The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper

Hour 2 of The Drive kicks off the college football season with plenty to discuss. Etched In Stone returns for Week 0, as we get back into the weekly tradition of making our bold college football picks and predictions. The 2026 FBS Week 0 slate features eight games on Saturday, August 29. We break down the new rules coming to college football, including changes to the targeting penalty and the adoption of the NFL-style fair-catch kick. It's time for a Cardinals vs. Pirates preview as St. Louis begins a crucial weekend series against Pittsburgh. The Cardinals enter the series at 67-68, just two games ahead of the Pirates, with Quinn Mathews scheduled to face Jared Jones on Friday night. And, of course, we wrap up the week with Friday Toasts! Listen to Hour 2 of The Drive for college football, Cardinals baseball and the usual Friday fun!

Hour 1 of The Drive gets you ready for another big football weekend in Central Illinois. Carson Gourdie joins the show to break down Bret Bielema's latest press conference ahead of Illinois' season opener against UAB and discuss what we're learning about the 2026 Fighting Illini. Carson also previews Week 2 of the high school football season, including the biggest storylines and matchups to watch around Central Illinois. Illini wrestling great Zac Braunagel calls in to talk about RAF Wrestling's trip to Moscow, his co-main event on the card, and more. Plus, it's time for another Random Illini Player of the Day, featuring another memorable name from Illinois football history. Listen to the full first hour of The Drive for Illini football, Central Illinois high school football, wrestling and plenty more.

Hour 2 of The Drive dives into a packed day of Chicago and St. Louis sports. The Cardinals and Cubs are both struggling at the worst possible time, leading to a discussion about whether either team can turn things around and make a late-season push. The show then shifts to the Chicago Bears, including the latest injury updates heading into the regular season. Plus, the Bears have unveiled their new 2026 Rivalries uniforms, which they will wear on Christmas Day against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. The uniforms draw inspiration from several eras of Bears history, including the Monsters of the Midway look. Finally, it's time to crown the winner of Tuesday's Draft: Biggest Sports Scandals. The guys revisit the entries and determine which scandal takes the top spot.

The Drive kicks off Hour 1 with WCIA Sports Director Glenn Kinley joining the show to discuss the latest developments surrounding Illinois football, including the Illini's major partnership with Caterpillar and what the relationship could mean for the program, the university, and the Champaign-Urbana community. With Illinois football entering a highly anticipated 2026 season, the conversation also looks at the growing connection between Illinois Athletics and major corporate partners. Caterpillar already has a significant relationship with the University of Illinois, including connections through research, engineering and student opportunities. Glenn also provides his perspective on the current state of Illini football as the season opener against UAB approaches September 3 at Gies Memorial Stadium. Illinois enters the season with season tickets sold out for a second consecutive year and expectations for another huge home crowd. Plus, it wouldn't be an episode of The Drive without Random Illini Players of the Day, highlighting another memorable name from Illinois sports history.

The Drive's second hour features an emotional conversation with Illini wrestling great Danny Pucino, who is raising money for pancreatic cancer research while honoring his late father. Pucino's father, Scott, was himself a Division I All-American wrestler, and Danny has used his own wrestling platform to help raise awareness and funds for cancer research through Pin Cancer. The guys also break down the latest injury news surrounding Illinois wide receiver Jayshon Platt. Head coach Bret Bielema said Platt's injury initially had an unknown timeline, but the team has received encouraging news. Bielema couldn't rule out a Week 1 absence, saying Platt could potentially return anywhere from Week 1 to Week 3 or Week 4. Plus, it's Tuesday Draft time! The guys put together their lists of the Biggest Sports Scandals of All Time, leading to plenty of debate over which controversies deserve a spot at the top.

