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. 🎙️ Follow The Drive on Twitter , Facebook , and Instagram .
Hour 2 of The Drive is packed with football talk from both the NFL and college ranks. Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the show to discuss the early chemistry between Caleb Williams and rookie wide receiver Luther Burden on the opening day of Chicago Bears training camp, while also examining concerns the coaching staff may have with standout defensive back Kyler Gordon. Later, Ravi Lulla of Hurrdat Sports recaps Big Ten Media Days, highlighting the coaches and players who elevated their stock, the conference's biggest storylines, and what stood out as teams prepare for the 2026 college football season. Follow The Drive on X , Instagram , and Facebook .
Illinois football took center stage at Big Ten Media Days, and Doug Bucshon of Orange & Blue News joins The Drive to break down everything Illini fans need to know. The guys discuss Bret Bielema's headline-making comments comparing the Big Ten and SEC, Katin Houser representing Illinois at media day, the biggest concerns and strengths on the defensive side of the ball, and what to expect as preseason camp approaches. The hour wraps up with another edition of Evan's Random Illini Football Players of the Day. Follow The Drive on X , Instagram , and Facebook .
The St. Louis Cardinals are searching for answers after another frustrating stretch. Curt Bishop joins the show to discuss what's behind the club's recent slump, whether it's time to panic, and what needs to change as the Cardinals battle the rival Chicago Cubs in a pivotal four-game series. We also look at the latest trade deadline storylines, key matchups, and what's at stake for both teams heading into one of baseball's biggest rivalries. Then, it's time for another hilarious Tuesday Draft! This week, Kurtis, Evan, and the crew draft the greatest Old Lady Names of all time, featuring timeless classics, forgotten favorites, and plenty of laughs along the way. Follow The Drive on X , Instagram , and Facebook .
Illinois football officially takes center stage as Big Ten Media Days get underway in Chicago. Head coach Bret Bielema opens the week by taking a subtle shot at the SEC, saying parts of college football are "still stuck in 2005," while explaining why he believes the Big Ten has become the nation's premier conference. We break down Bielema's biggest comments, what they mean for the Illini entering the 2026 season, and the national storylines surrounding Illinois. Plus, Sunny Verma of Locked On Illini joins us live from Big Ten Media Days in Chicago with the latest buzz surrounding Bret Bielema, player interviews, preseason expectations, recruiting chatter, and how Illinois is being viewed by the national media. We also continue one of our favorite offseason traditions with another edition of Random Illini Football Players of the Day, featuring forgotten names, memorable moments, and a trip down Illinois football memory lane.
The Cardinals and Cubs renew one of baseball's greatest rivalries as they open a four-game series with plenty on the line. The Cardinals are looking to gain ground in the National League playoff race, while the Cubs hope to protect their position atop the division. We preview the pitching matchups, key hitters to watch, trade deadline storylines, and what this series could mean as both clubs approach the stretch run. The NBA conversation shifts to Philadelphia following the blockbuster acquisition of LeBron James. With LeBron joining an already talented roster, we debate whether the 76ers still need Joel Embiid to be legitimate championship contenders. Is the franchise better served building around LeBron and its younger core, or does Embiid remain the centerpiece despite his injury history? We examine how the Sixers could look entering the 2026-27 season. The hour also continues our discussion on Illinois Athletics' historic new partnership with Busey Bank. We dive deeper into the financial impact of the reported $30 million agreement, what the jersey patch sponsorship means for Illinois' national brand, and how the additional revenue can help the Fighting Illini remain competitive in the ever-changing landscape of college athletics through recruiting, facilities, and revenue sharing.
Illinois Athletics announces a landmark partnership with Busey Bank, including one of the nation's largest jersey patch deals. Alex Kyi from Armchair Illini joins The Drive to break down what it means for the future of Illinois Athletics, how Illinois continues to position itself among the Big Ten's leaders in the new era of college athletics, and why this move could further strengthen the Fighting Illini's ability to compete in recruiting and revenue generation. Plus Evan Stone returns after an emergency appendectomy and Random Illini Football Players of the Day. Follow The Drive on X , Instagram , and Facebook .
