The Drive on ESPN 93.5

10/08/25 Hour 1: Illinois vs Ohio State biggest game in school history?; Marching Illini to Macy's Thanksgiving Parade; WCIA's Tristan Thomas; Kurtis' CURVEBALLS

Is this Saturday's game against the #1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes the biggest in Illinois football history? It very well could be.

Plus, shoutout to the Marching Illini! They'll be participating in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Is it too early to talk turkey?

WCIA 3's Tristan Thomas joins us for more Illini talk and a preview of all the local high school games.

And another one of Kurtis' CURVEBALLS!

10/07/25 Hour 2: Illini Hall of Fame inductee and Cardinals great Scott Spiezio joins the show

Scott Spiezio can now add "Hall of Fame Inductee" to his resume. He talks with Kurtis & Evan about his career, his struggles, finding sobriety, and what the Illini Hall of Fame means to him. This is one fantastic conversation!

 

10/07/25 Hour 1: Illini meet with press ahead of OSU game; Cubs down 2-0 to Brewers; Kurtis' Curveballs

The Illini Football team met with the media today ahead of the Hall of Fame game against Ohio State. Hear from Ashton Collins, Ca'lil Valentine, and David Olano.

Plus the Cubs are down but not out with the Brewers. Can they get back into their NLDS series? 

And Kurtis throws a giant Curveball at Evan!

10/06/25 Hour 2: Cubs vs Brewers game 2; Kurtis' Curveballs ft. Dolphins; NFL talk, Famous Bo's; Illini tix

The Brewers crushed the Cubs in game 1 of the NLDS. Can the Cubs bounce back tonight in Game 2? 

Kurtis' Curveballs: dolphins are officially the smartest "nonhuman" animal on the planet.

Who are the most famous Bo's you know?

And would you like some tickets for Saturday's Illini game? You know you do!

10/06/25 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour! We talk Illini's win over Purdue, OSU coming to town, Big Noon Kickoff, and more

He's back and he's hyped! The great J Leman is back in studio!

We break down the Illini's road win over Purdue on Saturday. Plus a preview of the Ohio State Buckeyes coming to town, another Big Noon Kickoff, and J's predictions.

 

10/03/25 Hour 2: Illini vs Purdue predictions and why Taylor Swift matters to the game; Big Ten Predictions; Our Friday Toasts

WE WANT THAT CANNON!

The Illini take on Purdue tomorrow. We give our predictions and yours from the text line. Plus, a trip around the Big Ten (plus 2) for tomorrow's games.

And it wouldn't be a Friday without our toasts!

10/03/25 Hour 1: Kyle Tausk talks Brad Underwood's presser & Illini hoops; Preview Cubs vs Brewers Game 1; Kurtis' Curveballs

Illini coach Brad Underwood met with the media today and had plenty of interesting nuggets. We talk with our guy Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer about his takeaways.

Plus, the Cubs have a date with the Brewers in the NLDS. We preview the game and discuss the potential Game 1 pitching matchups.

And have you ever been thrown out of a game? Turns out A LOT of people have and we share the numbers in today's "Kurtis' Curveballs!"

10/02/25 Hour 2: Ravi Lulla of Hurrdat Sports Talks Big Ten Football; "Etched in Stone" Bets; Cubs chase Darvish

Our guy Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports takes us around the Big Ten slate of football for this weekend. 

WE NEED SOME MONEY! Check out this week's "Etched in Stone" bets with Evan.

The Cubs chased Yu Darvish after 1 inning, but can they win game 3 against the Padres?

And what horror movie is Kurtis watching today?

10/02/25 Hour 1: Bret Bielema Press Conference Ahead of Purdue; Cubs vs Padres Game 3; Kurtis' Curveballs

Illini head coach Bret Bielema talked to the press today ahead of the Illini's showdown with Purdue. Coach B got emotional talking about a couple of his players.

Plus, the Cubs and Padres are tied at 1 game apiece. 

And how does Tom Brady avoid a sunburn? Find out with Kurtis' Curveballs!

10/01/25 Hour 2: Kurtis' CURVEBALLS; Breaking Big Ten News; Tristan Thomas previews the local high school games; Spooky Season is here!

What are the least respected professions in the United States? Find out with today's edition of "Kurtis' Curveballs."