The Drive dives into a major new Big Ten eligibility rule as the conference unanimously approved a ban preventing football players who have signed professional contracts, appeared on an NFL roster, or declared for the NFL Draft without withdrawing from returning to compete at a Big Ten school. The decision comes amid the ongoing eligibility chaos surrounding players attempting to return to college football after brief NFL stints. Illini great Fred Wakefield joins the show to look back on his Illinois career and his unique eight-year NFL journey. Wakefield played for the Cardinals from 2001-06 before joining the Raiders in 2008, and his career included playing on both sides of the football. Plus, what happened when Fred and Evan Stone played basketball against each other? Plus, it's time for another round of Random Illini Players of the Day, highlighting some of the lesser-known and forgotten names from Illinois football history. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

The St. Louis Cardinals suffered one of the most painful losses of the season Sunday, blowing a 4-0 lead in the ninth inning before Kyle Schwarber's two-run walk-off homer gave Philadelphia a 6-4 victory. The loss capped a disappointing 5-6 road trip and dropped the Cardinals to 66-66. So, is the NL Wild Card still realistically in play? Absolutely—but the margin for error is getting smaller. The Cardinals entered the weekend only 3½ games behind the final Wild Card spot, but they're now sitting at .500 while teams such as Arizona, San Diego and Philadelphia remain ahead of them in the race. Arizona's win over Cincinnati kept the Diamondbacks firmly in the mix at 69-62. The bigger concern may be whether St. Louis can survive its pitching situation. Andre Pallante is on the injured list with elbow inflammation, while Hunter Dobbins is also dealing with a forearm issue. The Cardinals will need their pitching depth—and their offense—to hold up over the final weeks. Then it's time for our 2026 NFL Divisional Winners Predictions. We go division by division and make our picks—not necessarily just taking the betting favorite. The current market has Buffalo favored in the AFC East, Baltimore in the AFC North, Houston in the AFC South and Kansas City among the AFC West favorites, while Philadelphia is favored in the NFC East and the NFC West remains particularly interesting after the Rams' offseason addition of Myles Garrett. The fun debate: Which division winner are we most confident in, and which favorite is most likely to get knocked off? The 2026 NFL futures market shows just how tight some of these races could be.

Illinois football is only 10 days away from opening the 2026 season against UAB, and there are some major changes coming to the gameday experience at Gies Memorial Stadium. Illinois Athletics is implementing a new lot-specific traffic-routing system beginning approximately 3½ hours before kickoff. Fans will have designated routes based on their parking lots, with the goal of reducing congestion and getting fans into the stadium more efficiently. We also take a look at the new additions inside Gies Memorial Stadium, including the massive new video board, upgraded audio system, stadium-wide Wi-Fi, new LED lighting, enhanced concessions and new in-game hosts. The 17,000-plus-square-foot video board will be unveiled when Illinois hosts UAB on September 3. The Illini soccer team remains unbeaten after playing UIC to a 0-0 draw Sunday night at Demirjian Park. Illinois is now 1-0-2 on the season after also drawing No. 19 Georgia and defeating Cincinnati. The defense has been excellent, but the question becomes whether the Illini can generate enough offense as the schedule gets tougher. Then it's time to ask the question Bears fans are probably debating after Saturday night's 27-9 loss to Cincinnati: should anyone actually be panicking? The Bears' first-team offense struggled, Caleb Williams went just 2-for-5, the team committed 11 penalties for 81 yards, and Chicago failed to score a touchdown. That's certainly not what fans wanted to see—but it's still the preseason, and there are legitimate reasons to pump the brakes before declaring the season doomed. Finally, we unveil another Random Illini Football Player of the Day, digging into an Illini name that deserves a little more attention as the countdown to the 2026 season continues.

Carson Gourdie from ABC20 joins The Drive to preview opening night of high school football across Central Illinois, including the teams, storylines, players and matchups worth watching as the 2026 season gets underway. Carson also breaks down the latest bombshell in the NCAA's eligibility battle. The U.S. Tenth Circuit granted the NCAA's request to stay the nationwide injunction in Wisne v. NCAA, putting the potential fifth season for qualifying Class of 2022 athletes on hold while the appeal continues. The ruling is particularly complicated for college football players because the decision comes just days before the season begins. While the nationwide protection has been stayed, athletes who obtained separate state-court restraining orders may still have eligibility protection. That creates a confusing patchwork where some players can potentially play while similarly situated players cannot.