Hour 2 kicked off with Sunny Verma of Locked On Illini, who joined the show for an in-depth look at the Illinois football schedule and what it means for Bret Bielema's team entering the 2026 season. Verma highlighted the most challenging stretches on the schedule, the games that could define Illinois' season, and his concerns about the season. The discussion also focused on the continued momentum surrounding the program and why expectations in Champaign continue to rise after several successful seasons. The conversation then shifted to the latest debate in college football after Nick Saban made comments comparing the SEC and Big Ten, prompting a response from Bret Bielema. Sunny and the crew discussed whether the Big Ten has closed the gap—or even surpassed—the SEC in recent years, how conference strength should be evaluated, and why Bielema has become one of the league's most vocal advocates. The hour wrapped up with the always entertaining Old Man Names Draft Results, as listeners weighed in on which team assembled the best collection of classic names. To close the week, the crew shared their Friday Toasts, recognizing the people, teams, and moments that deserved a celebratory sendoff heading into the weekend.
Hour 1 featured a loaded conversation with Kyle Tausk of Illini Inquirer, who joined the show to discuss one of Illinois basketball's biggest recruiting targets, five-star prospect NaVorro Bowman Jr. Tausk explained what makes Bowman one of the nation's elite recruits, where Illinois stands in his recruitment, and how he could fit into Brad Underwood's system if he commits. The discussion also expanded into the Illini's roster construction for both the 2026 and 2027 seasons, highlighting returning talent, incoming recruits, transfer possibilities, and why Illinois appears well-positioned to remain among the nation's top contenders. The optimism surrounding the program comes as national analysts continue to project Illinois as one of college basketball's top teams entering the 2026-27 season. Later in the hour, the NBA world was shaken by LeBron James' decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, reportedly agreeing to a two-year deal for what is expected to be the final chapter of his legendary career. Chris Hightower joined the show to evaluate how LeBron transforms Philadelphia's championship outlook, what the fit looks like alongside the Sixers' current core, and whether this move gives the franchise its best opportunity to capture an NBA title. The crew also discussed how the signing reshapes the balance of power in the Eastern Conference and what expectations should be for LeBron's final NBA run.
Chris Kwiecinski from FOX 32 Chicago joins The Drive to discuss which Chicago Bears rookies have made the biggest impression early in training camp, who could make an immediate impact this season, and how Caleb Williams is developing chemistry with his revamped group of wide receivers heading into Year 2. Plus, it's another edition of the Tuesday Draft as the guys take turns selecting the greatest Old Man Names of all time. From timeless classics to names you only hear at the retirement home, expect plenty of laughs, nostalgia, and debate over who built the best roster of old-school names. Follow The Drive on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook .
Doug Bucshon of Orange & Blue News joins The Drive to discuss why Illinois Football could be poised for another successful season in 2026, highlighting the Illini's biggest strengths heading into training camp. He also shares his thoughts on Athletic Director Josh Whitman's contract extension, what it means for the future of Illinois athletics, and early impressions of Illinois basketball's talented freshman class. Plus, the guys preview the Cardinals' against the Angels as St. Louis looks to bounce back on the West Coast, and what the Cardinals need to do to get back on track. Follow The Drive on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook .
Hour 2 of The Drive focuses on the biggest questions surrounding the Cardinals as the MLB trade deadline approaches. Kurtis Allen and Pierce "The Fierce" discuss which players could be on the move, whether St. Louis should buy, sell, or try to thread the needle, and which potential trades would make the most sense as the front office evaluates its playoff chances. The guys also preview the Cardinals' upcoming series against the Los Angeles Angels, breaking down the key pitching matchups, players to watch, and what St. Louis needs to accomplish to build momentum after a frustrating weekend against Arizona. Later in the hour, Kurtis and Pierce react to the news that Ryan Clark is out at ESPN, discussing his impact on the network, what may have led to the move, and what it could mean for ESPN's NFL coverage moving forward. The show wraps up with another unforgettable Pierce the Intern moment after he somehow manages to upset professional wrestling legend Billy Gunn, leading to a hilarious discussion about wrestling, fan interactions, and yet another memorable story from the studio.
