The Drive on ESPN 93.5

02/20/26 Hour 1: Illinois vs UCLA Preview, Aaron Heisen of SoCal News Group & Fox Sports talks Mick Cronin's apology, Illini Headlines

Aaron Heisen of SoCal News Group and Fox Sports joins the show to preview the matchup and break down what to expect from both sides. He also discusses Mick Cronin and the recent apology that has been a major talking point around the program. We dive into key players, tempo, and the biggest matchups that could decide the game.

Plus, we wrap things up with today’s Illini Headlines and the latest news.

02/19/26 Hour 2: Brad Evans breaks down Illinois' path to a National Title, Etched in Stone

Bracket expert Brad Evans from The Athletic breaks down Illinois’ path to a potential National Championship and what the Illini need to do to make a deep March run. He discusses favorable matchups, key players, and the biggest obstacles standing in the way. The conversation also looks at how Illinois stacks up against other contenders across the country. Plus, we wrap up with Etched in Stone bets and the top picks heading into the weekend.

02/19/26 Hour 1: Illinois dominates USC with a record setting performance, Chris Kwiecinski on the Bears potential move to Indiana

Illinois basketball delivered a dominant, record-setting performance in a blowout win over USC, showcasing one of its most impressive outings of the season. The Illini offense was firing on all cylinders while the defense locked down from start to finish.

Today’s Illini Headlines also cover key takeaways from the victory and what it means moving forward in the Big Ten race.

Plus, Chris Kwiecinski from Fox 32 Chicago joins the show to discuss the Chicago Bears and the latest on their potential move to Indiana.

02/18/26 Hour 2: WCIA 3's Tristan Thomas discusses Illinois vs USC, IHSA basketball headlines, and new IHSA Football rule changes, Kurtis covers Etched in Stone, Oscars Tuesday Draft Winner

WCIA 3's Tristan Thomas breaks down the matchup between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the USC Trojans, along with the biggest Illinois High School Association basketball headlines this week. He also discusses the new IHSA football rule changes and what they could mean for teams moving forward.

Evan's out for today, so Kurtis takes a crack at Etched in Stone. Plus, we reveal the winner of the Oscars-themed Tuesday Draft..

02/18/26 Hour 1: Brian Teague of Chicago State of Mind Sports previews Illinois vs USC, Illini Headlines

Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports previews the matchup between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the USC Trojans. He breaks down key storylines, players to watch, and what each team needs to do to come away with a win. We also get Brian's thoughts on Bret Bielema's new coaching staff and more.

We also run through today’s Illini Headlines, covering the latest news and notes from around Illinois athletics. Plus, why did Kurtis’ Curveballs involve billions of hotdogs?

02/17/26 Hour 2: Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer previews Illinois vs USC, Tuesday Draft - Best Movies to Win Best Picture at the Oscars, Etched in Stone

Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer previews Illinois vs. USC and breaks down the biggest matchups to watch. We dive into what the Illini must do to control the tempo and come away with a statement win.

It’s also time for the Tuesday Draft and since the Illini went to Hollywood, so are we! We pick the best movies ever to win Best Picture at the Oscars.

Plus, we need money! Evan gives his bets to Etch in Stone.

02/17/26 Hour 1: Carson Gourdie from WICS & Fox Illinois talks Illini vs Trojans, Adam Bradford from Trojans Wire, and Jordan Thomas is the new D-Line Coach

Carson Gourdie from WICS and Fox Illinois breaks down the Illini matchup with the Trojans and what to expect on game day. Adam Bradford of Trojans Wire gives the USC perspective and key storylines heading into the showdown. We also discuss how the Trojans match up schematically against Illinois on both sides of the ball.

Plus, Jordan Thomas steps in as the new D-Line coach, rounding out Bret Bielema's 2026 staff.

02/16/26 Hour 2: Another award for Keaton Wagler, Sarah Warren's Olympic performance, Etched in Stone, Tuesday Draft Announcement

Another award rolls in for Keaton Wagler, as his standout season continues to earn well-deserved recognition. What did he win now?