Kyle Tausk of Illini Inquirer joins The Drive to break down Illinois basketball's non-conference schedule, including the biggest challenges on the slate, which games should matter most for the Illini's NCAA Tournament résumé, and what the schedule tells us about Brad Underwood's program. The conversation also turns to Illinois' recruiting pipeline in Chicago — how important the city remains to the Illini, the talent Illinois is targeting, and whether the program can continue strengthening its presence in one of the state's most important basketball recruiting markets. Plus, a major development in the NCAA's ongoing eligibility battle: the U.S. Tenth Circuit granted the NCAA's request to stay the nationwide injunction in Wisne v. NCAA. The ruling temporarily puts the fifth-season opportunity for qualifying Class of 2022 athletes on hold while the appeal continues.

Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins The Drive for a packed second hour covering Illinois football and the Chicago Bears. Teague breaks down why Jake Renfro and Xavier Scott could be critical pieces for the Illini in 2026, and what their health and production could mean for Illinois' hopes this season. The conversation then shifts to the Bears, including Ben Johnson's intense approach at training camp and whether that physical, demanding style is exactly what Chicago needs to take the next step. The Bears have already had some heated practices, while Johnson continues to emphasize competition and preparation. And with the Bears heading to Cincinnati for a joint practice and Saturday night's preseason matchup, there's extra intrigue surrounding Bears-Bengals after Joe Burrow made it clear that Cincinnati believes this is a Super Bowl-or-bust type of season. Burrow has compared the 2026 Bengals to his 2019 LSU championship team and says the team expects to compete for the Super Bowl. Topics include: Jake Renfro's importance to Illinois football Xavier Scott's role and impact on the Illini defense Illinois' 2026 football expectations Ben Johnson's intensity at Bears training camp What Chicago is trying to establish under Johnson Caleb Williams and the Bears offense Bears-Bengals joint practices Joe Burrow's Super Bowl expectations Why Saturday's preseason game feels more interesting than a typical August matchup What to watch for when the Bears face Cincinnati The Bears and Bengals meet Saturday, August 22 at 6 p.m. CT in Cincinnati.

Illinois basketball legend Deon Thomas joins The Drive for a wide-ranging conversation about his legendary Illini career, his transition from player to Illinois Athletics Director of Major Gifts, and his continued role as a voice of Illini basketball. Thomas reflects on his career at Illinois, where he remains the program's all-time leading scorer with 2,129 points, before discussing his work helping grow the Fighting Illini donor network and support current and future student-athletes. He also looks back at the evolution of Illinois basketball from 2020 through 2026, including Brad Underwood's transformation of the program, the recent Final Four run, and what makes the current era so exciting for Illini fans. Plus, Thomas reveals his Starting Five of Illinois players from 2020-2026 and explains why he selected each player. Topics include: Deon Thomas' legendary Illinois basketball career His 2,129 career points and place in Illini history His role as Director of Major Gifts for Illinois Athletics What it's like working with Illini donors and alumni His perspective on Brad Underwood's program Illinois' 2026 Final Four run His favorite Illini memories Deon Thomas' Starting Five from 2020-2026 The future of Illinois basketball Much more from one of the greatest players in Fighting Illini history Thomas joined the Illinois Athletics development team in 2019 and continues to serve as a radio analyst for Fighting Illini basketball.

The Drive's second hour dives into a busy night of Chicago and St. Louis baseball before turning to some of the strangest quirks in the 2026 Illinois and Big Ten football schedules. The Cardinals enter Wednesday's matchup with Cincinnati having taken two of the first three games of the series. Matthew Liberatore gets the start for St. Louis against Reds rookie Chase Burns, who has emerged as one of Cincinnati's most impressive young pitchers. Meanwhile, the White Sox salvaged their series against the Cubs with a 3-0 shutout at Wrigley Field. Jose Urquidy delivered six scoreless innings with eight strikeouts, while Chicago's offense couldn't generate a run. The hour also takes a closer look at the unusual quirks and anomalies hiding in the Illinois Fighting Illini and Big Ten football schedules. Which matchups stand out? What scheduling oddities could impact the season? And are there any patterns that could help—or hurt—the Illini?