Hour 1 of The Drive starts with a deep dive into Illinois Football's 2026 schedule as Kurtis Allen and Pierce "The Fierce" Intern break down every game, identify the toughest stretches, discuss potential trap games, and project where the Illini could finish in the Big Ten race. The guys then recap the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to claim its second World Cup championship. They discuss Spain's dominant tournament run, Ferran Torres' match-winning goal, Lionel Messi's emotional final World Cup appearance, and what the victory means for the future of international soccer. Next, attention shifts to Major League Baseball after the Cardinals suffered a brutal collapse, blowing a 7-0 lead against the Diamondbacks. Kurtis and Pierce examine what went wrong, question the bullpen's reliability heading toward the trade deadline, and debate what the loss means for St. Louis' playoff hopes. The hour wraps up with one of the funniest intern moments yet, as Pierce stuns everyone by revealing he doesn't actually know his grandpa's name.
WCIA Sports Director Glenn Kinley joins the show to break down Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman's newly announced contract extension. What does it say about the direction of Illinois Athletics, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for Whitman as the Illini continue to build momentum across multiple sports? Then, a growing movement across the NFL has taken center stage as Caleb Williams and several other players are calling on the league to permanently replace artificial turf with natural grass fields. We'll discuss the latest push for safer playing surfaces, whether the NFL is finally ready to make the change, and what it could mean for teams around the league. We'll wrap up the week with our Friday Toasts—celebrating the biggest winners, memorable moments, and people deserving recognition from the past week in sports, while maybe handing out a few light-hearted roasts along the way. Follow The Drive on X , Instagram , and Facebook .
Illinois Football continues to strengthen its off-the-field leadership as Bret Bielema has added Tory Tekyl as the program's new Executive Director, bringing another experienced administrator into the Illini football operation as the program looks to build on its recent success. Meanwhile, Cardinals legend Adam Wainwright is standing up for St. Louis. After Barstool Sports criticized the Cardinals organization, Busch Stadium, and its fan base, Wainwright fired back by passionately defending Cardinals fans, saying they earned the reputation as "the best fans in baseball" through decades of loyalty and knowledge of the game—not because they gave themselves the title. Tonight, the Cardinals open a key series against the Arizona Diamondbacks looking to continue building momentum in the second half. Can St. Louis slow down Arizona's explosive offense while continuing to get production from its young core, including Home Run Derby champion Jordan Walker? Plus, the Cubs begin an intriguing interleague matchup against the Minnesota Twins. Chicago enters the weekend trying to stay in the thick of the National League playoff race, while the Twins are looking to climb back into contention in the American League. We'll break down both matchups, discuss the biggest storylines to watch, and make our predictions for tonight's games.
The Drive welcomes former Cardinals World Series champion Scott Spiezio back to the show to discuss the Cardinals as they reach the midpoint of the 2026 season. Spiezio shares his thoughts on whether St. Louis has what it takes to make a postseason run, reflects on his memorable career, and talks about his new book and upcoming documentary, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at his baseball journey. Later, Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the conversation to break down the latest performances from former Illinois standouts in NBA Summer League, including the continued development of Kylan Boswell and other Illini alumni looking to earn NBA roster spots. The guys also discuss the direction of the Chicago Bulls, highly touted recruit Caleb Wilson, and what his arrival could mean for the program moving forward. The show wraps up with a conversation about WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark and her growing frustration with officiating after another emotional game, examining the reaction from fans, media, and players across the league, and what it means for one of basketball's biggest stars.
