The Drive on ESPN 93.5

ESPN 93.5
  • 4.8 (132)
  • Basketball
  • Updated Daily

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.

  1. 1d ago

    07/17/26 Hour 2: WCIA Sports Director Glenn Kinley Talks Josh Whitman's New Contract; Caleb Williams & NFL Players Demand Grass Fields; Friday Toasts

    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.

  2. 1d ago

    07/17/26 Hour 1: Tory Tekyl Is Illinois Football's New Executive Director; Adam Wainwright Defends Cardinals Fans Against Barstool Sports; Cardinals vs. Diamondbacks & Cubs vs. Twins Preview

    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.

  3. 2d ago

    07/16/26 Hour 1: Scott Spiezio Talks Cardinals, New Book & Documentary; Brian Teague Breaks Down Illini in NBA Summer League, Bulls, and Caitlin Clark vs WNBA Officiating

    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.

  4. 2d ago

    07/16/26 Hour 1:Illinois Headlines Josh Whitman Extension, Kylan Boswell's NBA Summer League Breakout & David Mirkovic's Wooden Award Buzz With Cooper O'Kelly

    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.

  5. 3d ago

    07/15/26 Hour 2: Carson Gourdie Talks Illinois Basketball Expectations | Is Michigan Still the Biggest Big Ten Threat? | 2026 MLB All-Star Draft Results

    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.

  6. 3d ago

    07/15/26 Hour 1: Illinois Football Lands DB Trezavant Boyd | Keaton Wagler Continues Strong NBA Summer League | Argentina Reaches World Cup Final

    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.

  7. 4d ago

    07/14/26 Hour 2: MLB All-Star Draft, Illini Summer League Updates & England vs. Argentina World Cup Preview

    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.

  8. 4d ago

    07/14/26 Hour 1: Jeff Jones from Belleville News Democrat Cardinals Midseason Check-In, Jordan Walker's Home Run Derby & Spain Reaches 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.

See All (103)

4.8
out of 5
132 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    ESPN 93.5
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    103
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright SJ Broadcasting 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Drive on ESPN 93.5

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