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Podcast

The Drive on ESPN 93.5

ESPN 93.5

Your daily Illini sports podcast from The Drive on ESPN 93.5 with Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone. 🎙️

Episodes

  1. 10/19/26 Hour 2: Illinois Basketball Defeats Cincinnati In First Exhibition Game; Caleb Williams Leads Bears to Win & College Football Week 7 Upsets

    · 51 min

    The Drive breaks down a busy weekend in sports, starting with Illinois basketball's exhibition victory over Cincinnati as the Illini begin preparing for the upcoming college basketball season. What stood out in the first preseason test, and what can fans take away from the performance? Plus, Caleb Williams returns to action and the Chicago Bears dominate the Atlanta Falcons. We recap the Bears' pe...

  2. 10/19/26 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour: How Illinois Football Can Upset Oregon | Keys to Victory

    · 57 min

    Can Illinois football pull off a major upset against Oregon this weekend? On The J Leman Hour, former Illinois All-American linebacker J Leman breaks down the matchup with the Ducks and explains why he believes the Fighting Illini have a real chance to come away with a statement victory. J shares his keys to victory for Illinois, what the Illini must do to compete with Oregon, and why this weekend...

  3. 10/15/26 Hour 2: Sunny Verma on Illinois Football & Michael Clayton, Tristan Thomas on Illini Basketball, High School Football & Lovie Smith's Viral Video; Friday Toasts on a Thursday

    · 1 h 01 min

    On this hour of The Drive, Sunny Verma joins us to break down Illinois Fighting Illini football, including the team's struggles, the outlook for the rest of the season, and what Michael Clayton brings to the quarterback position moving forward. Tristan Thomas stops by to discuss the latest on Illinois Fighting Illini basketball, expectations for the upcoming season, and key local high school footb...

  4. 10/15/26 Hour 1: Zain Bando talks Illini Football At 3-3, Are Expectations Too High for Illinois Basketball, and more; College Playoffs Expanding to 24 Teams; Etched in Stone

    · 54 min

    Kurtis and Evan are joined by Zain Bando to break down Illinois football's 3-3 start, evaluate whether expectations are too high for Brad Underwood and the Illini basketball team, and discuss the latest Fighting Illini headlines. Plus, the guys react to the College Football Playoff potentially expanding to 24 teams and wrap things up with another edition of Etched in Stone. Subscribe to The Drive,...

  5. 10/14/26 Hour 2: Brad Underwood Named Among College Basketball’s Most Hated Coaches? Bill Speros Interview & Best Backup QB Draft

    · 52 min

    RotoWire lists Illinois basketball head coach Brad Underwood among the most hated coaches in the country. We discuss the list, the reaction, and what it means for Illini basketball with RotoWire's Bill Speros, who joins The Drive for a conversation you won’t want to miss. Plus, we crown the winner of our Best Backup Quarterbacks of All Time Draft! Which former NFL backups earned a spot, and whose...

  6. 10/14/26 Hour 1: Mike Cagley from IlliniGuys Reacts To Illinois QB Katin Houser's Injury Update, Michael Clayton Takes Over At QB; Evan’s NFL Top 5/Bottom 5

    · 55 min

    Mike Cagley from IlliniGuys joins The Drive to break down Katin Houser’s injury and what it means for the Illinois Fighting Illini football team moving forward. With true freshman Michael Clayton II stepping into the starting quarterback role, we discuss his impressive performance against Michigan State and what Illini fans can expect from the offense going forward. Plus, Evan reveals his NFL Top...

  7. 10/13/26 Hour 2: Brian Teague on Bears Trade Deadline Moves, Montez Sweat’s Suspension, Caleb Williams & Illini vs. MSU; Tuesday Draft: Best Backup QBs Ever

    · 54 min

    Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins The Drive to break down the latest Chicago Bears storylines, including Montez Sweat’s suspension, whether the Bears should be buyers at the NFL trade deadline, Caleb Williams’ return, and the loss to the Packers. Plus, Brian recaps Illinois’ matchup against Michigan State and discusses the latest surrounding the Fighting Illini. Then it’s time f...

