Podcast appearances and mentions of Bret Bielema

Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports previews the matchup between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the USC Trojans. He breaks down key storylines, players to watch, and what each team needs to do to come away with a win. We also get Brian's thoughts on Bret Bielema's new coaching staff and more. We also run through today's Illini Headlines, covering the latest news and notes from around Illinois athletics. Plus, why did Kurtis' Curveballs involve billions of hotdogs?

Carson Gourdie from WICS and Fox Illinois breaks down the Illini matchup with the Trojans and what to expect on game day. Adam Bradford of Trojans Wire gives the USC perspective and key storylines heading into the showdown. We also discuss how the Trojans match up schematically against Illinois on both sides of the ball. Plus, Jordan Thomas steps in as the new D-Line coach, rounding out Bret Bielema's 2026 staff.

Doug Bucshon of Orange and Blue News joins the show to break down Illinois' win over Indiana Hoosiers and what it means moving forward. Doug also gives his insight on the latest Illinois Football coaching hires, including Tyrone Wheatley as Running Backs coach. We also hit Today's Illini Headlines with the latest news surrounding Illinois Fighting Illini athletics. Kurtis brings the fun with another edition of his Curveballs, featuring some wild and surprising stories from the Olympic Games. It's a packed show with analysis, updates, and a few laughs along the way.      

In Interviews of the Week on 104.3 The Score, Ricky O'Donnell of SB Nation joined the Spiegel & Holmes Show to discuss the state of the reeling Bulls at the All-Star break and to break down a loaded 2026 NBA Draft class; Chicago Sports Network analyst Clay Harbor joined the Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show to share his wish list for the Bears in free agency; and Illinois football coach Bret Bielema joined the Mully & Haugh Show to share his goals for the program.

In Interviews of the Week on 104.3 The Score, Ricky O'Donnell of SB Nation joined the Spiegel & Holmes Show to discuss the state of the reeling Bulls at the All-Star break and to break down a loaded 2026 NBA Draft class; Chicago Sports Network analyst Clay Harbor joined the Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show to share his wish list for the Bears in free agency; and Illinois football coach Bret Bielema joined the Mully & Haugh Show to share his goals for the program.

In Interviews of the Week on 104.3 The Score, Ricky O'Donnell of SB Nation joined the Spiegel & Holmes Show to discuss the state of the reeling Bulls at the All-Star break and to break down a loaded 2026 NBA Draft class; Chicago Sports Network analyst Clay Harbor joined the Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show to share his wish list for the Bears in free agency; and Illinois football coach Bret Bielema joined the Mully & Haugh Show to share his goals for the program.

In the third hour, David Haugh and Ruthie Polinsky discussed which players are the biggest keys to success for the Cubs in 2026. After that, Illinois football coach Bret Bielema joined the show to celebrate former Illini star Devon Witherspoon winning the Super Bowl with the Seahawks and to share his vision for leading the program to new heights. Later, Mike Palm of Circa Sports joined the program to set the scene for the sports weekend from a gambling perspective.

David Haugh and Ruthie Polinsky were joined by Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema to celebrate former Illini star and current Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon winning the Super Bowl. Bielema also shared his vision for leading his program to places it has never been before.

Ronnie Bradford and Roger Cooper are former Defensive Coordinators for Bobby Hauck and they're the latest additions to Bret Bielema's staff. Bielema continues to reshape his new 3-3-5 defense. On the hardwood, Nick Rodecap from WIUX-FM and The Hoosier Network breaks down Illinois vs. Indiana and what the matchup means in the Big Ten race. It's a busy stretch in Champaign as both football and basketball storylines continue to build momentum.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to Illinois hiring long-time Wyoming coach Bobby Hauck as defensive coordinator and discuss how he will change Bret Bielema's defense. Then Werner catches up with coaching expert Mat Pistole about Hauck's 3-3-5 defensive scheme and what it means for the Illini's style of play and personnel. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS Omaha Steaks: Go to ⁠https://www.OmahaSteaks.com⁠ to get an extra $35 off with promo code ILLINI at checkout. Minimum purchase may apply. Thanks to Omaha Steaks for sponsoring us! Factor: Head to ⁠factormeals.com/illini50off⁠ and use code illini50off to get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. Eat like a pro this month with Factor. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to Illinois defensive coordinator Terrance Jamison leaving the Illini for the Buffalo Bills, and the guys discuss Bret Bielema's upcoming defensive scheme changes and other potential candidates for the defensive coordinator job. CBS Sports college basketball writer Isaac Trotter then joins Werner to preview Saturday's top-10 matchup between No. 5 Illinois and No. 10 Michigan State at Breslin Center. Trotter breaks down what's stood out about Illinois' last few wins, why Michigan State has struggled in its last three games, keys to the matchup and how Illinois deals with Jeremy Fears Jr. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS * Omaha Steaks: Go to https://www.OmahaSteaks.com to get an extra $35 off with promo code ILLINI at checkout. Minimum purchase may apply. Thanks to Omaha Steaks for sponsoring us! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Doug Bucshon is the publisher of Orange and Blue News, a part of the On3 family, and has covered Illinois athletics for years. He joins us this hour to discuss Illinois vs Michigan State, Jeremy Fears' issues, Underwood vs Izzo, Keaton Wagler, and much more!  We also talk with Doug about some of the changes to Bret Bielema's coaching staff, including the addition of TE Coach Jared Elliot and the loss of D-Line coach Terrance Jamison. Plus, Brad Underwood's presser and more!

