
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 11, 2026
May 11, 2026
55 min
Rick Horton joins the show to break down the Cardinals’ season, including what’s gone right lately and where the team still needs to improve as the summer approaches.
Pierre Noujaim from Fox 9 Minneapolis also stops by to discuss the Timberwolves evening up their playoff series with the Spurs and what changed after Game 3.
Plus, the latest Illini headlines, including updates from Illinois football and basketball.

May 8, 2026
May 8, 2026
53 min
Steve Greenberg from the Chicago Sun-Times joined the show to discuss the red-hot Chicago Cubs and what’s fueling their incredible winning streak.
Later, Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports broke down the Big Ten Conference football offseason, debating which programs made the biggest moves and who came out on top heading into 2026.
The hour wrapped up with the crew’s weekly Friday Toasts, celebrating the best moments from the week in sports and beyond.

May 8, 2026
May 8, 2026
55 min
Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joined the show to break down a busy offseason for Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball, including the latest on roster movement and high school recruiting targets.
The guys also discussed the impact of Friday night games on Illinois Fighting Illini football and what it means for fans and national exposure.
Plus, a full preview of Game 3 between the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs, including key matchups and what Minnesota needs to do to regain control of the series.

May 7, 2026

May 7, 2026

May 6, 2026
May 6, 2026
52 min
Hour 2 centers on Ayo Dosunmu returning for the Timberwolves matchup against the Spurs, adding a big boost to Minnesota’s lineup. The guys also dive into rumors that the Chicago Bears are favorites to land David Njoku, and wrap things up by sharing stories and listener reactions about the best sporting events they’ve ever seen in person.

May 5, 2026
May 5, 2026
51 min
The Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James debate heats up ahead of the Lakers vs. Thunder matchup as listeners flood the show with passionate and heated texts defending both NBA legends.
Plus, the Tuesday Draft returns with the crew picking the best fictional moms from TV, movies, and pop culture.

May 5, 2026
May 5, 2026
54 min
We discuss the return of Tom Michael to the University of Illinois as the new Deputy Director of Athletics and what it means for Illini athletics moving forward.
Chris Hine from the Minnesota Star Tribune retutns to the show to break down the Minnesota Timberwolves stealing Game 1 from the Spurs, plus Terrence Shannon Jr.’s confidence after saying he plans to dunk on Victor Wembanyama.
We also recap big wins for both the Cardinals and Cubs as both teams continue strong starts to the season.

May 4, 2026
May 4, 2026
52 min
Hour 2 featured Chris Block breaking down Golden Tempo’s victory in the Kentucky Derby and explaining why he believed the horse had a real chance to win heading into the race.
Later, Jeff Jones joined the show to discuss the recent play of the St. Louis Cardinals and preview their upcoming series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The hour also included a fun conversation debating whether adults still wear sports jerseys and which ones are acceptable to own.

May 4, 2026
May 4, 2026
54 min
Hour 1 recapped a huge weekend for Illinois Fighting Illini sports, highlighting some of the biggest performances and storylines from across the university. The Men's Golf team prepares for the NCAA Tournament, Tennis advances in the Super Regional, baseball prepares to wrap up the season, softball finishes theirs, and track & field prepare for the regular season finale.
The show also handed out one-month report card grades for the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs, breaking down what’s gone right — and wrong — through the first month of the MLB season.
Plus, Evan Stone shared his thoughts on all things Star Wars in a fun conversation about the legendary franchise and "May The Fourth Be With You."

May 1, 2026
May 1, 2026
49 min
Hour 2 featured Carson Gourdie breaking down Bret Bielema’s latest press conference and why Illinois freshmen could see significant playing time this season. The guys also continued the discussion surrounding Andrej Stojaković and what his NBA Draft decision means moving forward. Don't worry - he's most likely coming back.
Later, the crew made their picks for the Kentucky Derby before wrapping up the week with another edition of Friday Toasts!

May 1, 2026
May 1, 2026
1hr 3 min
Hour 1 features Michael Rand from the Minneapolis Star Tribune breaking down Terrence Shannon Jr.’s huge performance for the Timberwolves in their win over the Denver Nuggets. The guys discussed what Shannon’s breakout night means moving forward for the T-Wolves in the NBA Playoffs and why Illini fans should be excited about his NBA future.
Later, horse racing expert Chris Block stopped by with everything listeners need to know ahead of the Kentucky Derby, including top storylines, contenders, and betting insight for one of racing’s biggest weekends.

Apr 30, 2026
Apr 30, 2026
50 min
Hour 2 dives into how the Chicago Bears performed in the 2026 NFL Draft, now that we're one week removed.
The guys also get into the impact that Illini great Ayo Dosunmu has had on the Minnesota Timberwolves during their playoff push, talk the GOAT debate between LeBron James and Michael Jordan, and talk about the new additions to the Illini Hall of Fame!

Apr 30, 2026
Apr 30, 2026
54 min
Hour 1 featured a conversation with Pierre Noujaim from FOX 9 Minneapolis, who discussed Ayo Dosunmu’s impact with the Minnesota Timberwolves during the NBA Playoffs and what his continued development means moving forward. The show also highlighted the newly announced Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026, recognizing some of the top names and achievements in Illini sports history.

Apr 29, 2026
Apr 29, 2026
36 min
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!

Apr 29, 2026
Apr 29, 2026
54 min
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.

Apr 28, 2026
Apr 28, 2026
36 min
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!

Apr 28, 2026
Apr 28, 2026
54 min
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.

Apr 24, 2026
Apr 24, 2026
52 min
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!