Sunny Verma of Locked On Illini joins The Drive to break down the latest surrounding Illinois athletics. Verma discusses why Illinois wide receiver Jayshon Platt could be a special player for the Illini, the importance of special teams, and what role Platt could play as both a receiver and return specialist. Platt is coming off a 2025 season at Florida Atlantic in which he recorded 46 receptions for 720 yards and five touchdowns while also providing a major boost in the return game. The conversation also turns to Illinois basketball and the expected role of Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks. The 6-foot-7 guard averaged 15.8 points and 3.2 assists per game last season and is expected to be one of Illinois' primary playmakers. Plus, Evan's Random Illini Players of the Day!

Pete Crow-Armstrong put together one of the most memorable nights in Cubs history, becoming just the sixth player in MLB history to hit both a leadoff homer and a walk-off homer in the same game. PCA went 4-for-5 with two home runs in the Cubs' 7-5, 10-inning win over the White Sox, while his second homer gave him 30 home runs and secured his second straight 30-30 season. The Cardinals and Reds split Monday's doubleheader, with St. Louis taking Game 1 before Cincinnati rallied for a walk-off win in Game 2. The focus turns to the series finale Tuesday, including the latest on Joshua Báez after his historic three-homer MLB debut. Báez went 0-for-9 in Monday's doubleheader, but his incredible start has Cardinals fans wondering if they've found another major piece for the future. Then it's time for another Illini Football positional breakdown, with the spotlight on the offensive line. Illinois is working through a major overhaul up front, with new faces and limited continuity making the O-line one of the biggest questions heading into the 2026 season.

Doug Bucshon of On3's Orange & Blue News joins The Drive to break down the latest Illinois football storylines as the Illini inch closer to the 2026 season. The conversation covers the team's injury situation, key position battles still being decided in training camp, and whether the revamped offensive line is starting to develop the chemistry it needs. Illinois is replacing four starters up front, making the O-line one of the biggest areas to watch heading into the season. Plus, Kurtis and Evan bring back Random Illini Football Players of the Day, highlighting some names from Illinois football history that deserve another look. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Hour 2 of The Drive gets you ready for a big weekend of baseball as the St. Louis Cardinals head to Wrigley Field to take on the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series beginning Friday, August 14. The rivals meet with both teams looking to make a push in the NL Central, setting the stage for another heated weekend at Wrigley. The guys also check in on former Illinois football players making their mark in NFL preseason action. With preseason games underway, which Illini have the best opportunity to make an NFL roster, and who could be fighting for a bigger role? And, unfortunately, it's time for a Friday Toast with a twist: the crew raises a glass to Quinntern the Intern, who is wrapping up her final day with The Drive. Plenty of laughs, memories and well wishes as the team says goodbye. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

In Hour 1 of The Drive, Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone dive into a big night for former Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer, who gets the start for the Detroit Lions in their preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. Altmyer is getting a major opportunity to showcase what he can do as he competes for a spot on Detroit's roster. The guys also discuss the latest developments in the Chicago Bears' stadium situation. Bears leadership says the organization is conducting its due diligence on potential sites in Hammond, Indiana, with the team currently focused on two Northwest Indiana locations. Despite the Indiana discussions, the franchise says it would remain the Chicago Bears if it eventually crosses the state line. Plus, it's time for another edition of Evan's Random Illini Football Players of the Day, featuring another name from the long and fascinating history of Illinois football.

Due to severe weather and tornado warnings across the area, Hour 1 of The Drive was preempted for storm coverage. We still packed plenty into Hour 2!

