The Drive on ESPN 93.5

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 for the Tuesday Draft, as Kurtis, Evan and Coop debate the best backup quarterbacks of all time. Who makes the list, and who gets left on the bench?

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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, football storylines, basketball updates and more on ESPN 93.5’s The Drive.

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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.

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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 the table as Illinois looks to keep its momentum going.

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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 on the latest in Illinois sports, make their score predictions for Illinois vs. Michigan State, and wrap up the week with Friday Toasts!

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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.

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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.

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?

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 season gets closer?

Finally, the guys wrap up the show with some parenting advice, because apparently sports talk can only solve so many problems.

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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 from NFL Week 4, including the biggest winners, biggest disappointments and performances that caught his attention around the league. Week 4 featured standout performances from players like Drake Maye, C.J...

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 continue to vent over Illinois’ loss to Purdue, and they look ahead at the Illini’s remaining schedule.

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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 prime time and what it says about the matchup.

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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' embarrassing 24-17 Homecoming loss to Purdue dropped the Illini to 2-3 and 0-2 in Big Ten play.

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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 frustrating performance?

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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. Purdue score predictions, and we wrap up the week with Friday Toasts!

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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?

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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 Cannon on the line and Illinois looking to keep the trophy in Champaign for a third straight season.

Plus, more discussion surrounding Illinois Homecoming, the matchup with Pu...

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 Homecoming with The Cannon on the line. We break down the matchup, key storylines and what Illinois needs to do to get back in the win column.

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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 sports fans and revisit some of the losses that still sting.

And finally, things get heated when Evan gets mad at Coop over Creed & Korn. Yes, we're...

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 and Illinois' defensive and special-teams numbers.

Plus, we run through the latest Illini Headlines from around Illinois athletics.

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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 postseason predictions and discusses the biggest storylines heading into the Wild Card round, including the Cubs-Padres matchup.

Then it's time for the Tuesday Draft: Worst Career to Be Unqualified For! The...

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, and how Bret Bielema and Illinois move forward. Doug also previews Illinois vs. Purdue as the Illini return home for Homecoming.

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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.

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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 Hauck and the program mutually agreed to part ways after the defense struggled through the first four games of the 2026 season.

Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins The Drive to break down how Illinois can slow down Ohio State’s dangerous pass rush and what the Illini need to do to protect the quarterback.

Plus, Brian previews the Chicago Bears’ Monday Night Football matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. Then it’s time for Etched in Stone and the always-popular Friday Toasts to wrap up the week on The Drive.

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Doug Bucshon of Orange and Blue News joins The Drive to break down the X’s and O’s of Illinois’ upcoming matchup with No. 7 Ohio State in Columbus. What does Illinois need to do to slow down the Buckeyes, and where could the Illini find opportunities offensively?

Plus, Kurtis and Evan get into a heated discussion about NIL money, donations and the financial landscape of college athletics. And the guys react to the Atlanta Falcons’ dominant 35-14 Thursday Night Football win over the Green Bay Packers.

Can the Illinois offense keep pace with No. 7 Ohio State when the Illini open Big Ten play in Columbus? Katin Houser and the Illini offense have been productive through three games, but Saturday presents a major challenge against the Buckeyes.

Plus, where could Marvin Harrison Jr. revive his career? The Drive breaks down potential landing spots and what could be next for the former Ohio State star.

And don’t miss your chance to win tickets to Illinois vs. Purdue at Homecoming!

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The legendary Jim Cornelison joins The Drive to talk Chicago sports, his iconic national anthem performances, and what it means to be part of some of the biggest moments in Chicago sports history.

Plus, it’s a huge day for Chicago baseball! The Cubs and White Sox both clinched playoff berths, marking the first time both teams secured postseason spots on the same day. The Cubs defeated the Marlins 2-1 behind another big day from Pete Crow-Armstrong, while the White Sox crushed the Royals 9-1 to secure their first playoff appearance since 2021.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals fe...

Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joins The Drive to recap a big weekend of 5-star basketball recruits visiting Illinois and share the latest Illini basketball recruiting nuggets. Plus, Jaxson Dart is out for the season, and the Cubs look to secure a Wild Card spot as the regular season winds down.

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Carson Gourdie joins The Drive to break down the keys to Illinois vs. Ohio State, including what the Illini will need to do to compete with the Buckeyes. Plus, a preview of Week 6 of high school football, Orange Krush tickets sell out quickly, and some Illinois students voice their frustration over the ticket situation.

It’s time for the Tuesday Draft on The Drive! The guys draft the best things about fall, from football and baseball to cooler weather, food, traditions and everything that makes the season special.

