The Drive on ESPN 93.5

03-09-26 Hour 1: Illini beat Maryland; NFL Free Agency BIG MOVES

The Illini head home from College Park with a tough win over Maryland, on to the Big Ten Tournament. Free Agency kicks off with TONS of money flying around...

03/06/26 Hour 2: Glenn Kinley from WCIA-3 talks Shauna Green's impact on Illini basketball, Big Ten Tournament, and local high school hoops; Etched in Stone, Friday Toasts

WCIA 3's Sports Director Glenn Kinley joins the show to discuss the impact that Shauna Green has had on Illini women’s basketball. He also shared insight on the Big Ten Tournament and the excitement surrounding local high school hoops.

Later in the hour, the crew runs another round of Etched in Stone.

We wrap up the week with our Friday Toasts! Cheers!

03/06/26 Hour 1: Tribute to listener Anonymous Randy, Dr. Daniel Thomspon calls in from the Women's Big Ten Tournament, Carson Gourdie talks all things Illini

We start the show with a tribute to longtime listener Anonymous Randy.

Then, Dr. Daniel Thompson called in from the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament to share the latest on the Illini and the atmosphere at the event.

Later in the hour, Carson Gourdie joined the show to talk all things Illinois athletics. The crew wrapped up the segment with more Illini discussion and reactions.

 

 

 

03/05/26 Hour 2: What's more important for Illini Basketball in the post season: 3-point percentage or limiting turnovers?, Evan & Coop learn about Snipe Hunts, Etched in Stone

The guys debated what will matter more for Illinois basketball in the postseason: knocking down three-pointers or limiting costly turnovers. The conversation looked at how each factor could impact the Illini’s chances of making a deep tournament run. Also, how did this debate lead to our first On-Air Injury?!

Evan and Coop also learned about the legendary “snipe hunt,” leading to some BIG laughs  from listeners. 

The hour wrapped up with another edition of Etched in Stone.

03/05/26 Hour 1: Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports talks Bears trading DJ Moore to Bills, Bret Bielema & Illini Football Coaches presser, and Illini Women in the Big Ten Tournament

It was a BUSY news day. Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joined the show to discuss the Chicago Bears trading wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills and what the move could mean for the franchise moving forward.

The guys also reacted to Bret Bielema and the Illinois football coaching staff speaking to the media and what stood out from the latest presser. Attention then turned to Illinois women’s basketball as they compete in the Big Ten Tournament. Shauna Green's squad beat Wisconsin last night and play Michigan State tonight in Indianapolis.

Plus all of the other Illini Headlines!

03/04/26 Hour 2: Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer breaks down Illinois cruising past Oregon & previews the Maryland game, Etched in Stone, and Best Jersey Draft Winner

Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer breaks down how Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball cruised past Oregon Ducks and what clicked for Andrej Stojakovic in the dominant performance. He also previews Illinois’ upcoming matchup against the Maryland Terrapins and the Big Ten Tournament.

Evan dives into another edition of Etched in Stone with the latest betting angles and insights. Plus, we reveal the winner of the Best Jersey Draft and debate whether the right pick took home the title. 

03/04/26 Hour 1: Brad Sturdy from Illini Guys talks Illinois' dominant win over Oregon & football landing CB Justin Johnson, Illini Headlines, Lou Holtz passes away

Brad Sturdy from Illini Guys breaks down Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball’s dominant win over the Oregon Ducks and what it means moving forward. He also discusses Illinois football landing cornerback Justin Johnson and the impact he could make on the program.

We hit the latest Illini Headlines from around campus.

Plus, we reflect on the life and legacy of legendary coach Lou Holtz following news of his passing.

03/03/26 Hour 2: Chris Kwiecinski of Fox32 Chicago talks Drew Dalman retiring & impact on Bears, Tuesday Draft - Best Sports Jerseys, Illinois vs Oregon score predictions

Chris Kwiecinski of Fox 32 Chicago joins the show to break down Drew Dalman’s retirement and what it means for the Chicago Bears moving forward. The conversation focuses on how the Bears adjust along the offensive line and what this signals about their offseason plans.

