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. 1h ago

    06/10/26 Hour 2: NBA Finals Game 4 preview, why Wemby will win; Cards vs Mets and Cubs vs Rockies preview; Evan goes Hulk Hogan on The World Cup, Brother!

    The 2026 NBA Finals shift into a pivotal Game 4 tonight as the New York Knicks look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs. After San Antonio's 115-111 win in Game 3, all eyes are on Victor Wembanyama, who dominated with 32 points and completely changed the series with his rim protection and ability to control the paint. The Knicks still lead 2-1, but another Wemby masterpiece could swing the momentum back to San Antonio heading home. If the Spurs ultimately win this series, it's hard to see anyone other than Victor Wembanyama taking home Finals MVP. He's been the most impactful player on the floor on both ends and is beginning to solve New York's offense while creating matchup nightmares for the Knicks. The Cardinals continue their series against the Mets looking to build momentum. How good are the Birds right now? Out west, the Cubs continue their series with the Rockies. How bleak are things for the Cubs right now? Plus, Evan Stone transforms into Hulk Hogan to react to the growing excitement around the 2026 FIFA World Cup. "Whatcha gonna do, brother, when World Cup Mania runs wild on YOU?!" 🌎⚽💪

    52 min

  2. 2h ago

    06/10/26 Hour 1: Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer tells us why Lincoln Williams was perfect timing, reviews Quintin Coleman's Team USA Performance; Tolono Unity QB Dane Eisenmenger to Illinois

    Kyle Tausk of Illini Inquirer breaks down why the addition of Lincoln Williams was perfect timing for Brad Underwood and Illinois Basketball after the late recruiting cycle. Williams finished his high school career with 1,853 points and gives the Illini another talented in-state guard with scoring ability and defensive upside. Plus, Kyle reviews the impressive start by Illinois signee Quentin Coleman with Team USA at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup, where the freshman forward opened tournament play with an 11-point, 15-rebound double-double and showcased the athleticism that has Illini fans excited. Also, the guys discuss Tolono Unity quarterback Dane Eisenmenger committing to Illinois Football and what the local standout brings to Bret Bielema's quarterback room moving forward.

    55 min

  3. 1d ago

    06/09/26 Hour 2: Alex Kyi from Armchair Illini breaks down Sladen Shack's game, Lincoln Williams' recruitment process, and more; Tuesday Draft - Best Sports Video Games of All Time; World Cup Tweets

    Alex Kyi from Armchair Illini joins the show to break down what Illinois is getting in newly-committed quarterback Sladen Shack, why the coaching staff made him a priority, and what stands out most about his game. We also discuss four-star basketball recruit Lincoln Williams, how his recruitment unfolded, and what his commitment means for Brad Underwood's future roster plans. Plus, it's Tuesday Draft Day as we build our lists of the Best Sports Video Games of All Time. From NCAA Football and Madden to NBA Jam, MVP Baseball, and more, which classics make the cut? And we wrap things up with another edition of World Cup Tweets, featuring the funniest posts from the international fans experiencing America for the first time. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook!

    51 min

  4. 1d ago

    06/09/26 Hour 1: Illinois Football lands 3-Star Quarterback Sladen Shack - what you need to know; Cardinals vs Mets and Cubs vs Rockies Preview

    06/09/26 Hour 1: Illinois Football lands 3-Star Quarterback Sladen Shack - what you need to know; Cardinals vs Mets and Cubs vs Rockies Preview Illinois football added another piece to its future quarterback room as three-star 2027 signal caller Sladen Shack from Brandon, Mississippi announced his commitment to Bret Bielema and the Illini. The 6-foot-1, 211-pound quarterback chose Illinois over offers from Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, UConn, South Florida, East Carolina and others. Shack is rated as one of Mississippi's top prospects in the Class of 2027 and becomes Illinois' quarterback commitment for the cycle after the staff reset its recruiting board this spring. Illinois coaches Art Sitkowski and Barry Lunney Jr. prioritized Shack following strong evaluations and an official visit to Champaign. The commitment continues Illinois' recent pipeline into Mississippi, following the success of former Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer.  Then we shift to baseball as the Cardinals open a three-game series against the Mets at Citi Field. St. Louis enters the matchup at 35-28 and currently holds the top National League Wild Card position, while New York sits at 29-36 but comes home with momentum after winning series against both San Diego and Seattle. Young stars Jordan Walker and JJ Wetherholt continue to fuel the Cardinals' surprising season, while the Mets welcome catcher Francisco Alvarez back from the injured list ahead of the series opener. The matchup features two teams trying to strengthen their playoff positioning in a crowded National League race. Meanwhile, the Cubs begin a six-game season series with the Rockies at Coors Field. Chicago enters the series looking to gain ground after an inconsistent stretch, while Colorado continues rebuilding after a difficult 2025 campaign. The probable pitching matchups feature Colin Rea vs. Tomoyuki Sugano, Shota Imanaga vs. Michael Lorenzen, and Edward Cabrera vs. Ryan Feltner. Despite Colorado's struggles, Coors Field has historically been a difficult place for the Cubs, making this an important road test as they try to stay in the National League playoff picture.