Illinois Athletics continues to generate headlines as Athletic Director Josh Whitman is reportedly in line for another contract extension after helping elevate the Illini into one of the nation's premier athletic departments. The guys discuss what Whitman's leadership has meant for football, basketball, and the overall direction of Illinois athletics. The excitement surrounding Illinois basketball keeps growing after the release of the program's latest summer hype video, adding even more anticipation for what could be another special season in Champaign. Former Illini guard Kylan Boswell also continues to build momentum in NBA Summer League, delivering his best performance yet for the Charlotte Hornets with an efficient scoring night, strong rebounding, and another display of his all-around game. Later, Cooper O'Kelly joins the show to break down why transfer forward David Mirkovic is already receiving national attention as a preseason Wooden Award candidate, what makes his game unique, and why expectations continue to rise for Illinois heading into the 2026-27 season.
Carson Gourdie of FOX Illinois joins The Drive to discuss Illinois basketball's preseason ranking, national championship expectations, Michigan's place atop the Big Ten, and we reveal the winners of our 2026 MLB All-Star Tuesday Draft. Hour 2 of The Drive features FOX Illinois sports anchor Carson Gourdie breaking down the early outlook for Illinois basketball entering the 2026-27 season. With the Illini coming off a Final Four appearance and returning one of the nation's most talented rosters, expectations are soaring. Carson discusses where Illinois belongs in the preseason rankings, the biggest questions facing Brad Underwood's team, and why Michigan remains one of the Illini's biggest challengers in the Big Ten despite offseason changes. National projections continue to place Illinois among the country's elite heading into the season. The hour wraps up with another edition of Tuesday Draft, as we reveal and debate our selections for the best players from the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. Which roster came out on top, who had the biggest steal of the draft, and which All-Stars are poised for huge second halves? Tune in for plenty of baseball talk and friendly competition.
Illinois football adds defensive back Trezavant Boyd to its 2027 recruiting class, Keaton Wagler continues to impress in NBA Summer League with the Clippers, and Argentina defeats England to advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final against Spain. Hour 1 of The Drive is packed with the latest Illini and international sports headlines. Illinois football continues building momentum on the recruiting trail with a commitment from defensive back Trezavant Boyd, adding another talented piece to Bret Bielema's future secondary. The guys also break down another standout NBA Summer League performance from former Illinois star Keaton Wagler, whose impressive play is reinforcing why the Los Angeles Clippers selected him with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Plus, the World Cup delivered another dramatic semifinal as Argentina stunned England 2-1 to punch its ticket to Sunday's championship match against Spain. We discuss the biggest moments from the match and preview what should be a thrilling World Cup Final between two global soccer powers.
The second hour kicks off with another Tuesday Draft, as the guys build their ultimate rosters using the biggest stars from the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. From MVP candidates to breakout performers, they debate which players deserve to headline baseball's midsummer showcase. The conversation then shifts to Las Vegas, where several former Illinois basketball standouts are back in action during NBA Summer League. The crew previews the night's games, discusses the development of the Illini alumni, and reacts to reports that Will Riley has been shut down after an outstanding Summer League performance that further boosted his stock. To wrap up the hour, it's a preview of one of international soccer's biggest rivalries as England and Argentina meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals. The hosts break down the key matchups, storylines, and predictions as Jude Bellingham and England look to deny Lionel Messi and Argentina a trip to the World Cup Final.
Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat joins The Drive to break down the St. Louis Cardinals at the season's midpoint, discussing what's gone right, what still needs to improve, and whether the club is positioned to contend in the second half. The conversation also covers Jordan Walker's appearance in the Home Run Derby, top prospect JJ Wetherholt signing his new contract, and the latest storylines surrounding the organization. Plus, the guys react to Spain's 2-0 victory over France to punch its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, discussing the impressive run by La Roja and what to expect as they await the winner of England vs. Argentina.