Plus, the Chicago Cubs are closing in on a Wild Card spot as the MLB regular season enters its final week. The Cubs entered Tuesday at 87-69 and one game ahead in the NL Wild Card race.

And the guys preview Cardinals vs. Pirates as St. Louis opens a three-game series in Pittsburgh. The Cardinals entered the matchup 76-80, while the Pi...

The Drive gets an early look at Illinois vs. Ohio State ahead of Saturday’s Big Ten opener in Columbus. What are Katin Houser’s passing preferences, and how could his tendencies impact the Illini’s chances against the Buckeyes? Plus, the guys break down the latest at quarterback for the Chicago Bears and discuss whether veteran Case Keenum could be called upon with Caleb Williams dealing with a hamstring injury & Tyson Bagent going into the Concussion Protocol.

Illinois enters Big Ten play 2-1 after Katin Houser threw for a season-high 305 yards against Southern Illinois. Houser has comple...

Sunny Verma from Locked On Illini joins The Drive to break down Illinois' 48-10 win over Southern Illinois and preview the Illini's upcoming Big Ten opener against Ohio State. What did Illinois show against SIU, and what will it take to compete with the Buckeyes?

The guys also recap the Bears' 9-3 loss to the Vikings, discuss the latest on Caleb Williams' hamstring injury, and what his status could mean for Chicago moving forward.

Plus, Evan Stone reveals his NFL Top 5 and Bottom 5 following Week 2 of the NFL season.

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The J Leman Hour is back! Former Illinois All-American linebacker J Leman breaks down the Illini’s 48-10 win over Southern Illinois, including Katin Houser’s passing performance, Collin Dixon’s record-setting day, Aidan Laughery’s 77-yard touchdown run, and a defense that shut out the Salukis in the second half.

Then, J looks ahead to Illinois’ first Big Ten road game of the season against No. 7 Ohio State in Columbus. The Illini and Buckeyes meet Saturday, Sept. 26 at 11 a.m. CT on FOX.

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Hour 2 of The Drive is packed with predictions and plenty of Friday fun! Etched In Stone returns with the latest picks, the crew makes their Illinois vs. Southern Illinois score predictions, and we wrap up the week with another round of Friday Toasts.

Who is feeling confident about the Illini against the Salukis? Who gets a toast—and who gets called out? Find out in Hour 2 of The Drive!

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Brad Sturdy from Illini Guys joins The Drive to preview Illinois vs. Southern Illinois and break down the newly released 2026-27 Illini men's basketball schedule. The Illini enter Saturday's matchup with SIU looking to bounce back from the close loss to Duke, while the basketball schedule features several major Big Ten tests.

Plus, Tristan Thomas joins the show to preview Friday night's high school football action across Central Illinois, including the games, players and storylines to watch.

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The Drive dives into the Bears vs. Vikings Week 2 matchup as Chicago returns to Soldier Field following its 59-37 season-opening win over Carolina. The NFC North rivals are both 1-0, setting up an intriguing early-season divisional battle.

Plus, Illinois football adds another piece to its future quarterback room as 2028 QB Owen Herrick commits to the Illini. The three-star Pittsburgh Central Catholic quarterback is ranked among the nation's top 30 quarterbacks in his class.

And we've got your chance to WIN tickets to Illinois vs. Southern Illinois! Tune in for all the details and get ready for...

Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joins The Drive to break down Illinois basketball's newly released 2026-27 Big Ten schedule, including the biggest matchups, road challenges and what stands out from the Illini's conference slate. Illinois will play 20 Big Ten games, with home-and-home series against Northwestern, Purdue and Wisconsin.

Plus, we debate a big question ahead of Saturday's Illinois-Southern Illinois football game: Will you stay for the entire game? And with Thursday Night Football on tap, we get into our favorite player props and storylines for Bills vs. Lions.

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The Drive Full Show – September 16, 2026: Southern Illinois Salukis SID Todd Hefferman joins Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone to preview SIU vs. Illinois and provide the Saluki perspective heading into Saturday's matchup. Plus, the guys react LIVE to the release of the 2026-27 Big Ten men's basketball schedule and break down the biggest matchups on Illinois' slate. Then, it's time for Big Ten QB Power Rankings as the guys debate the conference's top quarterbacks after the opening weeks of the college football season. All that and more on The Drive!

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The Drive continues its Illinois vs. Southern Illinois preview, focusing on how the Illini can get their running game going. We discuss Kaden Feagin's role at Tight End, and the rest of Illinois' running backs, how they could be utilized against the Salukis, and what the offense needs to do to bounce back.

Then it's time for Tuesday Draft! The guys draft their favorite Big Ten stadiums, debating which venues provide the best atmosphere, traditions, and overall college football experience.

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