Later, it’s Tuesday Draft time with the crew selecting the best sports jerseys of all time. What jersey did Evan draft that upset Kurtis?

The hour wraps with score predictions for Illinois vs. Oregon as the Illini host the Ducks for Senior Night.

03/03/26 Hour 1: Tristan Thomas previews Illini vs Oregon, Dr. Daniel Thompson talks Illini Women's Basketball & Big Ten Tournament, Drew Dalman tells Chicago Bears he's retiring

Tristan Thomas previews Senior Night as the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball get set to host the Oregon Ducks at State Farm Center.

Dr. Daniel Thompson joins the show to discuss the momentum of Illini Women’s Basketball and what to expect in the upcoming Big Ten Conference Tournament.

The hour also covers the major NFL news of center Drew Dalman informing the Chicago Bears that he plans to retire. It’s a packed first hour with postseason implications on the court and a big roster development in the NFL.

03/02/26 HOUR 2: "From The Office of Evan Stone - getting the Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl," Cardinals offer perks for fans this year

“From the Office of Evan Stone” lays out a blueprint for getting the Chicago Bears back to the Super Bowl and what it will take to make that dream a reality. The segment breaks down roster moves, the draft, and the path through the NFC. Plus, we give you one of our best original songs ever.

We dive into the latest updates surrounding the St. Louis Cardinals as they unveil new perks and incentives for fans this season. It’s a mix of football ambition and baseball buzz in Hour 2.

 

 

 

03/02/26 HOUR 1: Doug Bucshon from Orange and Blue News talks Illini's loss to Michigan, Illini Headlines

Doug Bucshon from Orange and Blue News joins the show to break down Illinois’ loss to Michigan Wolverines and what went wrong down the stretch. He shares his biggest takeaways from the game and how the team can respond moving forward. The conversation also looks at key performances, coaching decisions, and areas Illinois must improve. Plus, we cover today’s Illini Headlines and the latest news surrounding the program.

 

 

02/27/26 Hour 2: Rob Connolly of Finlete Sports talks Cardinals & Investments, Isaac Ambrose on Illini vs Wolverines, Score Predictions

Rob Connolly of Finlete Sports joins the show to talk Cardinals baseball and explains how you can invest in a player's future MLB earnings. It's a fascinating conversation about the state of Sports Betting in 2026.

Isaac Ambrose from The Champaign Room surprises us with a call about the Illini vs. Michigan and the biggest matchups to watch.

We wrap it up with score predictions and our Friday Toasts! Cheers!

02/27/26 Hour 1: Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer Previews Illinois vs Michigan and his "Rivalry" with Rapheal Davis, Illini Headlines

Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer previews Illinois vs. Michigan Wolverines and breaks down the keys for the Illini to get a big rivalry win. He also shares insight on his ongoing “rivalry” with Rapheal Davis and how it adds extra fun to Big Ten matchups.

Plus, we cover the latest Illini Headlines, including roster updates. 

 

 

 

02/26/26 Hour 2: Rapheal Davis vs Illini Fans and the Illinois vs Michigan Rivalry, Orange Krush President Kale Rauman, Draft Day - Best "M" Things

Rapheal Davis from Big Ten Network calls the show and addresses his recent Twitter spat with Illinois fans. Why did Rapheal take exception with a story written by our guy "The Great" Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer? Plus, will Rapheal be in town for Illinois vs Michigan on Friday night?

Orange Krush President Kale Rauman joined the show to talk about the atmosphere at State Farm Center and how the student section prepares for big games. He also shared what makes this rivalry so special from a fan perspective and how the energy can impact the team.

Plus, we wrapped things up with Draft Day, selecting the best “M” things of all time. Vote for the winner on our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook page, or text 217-359-2255.

