Kyle talk some baseball including Tyler O'Neill's resurgence with the Red Sox and if there's any regret there. Later, the guys hit on some more college hoops topics such as the role of scholarships in the NIL world and if Illinois would ever take Andre Curbelo back in a hypothetical situation.

Apr 29, 2024
Apr 29, 2024
50 min
Derek and Kyle discuss where guard should fall on the Illini's transfer portal priority left after the departure of Nico Moretti. Later, the guys share their level of concern about Illinois football following the transfer of 4-star prospect AJ Dennis amid an underwhelming offseason.

Apr 26, 2024
Apr 26, 2024
55 min
Derek and Kyle discuss Luke Goode's official commitment to Indiana and how Illini fans should feel about him leaving for a conference rival. Later, hear from Bears GM Ryan Poles on his first round draft haul of Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze.

Apr 26, 2024
Apr 26, 2024
54 min
Derek and Kyle discuss Caleb Williams officially being drafted number one overall to the Bears along with Rome Odunze at the ninth pick. The guys talk about whether Williams could finally be the answer for Bears at quarterback and what the future could look like for him.

Apr 25, 2024
Apr 25, 2024
41 min
Derek and Kyle discuss what Evansville transfer Ben Humrichous could bring to Illinois and why the Illini should feel good about their sell in his recruitment. Later, the guys hit on some significant transfer portal names beginning to enter the portal in its final wave before the deadline.

Apr 25, 2024
Apr 25, 2024
54 min
Derek and Kyle discuss what the Bears should do with the 9th overall pick and whether or not they think JJ McCarthy will live up to the hype in the NFL. Later, Illini Inquirer's Joey Wagner joins the show to share his thoughts on the Illini's crop of draft prospects before the NFL Draft.

Apr 24, 2024
Apr 24, 2024
53 min
Derek and Kyle discuss whether or not the player movement era in college basketball will ever be reined in again and how far it could ultimately go. Later, the guys discuss what the right way to build a college hoops roster is nowadays amid Tom Izzo and Matt Painter's reluctance to adapt to the new norm.

Apr 24, 2024
Apr 24, 2024
32 min
Derek and Kyle discuss the Caleb Williams era beginning in Chicago on the eve of the NFL Draft and Derek shares how much he's warmed up to the idea of Williams and what Year 1 could look like for him.

Apr 23, 2024
Apr 23, 2024
55 min
Lon and Derek discuss how to feel about a college basketball player transferring to a rival, as has happened multiple times this offseason. Later, hear from Orlando Antigua and Brad Underwood as they discuss Antigua's return to the staff and the Illini's portal activity.

Apr 23, 2024
Apr 23, 2024
54 min
Lon and Derek discuss Luke Goode potentially transferring to Indiana and what caused him to choose to play his final year elsewhere. Later, Aaron Leming from Bear Report joins the show to share his insight on Caleb Williams and the Bears' overall plan for the upcoming NFL Draft.

Apr 22, 2024
Apr 22, 2024
54 min
Derek and Kyle discuss what Orlando Antigua brings to the coaching staff and who could be next for Illinois in the transfer portal. The also also recap a frustrating week of baseball for their respective teams.