Hour 2 of The Drive is packed with Chicago Bears and Illinois football talk! Kurtis and Evan are joined by Chris Kwiecinski of FOX 32 to discuss the latest on Luther Burden III's injury, what it means for the Bears' wide receiver depth, and why there's reason for optimism surrounding Chicago's defense. Then it's back to Champaign for an Illinois football defensive back breakdown, looking at the Illini secondary and the players who could make an impact this season. Plus, we preview the St. Louis Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Phillies, including what to watch for in the matchup. In Hour 2:

The Dog Days of Summer are here, but Illinois football season is getting closer! On Hour 1 of The Drive, Kurtis and Evan dive into the latest Illini football storylines, including what fans should be watching as fall camp continues. Plus, we have some fun with the strangest and most unexpected football opponents Big Ten schools have played, bring back Random Illini Players of the Day, and check in on the Chicago Cubs, who continue to roll as the MLB season heats up. In this hour:

The Chicago Cubs are rolling, and Alex Patt of Chi City Sports joins The Drive to break down the team's recent surge, why the Cubs' moves at the MLB Trade Deadline could pay off, and whether Alex Bregman is finally starting to look like the player Chicago hoped it signed. Then it's time to turn the attention to Illinois football, with a breakdown of the Illini linebackers heading into the 2026 season. Kurtis and Evan look at the depth, key players and biggest questions facing the position group. And, of course, the week wraps up with Friday Toasts, as Kurtis and Evan raise a glass to the people, teams and moments that deserve some recognition. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Illinois basketball sophomore star David Mirkovic is dealing with a significant foot injury that required surgery, and Kyle Tausk of Illini Inquirer joins The Drive to discuss the seriousness of the injury, his expected recovery and what it means for the Illini heading into the 2026-27 season. Early reports indicate a recovery timeline of roughly 6–8 weeks, with Illinois still expecting Mirkovic to be ready for the start of the season. Kyle, Kurtis and Evan also examine Illinois basketball's depth and how the roster can withstand a potentially extended absence from one of its most important frontcourt pieces. Plus, it's time for Evan's Random Illinois Football Players of the Day, and the guys react to new Purdue athletic director Tommy McClelland's bizarre opening press conference, where he took an immediate shot at rival Indiana by saying Purdue is where you go if you want to win championships. The comment quickly drew criticism and plenty of attention.

Hour 2 of The Drive is packed with Illinois football and Major League Baseball talk! The guys continue their Illinois football position previews by taking an in-depth look at the Fighting Illini defensive line. Can this unit become one of the Big Ten's best? They discuss the impact of the returning veterans, breakout candidates, pass rush expectations, and how the defensive front could shape Illinois' 2026 season. Then it's on to the Chicago Cubs after a thrilling extra-inning victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. The crew breaks down the dramatic finish, key performances, and what the win means as the Cubs continue their push toward the postseason. Finally, the debate heats up: Should Pete Crow-Armstrong be ahead of Shohei Ohtani in the National League MVP race? The guys compare offensive production, elite defense, overall value, and whether PCA has done enough to overtake baseball's biggest superstar. If you're looking for daily Illinois football coverage, Cubs analysis, MLB news, and Big Ten discussion, The Drive has you covered.

Illinois football training camp is heating up, and Carson Gourdie from WICS joins The Drive to break down the biggest storylines on the defensive side of the ball. The guys discuss why the Illini defense has the potential to be one of the Big Ten's best, key position battles, and players who could emerge as difference-makers this season. They also dive into Illinois' intriguing backup quarterback competition behind Katin Houser, examining the battle between Carson Boyd, Michael Clayton II, and Dane Eisenmenger as camp continues. The QB2 race has become one of the most talked-about storylines of fall camp. Plus, Evan returns with another edition of Random Illinois Football Players of the Day, featuring memorable names from Illini football history and plenty of laughs along the way. If you're an Illini football fan, this is your daily source for Illinois football news, analysis, recruiting, Big Ten discussion, and training camp updates.

The Chicago Cubs continue their incredible stretch by completing a series sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers, raising even more questions about whether they're the team to beat in the National League. We break down what stood out during the series, the biggest contributors, and what the sweep means heading into the final two months of the season. We also preview tonight's matchup between the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees, discussing the pitching matchup, key players to watch, and what's at stake as the Cardinals continue their postseason push. To close out the show, Pierce The Fierce challenges Kurtis and Evan for one of the most entertaining drafts yet—a fantasy draft of the greatest professional wrestlers since 1990. Which legends came off the board first? Who built the best roster? And which iconic wrestlers were surprisingly left out?