02/26/26 Hour 1: Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports talks Illini at the NFL Combine, Champaign Central Head Football Coach Matt Leskis talks IHSA Rule Changes, Illini Headlines

Brian Teague of Chicago State of Mind Sports calls in with an update on which Illinois players are making the biggest impressions at the NFL Combine and what it means for their draft stock. Can Gabe Jacas work his way into the First Round? What is Luke Altmyer doing that has impressed coaches? And how bout JC Davis' improvement from the Senior Bowl? Brian also discusses the Chicago Bears potential move to Arlington Heights.

Champaign Central head football coach Matt Leskis joined the show to discuss the latest IHSA football rule changes and how they could impact teams across the state.

Plus, we covered the day’s top Illini Headlines and what fans should be watching moving forward.

02/25/26 Hour 2: Carson Bounds of Orange & Blue News on Illinois vs Michigan, Cardinals early season rankings, Illini at NFL Combine, and Etched in Stone

Carson Bounds from Orange and Blue News joins the show to preview the huge game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan Wolverines on Friday night. Carson, a former member of the Orange Krush, talks about some of the criticisms the student section has faced this year. We also chat about Altmyer, Jacas, and Davis at the NFL Combine & plenty more.

We also discuss where the St. Louis Cardinals are landing in early season rankings and what to expect heading into the year. And we wrap things up with Etched in Stone and our best bets.

02/25/26 Hour 1: Dave Wischnowsky talks Illini loss to UCLA & previews Illinois vs Michigan, Illini Headlines, and Kurtis' Curveballs

Dave Wischnowsky breaks down what went wrong in Illinois’ loss to the UCLA Bruins and what the team must clean up moving forward. He also previews a big matchup as the Illinois Fighting Illini get set to take on the Michigan Wolverines.

We hit the latest Illini Headlines, including roster updates and key storylines to watch.

Plus, Kurtis’ Curveballs brings the fun with some off-the-wall sports and pop culture questions.

02/24/26 Hour 2: Tristan Thomas from WCIA3 talks Illini vs Bruins & IHSA Wrestling State Tournament, Kurtis takes over Etched in Stone, Cooper O'Kelly from The Champaign Room

Tristan Thomas from WCIA breaks down Illinois vs UCLA Bruins men's basketball and shares the highlights from the IHSA Wrestling State Finals. He highlights key matchups, postseason implications, and what to watch as the Illini continue their Big Ten push.

Kurtis then takes over Etched in Stone with his top picks and best bets. Plus, Cooper O’Kelly from The Champaign Room joins the show to fill in for Evan and discuss his biggest takeaways surrounding Illinois athletics.

02/24/26 Hour 1: Carson Gourdie from Fox Illinois & WICS talks Illini's loss to UCLA, Illini Headlines, Kurtis' Beer-related Curveballs

Carson Gourdie from Fox Illinois and WICS breaks down what went wrong in Illinois’ loss to UCLA Bruins men's basketball, including late-game execution and defensive lapses. He also shares his biggest takeaways moving forward as the Illini look to regroup during the stretch run.

Plus, we run through today’s Illini Headlines with updates across basketball and baseball.

Kurtis wraps things up with some beer-related Curveballs.

02/20/26 Hour 2: Tim Sinclair talks his career & Illini history, Bob McCoppin of the Chicago Tribune talks Bears moving to Indiana, Illini vs Bruins score predictions, and Etched in Stone

PA announcer Tim Sinclair joins the show to reflect on his broadcasting career and share some of his favorite moments in Illini history.

Bob McCoppin of the Chicago Tribune breaks down the latest on the Chicago Bears and the possibility of a move to Indiana.

We also give our score predictions for Illinois vs. the Bruins and highlight the key matchups that could decide it. Plus, we wrap it up with another edition of Etched in Stone and our Friday Toasts.