  8. 10/13/26 Hour 1: Illini Football & Basketball Headlines, Michael Clayton II’s Future at QB & Coop Goes to Olivia Rodrigo

    · 54 min

    The Drive kicks off with the latest Illinois Fighting Illini headlines, covering the biggest news in football and basketball. With Michael Clayton II stepping up in Illinois’ thrilling overtime win over Michigan State, Kurtis and Evan discuss what the freshman quarterback’s emergence could mean for the future of the Illini offense. Plus, Coop heads to Olivia Rodrigo! Hear the latest Illini talk, f...

  9. 10/12/26 Hour 2: Packers Crush Bears in Green Bay, Mike Ditka’s Legacy & The Latest Illini Headlines | The Drive

    · 51 min

    The Packers dominate the Bears in Green Bay! The Drive breaks down Chicago’s tough loss to Green Bay, what went wrong for the Bears, and what the result means moving forward. Plus, the show continues reflecting on the legacy of Mike Ditka and his lasting impact on Chicago sports. We also cover the latest Illinois Fighting Illini headlines and everything fans need to know. Subscribe to The Drive an...

  10. 10/12/26 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour: Illinois Beats Michigan State in OT, Katin Houser Out Indefinitely & Is Michael Clayton the Real Deal?

    · 59 min

    The J Leman Hour is back! Former Illinois All-American J Leman breaks down Illinois' overtime victory over Michigan State, the loss of quarterback Katin Houser for possibly the remainder of the season, and whether Michael Clayton is the real deal. J dives into the biggest takeaways from the Illini's latest win, how Houser's injury impacts the team moving forward, and what Clayton could bring to th...

  11. 10/09/26 Hour 2: Kyle Tausk on Illinois Basketball, Stefan Vaaks & Big Ten Media Day; Illini vs. MSU Predictions | Etched in Stone & Friday Toasts

    · 56 min

    Kyle Tausk of Illini Inquirer joins The Drive to break down Illinois basketball following Big Ten Media Day! Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone discuss Stefan Vaaks' role in the Illini rotation, what to expect from Brad Underwood's squad heading into the 2026-27 season, and the biggest takeaways from the conference's preseason event. Plus, it's time for Etched in Stone, as the guys share their thoughts o...

  12. 10/09/26 Hour 1: Stevie Jay Honors Mike Ditka’s ESPN 93.5 Legacy + Carson Gourdie Previews Illinois vs. Michigan State

    · 56 min

    Stevie Jay reflects on Mike Ditka’s 20-plus-year history with ESPN 93.5 and honors the legendary Chicago Bears icon’s lasting connection to the station. Then, Carson Gourdie joins The Drive to explain why Illinois can beat Michigan State, break down the Illini’s upcoming matchup, and preview this weekend’s high school football slate. Subscribe to The Drive and leave us a 5-star rating and review!...

  13. 10-8-26 Hour 2 - Evan talks to Brian Teague about Sox and Illini, Evan gets to talk about a forbidden topic...

    · 50 min

    In Hour 2 Evan not only gets to play the music he likes, but also gets to talk about the topics he likes.... Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the show to talk White Sox, Illini, and the Bears.

  14. 10-8-26 Hour 1 - Evan Rides SOLO! Illinois vs MSU Preview

    · 55 min

    In Hour 1 Evan gets the play the music he likes as he breaks down the Illini travelling to East Lansing to take on Michigan State. How will the Illini D fare against an abysmal MSU offense?

  15. 10/07/26 Hour 2: Big Ten Football Predictions, Early Illinois Basketball Talk & Parenting Advice

    · 53 min

    Evan and Coop look ahead to a huge Big Ten football slate, making their picks and predictions for Week 6—including Illinois’ critical road matchup with Michigan State. Both the Illini and Spartans enter the game at 2-3 and 0-2 in Big Ten play. Big Ten Conference Then, it’s an early look at Illinois basketball with media day approaching. What are Coop and Evan expecting from the Illini as the seaso...

  16. 10/07/26 Hour 1: Illinois Football Talk, Fisher Head Coach Jeff Palmer Joins The Drive & Evan’s NFL Week 4 Top 5/Bottom 5

    · 55 min

    Evan and Coop dive into the state of Illinois football following the Illini’s disappointing 24-17 Homecoming loss to Purdue. Illinois is now 2-3 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten play, with Michigan State up next. University of Illinois Athletics Then, Fisher High School Head Coach Jeff Palmer joins the show to talk football and what’s happening with the Bunnies. Plus, Evan unveils his Top 5 and Bottom 5...