We also highlight Sarah Warren and her performance on the Olympic stage, representing Team USA with pride. Why did she tell her family to NOT wear Illini orange & blue?

Plus, Evan shares his latest picks in Etched in Stone as he looks to keep the hot streak going. And don’t miss our Tuesday Draft announcement, where we reveal this week’s topic and get the debate started.

02/16/26 Hour 1: Doug Bucshon of Orange and Blue News talks Illinois beating Indiana & Tyrone Wheatley joining Bret Bielema's staff, Today's Illini Headlines, Kurtis' Curveballs from The Olympics

Doug Bucshon of Orange and Blue News joins the show to break down Illinois’ win over Indiana Hoosiers and what it means moving forward. Doug also gives his insight on the latest Illinois Football coaching hires, including Tyrone Wheatley as Running Backs coach.

We also hit Today’s Illini Headlines with the latest news surrounding Illinois Fighting Illini athletics. Kurtis brings the fun with another edition of his Curveballs, featuring some wild and surprising stories from the Olympic Games. It’s a packed show with analysis, updates, and a few laughs along the way.

 

 

 

02/13/26 Hour 2: Sunny Verma from Locked On Illini talks Illinois vs Indiana, Samuel Akem with a must-listen about Bobby Hauck's defense, Friday Toasts

Sunny Verma from Locked On Illini joins the show to break down Illinois vs. Indiana and what’s at stake in the Big Ten race.

Samuel Akem is an All-American wide receiver and played for Bobby Hauck. He delivers a must-listen conversation about Hauck’s 3-3-5 defensive philosophy and what it could mean for the Illini. The X’s and O’s take center stage as we dive into scheme, toughness, and identity.

Plus, we wrap it up with our Friday Toasts to close out the week on a high note.

02/13/26 Hour 1: Ronnie Bradford & Roger Cooper join Bret Bielema's defensive staff; Nick Rodecap talks Illinois vs Indiana basketball

Ronnie Bradford and Roger Cooper are former Defensive Coordinators for Bobby Hauck and they're the latest additions to Bret Bielema’s staff. Bielema continues to reshape his new 3-3-5 defense.

On the hardwood, Nick Rodecap from WIUX-FM and The Hoosier Network breaks down Illinois vs. Indiana and what the matchup means in the Big Ten race. It’s a busy stretch in Champaign as both football and basketball storylines continue to build momentum.

02/12/26 Hour 2: More from Bobby Hauck's press conference, Etched in Stone, and we get to know Cooper O'Kelly from The Champaign Room.

More highlights rolled in from Bobby Hauck’s press conference, where he mixed serious football talk with a few personality-filled moments.

We also dove into another edition of Etched in Stone, tossing around takes, predictions, and a little friendly debate on tonight's money lines.

And we got to know "Newphew" Cooper O'Kelly beyond the bylines, including some fun stories about his path into covering Illinois athletics. Plus, we talked about his work with The Champaign Room and why Illini fans might want to keep an eye on what he’s writing next.

02/12/26 Hour 1: Updates From Bobby Hauck Introductory Press Conference, Kaden Feagan moves from RB to TE, Carson Gourdie talks Illini basketball

Bobby Hauck’s introductory press conference highlighted his vision for Illinois’ defense and the culture he wants to build moving forward. Cooper O’Kelly shared key updates and takeaways from the event, including early reactions from players and staff.

The conversation also shifted to the current state of Illini basketball as the season reaches a critical stretch. Carson Gourdie added analysis on recent performances and what Illinois needs to improve to stay competitive in the Big Ten race.

02/11/26 Hour 2: Ravi Lulla of Hurrdat Sports talks remaining Big Ten Basketball schedule, Draft Results - Best Illini Players Post-2000

Ravi Lulla of Hurrdat Sports joins the show to break down the remaining Big Ten basketball schedule and which teams have the clearest path to a conference title. We look at key matchups that could decide the race down the stretch.

