The Drive on ESPN 93.5

01/19/26 Hour 2: Bears lose to the Rams - what's next?, NFL Playoffs, Bills fire Sean McDermott & other NFL Coaching moves, Etched in Stone - National Title Edition

The Chicago Bears magical season came to an end last night with a 20-17 overtime loss against the Rams. Where do they go from here? We recap the game and look at the free agent list. Plus, Eric Bienemy is leaving the Bears and returning to the Chiefs for their Offensive Coordinator position. 

The Bills have fired Sean McDermott. Is he immediately the most sought-after free agent coach? We dig into the latest coaching carousel.

Evan has a College Football National Championship "Etched in Stone" bet that might shock you.

And we announce the next category in our Tuesday Drafts.

01/19/26 Hour 1: J Leman joins us to preview the National Championship Game, Bret Bielema joins ESPN 93.5 to talk about recruitment, recap Illini basketball's win over Minnesota

The All-American J Leman joins us on the Dick Van Dyke Appliance phone line to preview the National Championship Game between Indiana vs Miami. Plus, J gives his thoughts on Illinois football recruitment and much more.

Speaking of recruitment, Illinois Head Coach Bret Bielema joined ESPN 93.5 today to discuss his recruitment class and all things college football. Coach Bielema let listeners know that he's nowhere near done building the 2026 roster.

And we recap the Illini men's basketball team's home win over Minnesota. Big Z was the hero this time.

01/16/26 Hour 2: Carson Gourdie talks Illini vs Gophers & football transfer portal, Etched in Stone, NFL Playoff Predictions, Friday Toasts

Our guy Carson Gourdie from WICS-TV and Fox Illinois joins us to preview Illinois vs Minnesota. Carson has great insight and statistical breakdowns as always. Plus we talk about the Illinois football transfer portal and some of the odd pictures on Carson's Facebook page.

Evan went 2-2 last night in Etched in Stone and is over .500 for 2026. Find out which basketball games he likes for tonight.

We make our predictions for the NFL Divisional round and are completely split. Who did we pick and who do you agree with?

Plus, our big Friday Toasts!

01/16/26 Hour 1: Cardinals Caravan 2026, Zack Pearson talks Bears vs Rams, Brad Underwood's Press Conference before Illinois vs Minnesota

The St. Louis Cardinals rolled into Champaign today for our annual Cardinals Caravan! This hour you'll hear from several of the stars for this year's team. Players included Michael McGreevy, Thomas Saggese, Yohel Pozo, Andre Pallante, and alumni favorite Bengie Molina!

Zack Pearson covers the Chicago Bears for BearWire on 247Sports. He's back on the show and this time we're talking Bears vs Rams in the divisional round of the playoffs. How does Zack think the Bears can win this game?

The Illini Men's Basketball team takes on Minnesota tomorrow and head coach Brad Underwood met with the media earlier today. Underwood addresses the health of David Mirkovic, Keaton Wagler, and the infamous hook & hold call from the Northwestern game.

01/16/25 Hour 2: Evan explains why "overpaying a NFL Quarterback won't win you a Super Bowl," Sean Payton was mean to a reporter, Bears vs Rams, Etched in Stone

Can you guess how many Super Bowls the Top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL have won? The number might surprise you. Evan has done the research and explains why overpaying a QB won't win a championship.

Sean Payton did not like a reporter's question about Dre Greenlaw's return and made that very clear. Was he out of line? Have a listen and judge for yourself.

We take a look at the Bears vs Rams injury report, and if the weather makes a difference this Sunday night.

Plus FOUR bets from Evan in "Etched in Stone."

01/15/26 Hour 1: Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer discusses Illinois' win over Northwestern, Keaton Wagler and more

The #13 Illini men's team landed another win last night, this time in Evanston against Northwestern, 79-68. Keaton Wagler led the Illini once again with 22 points, and Tomislav Ivisic also added 21 points and 7 rebounds.

Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joins us to talk about the win, preview the upcoming game with Minnesota, thoughts on Keaton Wagler's back spasms, and more.