  17. 10/06/26 Hour 2: Darius Wabbington Picks Indiana, Lane Johnson Retires & Evan Gets Mad Over the Tuesday Draft

    · 54 min

    The Drive reacts to 5-star 2027 basketball recruit Darius Wabbington committing to Indiana over Illinois and Arizona, plus the stunning news that Eagles All-Pro offensive tackle Lane Johnson is retiring after 14 NFL seasons. Then things get heated as Evan gets mad at Kurtis & Cooper over the Tuesday Draft, this week’s topic: pizza toppings. Plus, Evan goes head-to-head with the Text Line, the guys...

  18. 10/06/26 Hour 1: Doug Bucshon on Illinois’ Purdue Loss, Michigan State Preview & Big Ten Media Days; Bears-Packers Flexed Out of Prime Time

    · 55 min

    Doug Bucshon from Orange & Blue News joins The Drive to break down Illinois’ frustrating 24-17 Homecoming loss to Purdue, what went wrong for the Illini, and where the program goes from here. Doug also previews Illinois’ upcoming matchup with Michigan State and looks back at what stood out from Big Ten Media Days. The Daily Illini Plus, the guys react to the Bears vs. Packers getting flexed out of...

  19. 10/05/26 Hour 2: Bears Crush Jets, Gear Up for Packers Week; Illini Fans Sound Off After Purdue Loss

    · 53 min

    The Bears are rolling into Packers Week after a dominant 23-12 win over the Jets, improving to 3-1. Tyson Bagent threw for 268 yards while Kyle Monangai ran for 146 yards and two touchdowns as Chicago's defense held New York to just 157 total yards. Now, the Bears head to Lambeau Field for a huge NFC North matchup with Green Bay. Meanwhile, Illini fans vent their frustrations after Illinois' embar...

  20. 10/05/26 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour — Illinois Falls to Purdue, Where Do the Illini Go From Here & Can the Defense Be Saved?

    · 55 min

    The J Leman Hour is here after a brutal Homecoming loss. Illinois falls to Purdue 24-17, dropping the Illini to 2-3 and 0-2 in Big Ten play. J Leman joins The Drive to break down what went wrong against the Boilermakers, where Illinois goes from here, and whether this season can still be salvaged. Plus, can the Illini defense be fixed after the midseason departure of Bobby Hauck and another frustr...

  21. 10/02/26 Hour 2: Jimmy Sobeski Previews Illinois vs. Purdue; Etched in Stone & Score Predictions; Friday Toasts

    · 55 min

    The final Illinois vs. Purdue preview is here! Jimmy Sobeski returns to The Drive to break down Saturday’s Homecoming matchup, including the biggest keys, matchups to watch and what could decide the Cannon Trophy game. Illinois enters the matchup 2-2, while Purdue is 1-3, with kickoff set for 3:15 p.m. CT at Gies Memorial Stadium. Then it's time for Etched in Stone, the guys make their Illinois vs...

  22. 10/02/26 Hour 1: 10/02/26 Hour 1: Sam King on Purdue vs. Illinois Homecoming; Are the Browns For Real?

    · 55 min

    Purdue perspective ahead of Illinois Homecoming! Sam King of the Journal & Courier joins The Drive to preview Saturday’s Cannon Trophy matchup, including the Boilermakers’ offense, injuries, Illinois’ defensive changes and what Purdue sees coming into Champaign. Plus, the guys ask: Are the Cleveland Browns for real? What should we make of their start, and can they keep it going? Subscribe to The D...

  23. 10/01/26 Hour 2: The Drive Live from Pia’s; Illinois Tennis Coach Brad Dancer; More Illini vs. Purdue Homecoming Preview

    · 53 min

    The Drive continues LIVE from Pia’s with Illinois men's tennis head coach Brad Dancer. We talk Illini tennis, the program's upcoming fall schedule and what Dancer sees from his team heading into the next stretch of the season. Then it's back to Illinois vs. Purdue as we continue our Homecoming preview. The Illini host the Boilermakers Saturday at 3:15 p.m. CT at Gies Memorial Stadium, with The Can...