The conversation also shifts to our draft results for the best Illini players since 2000. Hear which names made the cut and where the biggest debates happened. Who wins - Kurtis, Evan, or Cooper?

02/11/26 Hour 1: Colleen Kane from the Chicago Tribune discusses Illinois' 92-90 loss to Wisconsin

Colleen Kane from the Chicago Tribune joins the show to break down Illinois’ tough 92–90 loss to Wisconsin. The narrow defeat had head coach Brad Underwood visibly frustrated as the Illini search for answers late in the season.

We discuss key moments that swung the game and what it means moving forward. Plus, some fans are beginning to question the energy and impact of the Orange Krush student section.

02/10/26 Hour 2: J Leman discusses new Illini Defensive Coordinator Barry Hauck's hire and scheme, Tuesday Draft - Best Illini Basketball Players Post-2000

The All-American J Leman breaks down the hiring of new Illini Defensive Coordinator Barry Hauck, discussing his scheme and what it means for the defense moving forward. He shares insight into how the Illini roster could fit within Hauck’s system and the expectations heading into the season.

Tuesday is Draft Day! This week's segment highlights the best Illini basketball players since 2000. Hear debate, analysis, and plenty of Illini nostalgia as the crew builds their all-era lists. Vote for the winner on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

02/10/26 Hour 1: Kyle Tausk of Illini Inquirer previews Illinois vs Wisconsin, Bobby Hauck's 3-3-5 Defense, What are some Olympic athletes injecting into themselves?

"The Great" Kyle Tausk joins us this hour to preview Illinois vs Wisconsin at State Farm Center. How will the Illini bounce back after a tough loss at Michigan State? Why will the guards determine tonight's winner? 

Plus we dive into new Defensive Coordinator Bobby Houck's 3-3-5 Defense; and what are some Olympic athletes injecting into themselves?  

02/09/26 Hour 2: BREAKING Bobby Hauck named Illinois Football Defensive Coordinator; Tristan Thomas talks Illini hoops & local high school basketball

BREAKING: Illinois Football has named longtime Montana head coach Bobby Hauck as its new defensive coordinator, replacing Aaron Henry and bringing decades of experience to Champaign. Hauck, one of the winningest coaches in Big Sky history, recently stepped down at Montana before making the move to the Big Ten.

Meanwhile, Tristan Thomas joins the conversation to break down the latest with Illini basketball as the team continues its push through conference play.
He also discusses standout performances and storylines from the local high school basketball scene.

02/09/26 Hour 1: Brad Sturdy of Illini Guys talks Illinois' loss vs MSU & upcoming game with Wisconsin; Devon Witherspoon shows out at the Super Bowl

Brad Sturdy of Illini Guys breaks down Illinois’ tough overtime loss to Michigan State, a game that left the locker room frustrated after a close battle. He also previews the Illini’s upcoming matchup with Wisconsin as the team looks to bounce back quickly in Big Ten play.

Meanwhile, former Illini standout Devon Witherspoon delivered a huge performance in the Super Bowl, helping lead Seattle’s dominant defense to a 29–13 win. Witherspoon’s big plays — including a sack and a game-changing strip — helped seal a championship night for the Seahawks.

02/06/26 Hour 2: Carson Gourdie of WICS-TV and Chris Solari from the Detroit Free Press talk Illini vs Spartans, Super Bowl prop bets, Friday Toasts

Carson Gourdie from Fox Illinois and WICS-TV joins us this hour to talk Illinois vs Michigan State. We also hear from Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press. Get both perspectives ahead of the Illini vs Sparty.

And it's Super Bowl Weekend! Kurtis tests your knowledge with Super Bowl trivia, Evan's "Etched in Stone" features Super Bowl prop bets, and we give our score predictions.

Plus our Friday Toasts! Cheers!