01/14/26 Hour 2: Dante Moore returns to Oregon; Does history show he made the right decision? NFL Draft talk, Illini scoreboard banter, Illini vs NWU Predictions

Dante Moore will NOT be the #1 pick in this year's NFL Draft. The Oregon Ducks starting quarterback announced today he's returning for another year. How does his decision stack up with Top Pick athletes that have made similar decisions? Kurtis crunched some numbers and it sparked a great conversation. How does Moore's decision affect the NFL Draft for this year? 

Gies Memorial Stadium is about to have the biggest scoreboard in all of College Football. What are some other renovations that could be made? What are improvements that YOU want to see?

And give our score predictions for tonight's Illinois vs Northwestern game.

01/14/26 Hour 1: Illini vs Northwestern Preview, Illinois Gymnastics Head Coach Josh Nilson, Diane Ducey talks Cardinals Caravan

The in-state rivalry continues tonight in Evanston between the Illinois men's basketball team and Northwestern. We preview the game before tipoff.

Illini gymnastics has a huge meet this Friday night at Huff Hall against Penn State. We chat with head coach Josh Nilson about the meet, and the importance of the community's support.

Cardinals fans can join us this Friday at the Hilton Garden Inn Conference Center for the "Cardinals Caravan." The event features Chip Caray, players Michael McGreevy, Thomas Saggese, Yohel Pozo, and Andre Pallante. Plus alumni favorites Brad Thompson and Bengie Molina. Diane Ducey joins us to talk about the event and how you can be a part of it.

01/13/26 Hour 2: Tristan Thomas from WCIA-3 discusses new Scoreboard at Gies Memorial Stadium, Illini basketball vs Northwestern, and our Tuesday Draft - Celebrity Crushes

Our guy Tristan Thomas from WCIA-3 joins us for almost a full hour and we cover a lot! First, Illinois football unveiled a new state-of-the-art scoreboard that will be the BIGGEST in College Football. We discuss the new renovations to Gies Memorial Stadium.

Also, Illini basketball is cruising through the new year. Tristan discusses Brad Underwood's presser before tomorrow night's game against Northwestern. Plus, is there another player besides Keaton Wagler that could be a one-and-done from this year's roster?

And its Tuesday Draft Day! Today's top: Our Celebrity Crushes. The rules also require one Man-Crush. Who wins? Vote on the socials @thedrive935 on Twitter, Instagram, and on the ESPN 93.5 Facebook page.

01/13/26 Hour 1: Mike Tomlin is OUT with the Steelers, Cardinals trade Nolan Arenado, Etched in Stone

Breaking news: The Steelers and Mike Tomlin have parted ways after 19 years. Where will he go next and who will be the Steelers 4th Head Coach in franchise history? How about Curt Cignetti?

Another Cardinals star is on the move. St. Louis traded Nolan Arenado to the Arizona Diamondbacks for right handed pitcher Jack Martinez. Jeremiah Cox covers the Redbirds and joins us to discuss the move.

Plus, Etched in Stone is on fire! Get tonight's bet from Evan.

01/12/26 Hour 2: Ravi Lulla talks National Championship Game, NFL Wildcard Update, Texans vs Steelers, Tuesday Draft Category

The National Championship game is set and we know Indiana will take on Miami. Our friend Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports joins us to discuss the latest.

We recap an insane NFL Wildcard Weekend and preview the Steelers vs Texans.

It's Kurtis' week to pick a Tuesday Draft category and he says Evan will have to "bare his soul" this week. What did he choose?

01/12/26 Hour 1: Illini Men's and Women's basketball teams get road wins, Chris Kwiezinski talks Bears comeback over Packers, Cubs sign Bregman

The Illini men's and women's basketball teams scored big wins on Sunday. The men held off an Iowa comeback yesterday at Carver Arena for a 75-69 and are now the 13th ranked team in the country. Keaton Wagler led all scorers with 19 points, while Kylan Boswell and Adrej Stojakovic each added 17. 

For the 4th straight season under Shauna Green, the Illini women's team is nationally ranked. The Illini are now number 25 in the country after a 92-76 on the road over Penn State. Berry Wallace dropped 28 and Maddie Webber added 26 points, including 5 three-pointers, to lead the way.

We break down both games.

The Bears finally slayed The Packers! Chis Kwiecinzki of Fox32 in Chicago chats with us about the Bears biggest comeback of the year!

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!