  24. 10/01/26: Hour 1: The Drive Live From Pia's, Illinois baseball coach Dan Hartleb, Illini v.s. Purdue Preview, Thursday Night Prop

    · 49 min

    The Drive is LIVE from Pia’s! We kick off the show with Illinois baseball head coach Dan Hartleb, who joins us to talk Illini baseball, the 2026 season and the program moving forward. Hartleb has been Illinois' head coach since 2006 and is the winningest coach in program history. Then we turn our attention to Illinois vs. Purdue. The Illini host the Boilermakers Saturday at 3:15 p.m. CT for Homeco...

  25. 09/30/26 Hour 2: Illinois vs Purdue by the Numbers; How Do You Cope With Your Team's Most Devastating Loss?; Evan Gets Mad at Coop Over Creed & Korn

    · 53 min

    The Illinois vs. Purdue numbers deep dive continues as we break down more of the key stats heading into Saturday's Homecoming matchup for the Cannon. Illinois enters at 2-2 while Purdue is 1-3, with kickoff set for 3:15 p.m. CT at Gies Memorial Stadium. Then we ask a very important question: How did you cope with your favorite team's most devastating loss? We share stories, commiserate with fellow...

  26. 09/30/26 Hour 1: Cubs Crushed 8-0 by Padres in Game 1; Game 2 Preview; Illinois vs Purdue by the Numbers & Illini Headlines

    · 55 min

    The Cubs were crushed 8-0 by the Padres in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series. We break down what went wrong in San Diego and preview Game 2, with Kevin Gausman taking the mound against Nick Pivetta. Then it's Illinois vs. Purdue by the Numbers ahead of Saturday's Homecoming matchup for The Cannon. We dig into the key statistics, including Katin Houser's impressive season, Collin Dixon's production...

  27. 09/29/26 Hour 2: Mike Cagley on Bobby Hauck Fallout & Illinois-Purdue; MLB Playoff Predictions; Tuesday Draft: Worst Career to Be Unqualified For

    · 56 min

    Mike Cagley of Illini Guys joins The Drive to break down the fallout from Bobby Hauck's departure as Illinois defensive coordinator and what the coaching change could mean for the Illini heading into Saturday's Homecoming matchup with Purdue. Illinois enters the game at 2-2, while Purdue is 1-3, with The Cannon on the line. With the 2026 MLB Playoffs getting underway, The Drive makes its postseaso...

  28. 09/29/26 Hour 1: Bears Crush Eagles Behind Case Keenum; Doug Bucshon on Bobby Hauck Fallout & Illinois-Purdue Preview

    · 56 min

    The Bears stunned the Eagles 27-7 on Monday Night Football as Case Keenum stepped in and delivered a huge performance, throwing for 247 yards and two touchdowns while the Chicago defense forced three turnovers. Then, Doug Bucshon of Orange & Blue News joins The Drive to break down the fallout from Bobby Hauck's departure as Illinois defensive coordinator, what went wrong for the Illini defense, an...

  29. 09/28/26 Hour 2: Chris Kwiecinski From FOX32 Chicago Previews Bears vs Eagles on Monday Night Football; Your Questions on Bobby Hauck’s Illinois Departure

    · 53 min

    Chris Kwiecinski from FOX 32 Chicago joins The Drive to preview Bears vs Eagles on Monday Night Football, including the biggest storylines heading into the matchup. Plus, we answer your texts and take your questions about Bobby Hauck’s departure as Illinois defensive coordinator and what it means for the Illini moving forward. Subscribe to The Drive and leave us a 5-star rating/review wherever you...

  30. 09/28/26 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour — Bobby Hauck OUT as Illinois Defensive Coordinator; Where Do the Illini Go From Here?

    · 56 min

    Bobby Hauck is out as Illinois defensive coordinator after just four games. J Leman joins The Drive to break down the surprising change, what went wrong with the Illini defense, and where Bret Bielema and Illinois go from here. Plus, J digs into the biggest storylines surrounding Illinois football following the loss to Ohio State and looks ahead to what comes next. Illinois announced Sunday that H...

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