The Drive on ESPN 93.5

11/12/25 Hour 2: Tristan Thomas talks IHSA Quarterfinal Playoffs; Evan steals Josh Whitman's Chair; Kurtis' Curveballs; Pro Wrestler Draft Results

Tristan Thomas from WCIA-3 joins us to talk about the IHSA Quarterfinals! It's another big weekend for area schools. We also get Tristan's take on Illinois' win over Texas Tech and find out that Evan stole Josh Whitman's chair last night!

Kurtis throws some curveballs and we find out who won our Pro Wrestler Draft! Ohhh Hell Yeah! 

11/12/25 Hour 1: Illini Defeat Texas Tech; Illini Headlines; Luke Altmyer Ranked vs NCAA Quarterbacks; Pro Wrestler Draft

The Illini had an incredible night against Texas Tech, with a 81-77 win! We'll recap Andrej Stojakovic & Kylan Boswell's breakout performances, JT Toppin, and plenty more.

Plus we check the Illini Headlines for the day, including National Signing Day for most of the University's athletic programs.

Evan took issue with an article that ranked Luke Altmyer as the #16th best quarterback in College Football. We'll dive into the numbers.

And our Pro Wrestler Draft is winding down! Who will win?

11/11/25 Hour 2: The Drive live at Pia's; Illini Football vs Maryland; Kurtis' Curveballs; Veterans Day; Illini vs Texas Tech Predictions

Hour 2 of our live Veteran's Day broadcast at Pia's with Koerner Distributing & Crown Royal.

We talk a little football ahead of Saturday's game against Maryland. 

Plus, Kurtis throws some Curveballs and Evan...and then Evan throws one right back!

And we give our final thoughts ahead of the Illini vs Texas Tech at State Farm Center.

11/11/25 Hour 1: The Drive live at Pia's; Illini vs Texas Tech; Pro Wrestler Draft; Veterans Day

The Drive is LIVE at Pia's in Champaign ahead of the Illini's showdown with Texas Tech at State Farm Center.  Get our score predictions and more!

Plus, our Tuesday Drafts continue and this week's topic: Pro Wrestlers! Who wins?

And learn about the Purple Bag Program for Veteran's Day.

11/10/25 Hour 2: The Bears stun the Giants; Brad Underwood's Press Conference; Illini vs Texas Tech; Kurtis' Curveballs

The Bears pulled off another stunning win, this time at the expense of the New York Giants and Brian Daboll's job. Plus, how close are Ben Johnson & Caleb Williams to setting a few Chicago Bears records?

Brad Underwood held his weekly presser ahead of tomorrow night's showdown with Texas Tech. Which players are in and out? How will the Illini handle the Red Raiders backcourt and Center JT Toppin?

Kurtis throws dem Curveballs at poor Evan!

11/10/25 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour; Illini vs Maryland, Bielema Press Conference; Coaching Changes, and Score Predictions

The All-American J Leman is back in the studio after a bye week for the Illini.

J and the guys breakdown Illinois vs Maryland, Coach Bielema's press conference; potential coaching changes, and score predictions.

Plus, J and the guys learn about a missed scene in the holiday classic "Home Alone."

11/07/25 Hour 2: Big Ten + 2 Football Predictions; Illini Wrestling Preview; Can You Take A Punch?; Friday Toasts

Illini football have a bye week, but the rest of the conference is in action. Kurtis & Evan break down games and make their predictions.

Evan gives an in-depth preview of Illini Wrestling for 2025-2026. Some great information in this segment!

Also, Evan asks Kurtis if he could take a punch right now? 

And we give our Friday Toasts!

11/07/25 Hour 1: Illini Men's Basketball vs FGC Tonight; Alex Martin talks tonight's game; Kurtis' Curveballs

Game 2 of the Illini men's basketball season is tonight! Florida Gulf Coast comes to town and we'll preview the game. Plus, Alex Martin from the Naples Daily News calls in to tell us about the FGC roster.

And Kurtis has your Friday Curveballs that could injure Evan!

11/06/25 Hour 2: Head Coach Bret Bielema's Presser; Ravi Lulla Talks Big Ten Football; Etched in Stone

Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema talks with the media as the team heads into an off week. Coach Bielema addresses injuries, the future the quaterback position, transfer portal, and more.

Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat sports takes on a trip around the Big Ten football schedule for this weekend. 

We need some money! Evan has your "Etched in Stone" bets for this weekend!

11/06/25 Hour 1: Illini Headlines; Brad Underwood's Press Conference Before the FGC Game; Kurtis' Curveballs

Illini Basketball head coach Brad Underwood met with the media today before tomorrow night's game against Florida Gulf Coast. Coach Underwood gave the latest injury report, talked about defensive concerns, and who will be starting week to week. 

Plus we check the other big Illini headlines for today and Kurtis throws a Curveball that hits himself!

11/05/25 Hour 2: Tristan Thomas talks IHSA Playoffs; Daniel Thompson talks Bulls & Illini hoops; Our Roadside Snack Draft Results

Round 2 of the IHSA playoffs features a lot of are schools, including Tolono-Unity vs Monticello. We talk with Trista Thomas from WCIA about all of this weekend's games.