Breaking Big Ten news that could prevent a Super Conference. We'll discuss with WCIA 3's Tristan Thomas and get a preview of the local high school games.

And it's Spooky Season! Kurtis & some texters school Evan on what he should be watching this month.

10/01/25 Hour 1: Illini vs Purdue w/ Jimmy Sobeski; Cubs & MLB Playoffs; Barry Lunney's next coaching job

We want the cannon!

It's Illinois vs Purdue week and Jimmy Sobeski joins the show to give us the Boilermakers perspective of the game. Is this a trap game?

Plus, will Illini OC Barry Lunney stick around after this year? Where would he be a good fit as a head coach in 2026?

And the Cubs & Padres are tied in the MLB playoffs.

09/30/25 Hour 2: Illini vs Purdue preview; Altmyer & DeVito; The Debut of "Kurtis' Curveballs," and our WORST sports injuries

The Illini open as 9.5 point favorites against Purdue this weekend. We look at a few more numbers and compare Altmyer vs DeVito. 

Plus, the debut of "Kurtis' Curveballs" and we read your texts about the WORST sports injuries we've ever had.

09/30/25 Hour 1: Bret Bielema Interview; Cardinals say goodbye to Mo & hello to Chaim; Cubs vs Padres

Illini football head coach Bret Bielema joined ESPN 93.5 today to talk about the huge win over USC, Purdue this weekend, and plenty more!

Plus, Cardinals fans say goodbye to Mo and welcome Chaim Bloom. We open up the text line to let Redbird fans voice their feelings on this season and the future of the team.

And the Cubs beat the Padres in Game 1 of the Wild Card round.

09/29/25 Hour 2: Da Bears Block Out the Raiders; Cubs Sweep Cardinals; MLB Postseason Predictions

The Bears snuck out a W against the Raiders in Vegas in an ugly game. Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson go into the bye at 2-2 before a Monday Night showdown with Washington.

Plus, the Cubs wrap up the regular season by sweeping the Cardinals. Is Chicago primed for a postseason run? We have some MLB Postseason Predictions this hour on The Drive!

09/29/25 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour; Illini Defeat USC on Homecoming!

It wasn't a dream! David Olano kicked the game winner on Saturday and The great J Leman joins us to break down the Illini's historic victory over the USC Trojans.

Plus, why J thinks Purdue could be a trap game for Illinois. 

09/25/25 The Drive Live From Pia's in Champaign!

We kicked off the Illini homecoming festivities at Pia's in Champaign! Big thanks to Illini great Kevin Mitchell for stopping by and to the whole crew at Pia's for having us. 

09/24/25 Hour 2: Robert Rosenthal in-studio; Tristan Thomas w/ a Friday Football Fever Preview; Your Texts

The man behind IlliniBoard.com Robert Rosenthal joins us in-studio to talk about Illinois vs USC, his awful experience in Bloomington during the Indiana game, and taking things one game at a time.

Plus WCIA 3's Tristan Thomas is back with a preview of the local high school games in Central Illinois.

09/24/25 Hour 1: Countdown to Illini vs USC; Big Ten Weekend Games; Caleb Williams Offensive Player of the Week

We're one day closer to Homecoming for the Illini. We'll dive into the latest roster news for both teams.

Plus a breakdown of the other Big Ten games happening this weekend and Caleb Williams was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week! Can he repeat against a 1-2 Raiders team on Sunday?

09/23/25 Hour 2: MLB postseason picture for Cubs, Cardinals, and Reds; MLB Robot Umpires; Illini vs USC

We dive into the MLB postseason picture. Find out why Evan hopes the Reds get to the World Series!

Plus, MLB has approved "robot umpires" for next year.

What are the worst losses you've experienced as a fan? 

Also, why it's time for Illini fans to move on from the Indiana game and focus solely on USC.

09/23/25 Hour 1: Illini OL Coach Bart Miller addresses media; Dan Wetzel's article; Cubs concerns?

Illinois O-Line coach Bart Miller addressed the media today. What are his concerns going forward and what does he hope to accomplish against USC?

Plus, ESPN's Dan Wetzel wrote an article stating "Indiana has yet to beat anyone" and that upset a few Illini fans. The guys react and read your texts.

Plus, is there any concern that the Cubs haven't won a game since clinching a playoff spot?