Illinois basketball received concerning news as sophomore star David Mirkovic underwent successful surgery on his left foot after suffering an injury during a recent team workout. The guys discuss what the injury means for the Illini heading into the 2026-27 season, early reports suggesting a 6-to-8 week recovery timeline, and why Illinois still expects Mirkovic to make a full recovery before the season gets underway. They also break down how Brad Underwood could adjust if Mirkovic misses additional time and which players may be asked to step into larger roles. Later, Ravi Lulla joins the show to discuss the biggest headlines coming out of the Big Ten as fall camp ramps up. The conversation includes which conference contenders are generating the most buzz, what to make of preseason expectations around the league, and a look at several head coaches who could find themselves on the hot seat if their teams underperform in 2026. Ravi also shares his thoughts on Illinois' outlook entering the season and where the Illini stack up against the rest of the conference. The hour wraps up with another edition of Random Illini Football Players of the Day, highlighting memorable names from Illinois football history while taking a trip down memory lane with listeners.

J Leman joins The Drive to preview the 2026 Illinois football season, discussing expectations for Bret Bielema, key players, and what could make this Illini team special. Jacob Infante breaks down the latest from Chicago Bears training camp, including the impact of Coby Bryant's injury and standout performers. Plus, the Cubs emerge as one of the biggest winners of the MLB Trade Deadline with several key additions, while the Cardinals begin reshaping their roster by trading Lars Nootbaar. Catch all the biggest Illini, Bears, Cubs, Cardinals, and NFL headlines from August 4, 2026. The Cubs were widely viewed as aggressive buyers at the deadline, while St. Louis shifted toward selling by moving Nootbaar. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Jacob Infante from Pro Football Network and the Windy City Gridiron calls in to talk about Bears camp, extensions, injuries, and potential future moves. Jacob also sheds some light that Pierce the Fierce might have some competition.  Evan and Quinn have both had the same experience hooked up to 1,000 wires...  Evan explains his hot take from hour 1. 

Evan and Quinn react live on air to breaking news about David Mirkovic's injury, WHAT DOES IT MEAN??? Then, All-American J Leman gets an intro of a lifetime and joins the show to discuss Illinois' 2026 season and beyond. What does J really think about the SEC?  The hour ends with maybe Evan's hottest take yet... 

08-03-26 ESPN The Drive Hour 2, Evan Stone and Pierce talk about trade deadline, and what we think about the Cardinals and Cubs made.

08-03-26 ESPN The Drive Hour 1, Evan Stone and Pierce talk about trade deadline, and the upcoming Illinois football season

The Drive recaps an eventful first week of Chicago Bears training camp, highlighting an offense that continues to generate excitement while the defense works through early camp growing pains. Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone discuss Caleb Williams' development, the playmakers standing out, and whether Bears fans should be encouraged by the offensive progress. The conversation then shifts to the NFL, where the guys explain why the Los Angeles Chargers have all the ingredients to be a legitimate Super Bowl sleeper in 2026. They also preview the Cardinals' upcoming series against the Toronto Blue Jays, discussing key pitching matchups and what St. Louis needs after losing three of four to the Cubs. The week closes with another edition of Friday Toasts, celebrating the biggest winners and memorable moments from the week in sports. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Austin Burklund of Armchair Illini joins The Drive to break down expectations for Bret Bielema and Illinois football entering the 2026 season. The conversation covers what success looks like for the Illini, key players to watch, the biggest challenges on the schedule, and why Washington has the potential to emerge as one of the Big Ten's biggest surprise teams this year. Later in the hour, Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone recap the Cubs taking three of four games from the Cardinals in a heated rivalry series. The guys discuss what went wrong for St. Louis, what the series means for both teams moving forward, and the latest storylines around the National League playoff race. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

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.