Daniel Thompson covers the Bulls and the Illini. He joins us to talk about both, and expectations for this year.

And the people have spoken! Who won our Roadside Snack Draft?

11/05/25 Hour 1: Illini Women's Basketball; Illini Headlines; Cardinals, Cubs, & MLB Hot Stove Talk; Kurtis' Curveballs

The Illini Women's Basketball team kicked off the season with a 91-67 win over SEMO. What are the expectations for this season?

Plus, Gabe Jacas is about to enter some elite company in Illini Football history. Listen to find out what we mean.

What would you do with the Cardinals roster this offseason? How about the Cubs? Hot Stove Talk is underway!

And Kurtis throws some serious Curveballs at you!

11/04/25 Hour 2: Zack Pearson from BearReport joins us to talks the Bears so far; Cardinals & Cubs Gold Gloves; Roadside Snacks Draft

Zack Pearson does a great job covering the Beas for BearReport and 247Sports. He joins us to talk about the season thus far, Caleb Williams progression, Ben Johnson, and today's trade deadline move. 

The Cardinals & Cubs have Gold Glovers on their teams. 

More Illini Headlines.

And this week's Tuesday Draft is Roadside Snacks!

11/04/25 Hour 1: Illini basketball crush Jackson State; Illini Headlines; NFL Trade Deadline Winners & Losers; Kurtis' Curveballs

The Illini Men's basketball team opened the season with a 113-55 win over Jackson State and nearly set a team record of 3's. Tomislav Ivisic and Ben Humrichous each scored 21. 

Plus, the Illini Women's team kicks off the season tonight against SEMO and it was a good day for Illini Soccer. We'll check the Illini headlines.

It was a BUSY day for the NFL Trade Deadline. The Colts made a blockbuster move for Sauce Gardner, the Bears filled a need, and the Jets are in a fire sale. But who won and who lost the day? We discuss.

And Kurtis is throwing some serious CURVEBALLS at Ethan!

11/03/25 Hour 2: The wait is over! Illini Basketball starts tonight vs Jackson State; Bears out-duel Bengals; Kurtis' Curveballs

The wait is over! The Fighting Illini men's basketball team kicks off the season tonight against Jackson State. We'll hear from head coach Brad Underwood about who's in and who's out. Plus, details on how you can win tickets for an upcoming game.

The Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals had one of the craziest games of the year yesterday & Da Bears won! What does this mean for Ben Johnson's team going forward? Will the Bears be buyers or sellers before tomorrow's trade deadline?

And Kurtis throws some CURVEBALLS at you!

11/03/25 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour on a Victory Monday! Illini dominate Rutgers; Where does Luke Altmyer rank on the Illini All-Time QB List?

The All-American J Leman is back in studio to talk about the Illini's huge win over Rutgers on Saturday. J discusses the game Lunney called for the offense, changes made on the defensive side of the ball, and expectations for the rest of the year.

Plus, where does Luke Altmyer rank among the all-time great Illini quarterbacks?

10/31/25 Hour 2: The Great Kyle Tausk talks Illini basketball's home opener & 2025 season; World Series Game 6; Illini vs Rutgers Final Predictions; Friday Toasts

Kyle Tausk joins us to talk about the Illini men's basketball home opener on Monday night. Get Kyle's insight on a few key injuries, expectations for the 2025 season, and news on recruits for 2026.

The Blue Jays look to close out the World Series tonight against the Dodgers.

We give our final predictions for Illinois vs Rutgers, plus our Friday toasts!

10/31/25 Hour 1: Kendall Bostic talks Illini Women's Basketball; Illini Headlines; Illinois vs Rutgers; Kurtis CURVEBALLS

It's an Illini Heavy Show!

Kendall Bostic joins us to talk about her new role with Illini Women's Basketball radio broadcasts, and the upcoming season.

We check out the latest Illini headlines heading into the weekend.

Kurtis throws Evan some manly Curveballs and we get your score predictions for Illinois vs Rutgers.

10/30/25 Hour 2: Ravi Lulla from HURRDAT Sports talks Big Ten Football; Etched in Stone; Illini Soccer vs Buckeyes

We take a trip around the Big Ten with our guy Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports! Ravi gives his insight on Illinois vs Rutgers, Matt Ruhle's new contract, USC vs Nebraska,  and all the other games on this weekend's slate.

We need some money! Evan has those "Etched in Stone" bets for this weekend.

Illini Soccer kicks off Big Ten postseason play against Ohio State.

10/30/25 Hour 1: World Series Game 5; Illini Headlines; Haunting Illini Moments; Kurtis' Curveballs

Trey Yesavage had an all-time performance for the Blue Jays in Game 5 of the World Series. The Jays now lead the series 3-2. Can the Dodgers force a Game 7?

We check the latest Illini headlines, then take a SPOOKY turn with the Illini sports moments that still haunt us.

Kurtis throws his Curveballs and Evan ducks!