    55 min

  5. 2d ago

    06/08/26 Hour 2: Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports tells us why the Bears WON'T be going to Indiana, Lincoln Williams to the Illini, and Quentin Coleman's performance for Team USA U8

    Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the show to break down the latest developments in the Bears stadium saga and explains why he believes the franchise ultimately won't be relocating to Indiana despite recent headlines and speculation. What hurdles remain, and what could keep the Bears rooted in Illinois? The Illini continue to build for the future with the commitment of Kankakee star Lincoln Williams. The highly regarded prospect adds another talented in-state piece to Brad Underwood's recruiting efforts and gives Illinois fans plenty to be excited about moving forward. Plus, we discuss another impressive performance from Quentin Coleman while representing Team USA at the U18 level. The rising Illini standout continues to showcase his talent on the international stage, further fueling expectations for his future in Champaign. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook!

    52 min

  6. 2d ago

    06/08/26 Hour 1: Illinois Basketball lands Kankakee star Lincoln Williams, Football lands 3 new recruits, and more Illini Headlines; Tribute to Stacey King

    The future continues to look bright in Champaign as Illinois basketball adds one of the state's rising stars, Kankakee standout Lincoln Williams. Williams turned heads throughout his high school career, including a record-setting 44-point performance that broke Kankakee's single-game scoring mark, and now gives the Illini another talented in-state piece for the future. On the football side, Bret Bielema and his staff continue to build recruiting momentum, adding three more commitments as Illinois looks to follow up what has become one of the strongest recruiting stretches in program history. The Illini have elevated their recruiting profile significantly in recent years, consistently landing top in-state talent and competing for higher-ranked classes nationally. Plus, we pay tribute to legendary Bulls broadcaster and former NBA champion Stacey King. All that and more in today's Illini Headlines.

    55 min

  7. 5d ago

    06/05/26 Hour 2: Chris Kwiecinski from Fox32 with the latest from Halas Hall & The Bears, Kurtis teaches Evan about baseball stats; Friday Toasts!

    The Bears-to-Indiana conversation continues as Chris Kwiecinski from Fox 32 joins us with the latest from Halas Hall following Thursday's bombshell announcement from Chairman George McCaskey and President/CEO Kevin Warren. What hurdles remain before the Bears can officially call Indiana home? Chris brings the latest reporting and analysis. Then, Kurtis takes over the classroom and gives Evan a crash course in modern baseball statistics. Which advanced metrics actually matter? Which ones are overrated? And can analytics really tell us more than the traditional numbers fans grew up with? Plus, it's Friday, which means it's time for our weekly Toasts! We'll celebrate the best moments of the week, recognize the people who deserve a shoutout, and send everyone into the weekend on a positive note. All that and more on Hour 2! 🍻

    54 min

  8. 5d ago

    06/05/26 Hour 1: Are you ready for the Hammond Bears? George McCaskey & Kevin Warren announce Bears are Indiana-Bound; Cardinals vs Reds Preview; Giants smoke the Cubs

    The Chicago Bears took their biggest step yet toward leaving Illinois, as Chairman George McCaskey and President/CEO Kevin Warren announced that the team's Board of Directors has voted to advance plans for a new stadium project in Hammond, Indiana. While an exact site has not yet been selected, the vote marks the first time the Bears' board has formally approved a stadium location path, signaling Indiana has become the franchise's preferred option. We'll break down what this means for Bears fans, whether Illinois still has any chance of keeping the team, and if "The Hammond Bears" could actually become a reality after more than a century in Illinois. Plus, the Cardinals open a key divisional series against the Reds as they look to continue their strong play in the NL Central race. And after getting embarrassed by the Giants today, are the Cubs back to unraveling? We'll discuss what's gone wrong and whether concern is warranted on the North Side. All that and more on Hour 1!

    55 min
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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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