The Illini put together their most dominant performance of the year with an 84-44 victory over Northwestern at State Farm Center. Five Illinois players were in double figures and Andrej Stojakovic led the way with 17 points. We break down the game and look ahead to Saturday at Michigan State. Speaking of Michigan State, is Tom Izzo overrated? Evan Stone thinks that's the case and the text lines lit UP.  Plus, who will be the next Illinois Football defensive coordinator?

The Chicago Bulls traded former-Illini star Ayo Dosumnu to the Timberwolves, which also happens to be the home of Terrence Shannon Jr. We discuss the trade with NBA Insider Dr. Daniel Thompson. Dr. Thompson also does an incredible job covering the Illini women's basketball team for Basketball Society. He helps us break down Illinois' tough loss last night at Oregon. Is Leslie Frazier a candidate for the Illinois defensive coordinator position? What about Kevin Richardson? Both have connections to the Illini and/or Bret Bielema. 

In this episode I highlight the standouts from the opening of track & field season (4:25), recap men's basketball's wins over Washington (7:17) and Nebraska (10:47), examine Keaton Wagler's epic three-game stretch (20:46) and break down Illinois' best start in 20 years (25:04). I also review the Big Ten race and discuss the Illini's conference title hopes (33:48). I also recap women's hoops' road upset at Washington (40:37), preview Wednesday's matchup with Oregon (48:34), and discuss the rarity of Illinois' pair of weekend wins (51:55). Finally, I take a quick look at the 2026 football schedule (57:30), recap Bret Bielema's staff shakeups (61:06), and acknowledge Illinois' newest All-American (67:46). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mike Cagley and Matt Stevens talk about Bret Bielema's search to replace Aaron Henry as the Fighting Illini's Defensive Coordinator. We ask YOU to help the IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular & I on the Illini grow on social media by following us on all our social media and engaging with the content posted. Every like, love, comment & share help the IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular reach more people and establish our position as the leader in entertaining, fast-paced, non-political, all sports & guy-stuff programming. Thanks for listening! Don't miss our college sports focused podcasts: IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular I on the Illini Mike Cagley's Heat Checks & Hail Marys Follow the IlliniGuys Subscribe at IlliniGuys.com for just $99 annually Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@illiniguys4844?si=oWtcpGPkAIYSBceM Follow us on X: Brad: https://x.com/Sturdy32 Mike: https://x.com/MikeCagley Larry: https://x.com/LarrySmithTV IlliniGuys: https://x.com/Illini_Guys Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry's departure from the program following three seasons as the play caller. The guys reflect on why his tenure didn't work out, what his departure means and some potential replacements. The guys also discuss a big offseason of coaching changes for Bret Bielema.  SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS Omaha Steaks: Go to https://www.OmahaSteaks.com to get an extra $35 off with promo code ILLINI at checkout. Minimum purchase may apply. Thanks to Omaha Steaks for sponsoring us! MANDO: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code ILLINI at shopmando.com! #mandopod GET 2 MONTHS OF ILLINI INQUIRER VIP ACCESS FOR JUST $1! Want to try out Illini Inquirer VIP access, for a limited time only, you can get your first TWO MONTHS of VIP access for just $1! That's the best Illinois Fighting Illini coverage for just pennies per day. Get the most in-depth intel and insight on Illinois football, basketball, recruiting and more with Illini Inquirer. Sign up now for the monthly option and get your first two month for just $1! Sign up now! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aaron Henry's three-year tenure as Illinois' defensive coordinator comes to an end, as he accepts a new position at Notre Dame. Mike Carpenter reacts during an emergency pod and discusses why the move had to happen, and what it says about Bret Bielema and his expectations for Illini football.

The All-American J Leman joins us on the Dick Van Dyke Appliance phone line to preview the National Championship Game between Indiana vs Miami. Plus, J gives his thoughts on Illinois football recruitment and much more. Speaking of recruitment, Illinois Head Coach Bret Bielema joined ESPN 93.5 today to discuss his recruitment class and all things college football. Coach Bielema let listeners know that he's nowhere near done building the 2026 roster. And we recap the Illini men's basketball team's home win over Minnesota. Big Z was the hero this time.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss Illini star DB Xavier Scott's return to Illinois and the latest on the Illini's transfer portal efforts. The guys discuss what Scott's return means for Bret Bielema and the defense, how the secondary shakes out and what must be done on the defensive front. Wagner then gives his thoughts on the Illini's offensive additions at quarterback, wide receiver and offensive line. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS Factor Meals: Head to FactorMeals.com/illini50off and use code illini50off to get 50% off your first Factor box PLUS free breakfast for 1 year. *Offer only valid for new Factor customers with code and qualifying auto-renewing subscription purchase. Make healthier eating easy with Factor. Omaha Steaks: Go to https://www.OmahaSteaks.com to get an extra $35 off with promo code ILLINI at checkout. Minimum purchase may apply. Thanks to Omaha Steaks for sponsoring us! MANDO: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code ILLINI at shopmando.com! #mandopod Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8  Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct   Go VIP for just 30% OFF: http://bit.ly/3FUGfIj   To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bret Bielema has addressed a lot of needs for the 2026 Illini Football team, but what's the most pressing issue? We talk with Fox Illinois & WICS' Carson Gourdie about the latest Transfer Portal news. Plus, Carson gives his insight on what Illini basketball needs to improve on going into this stretch of the season, in particular Ivisic Brothers. The Cubs traded their top prospect for Edward Cabrera. Was it the right move? Should the Cardinals trade Brendan Donovan?  Kurtis throws his CURVEBALLS!

Stephen Igoe covers East Carolina athletics for "Hoist the Colours" on 247Sports and 94.3 The Game. He's covered new Illini quarterback Katin Houser for the last 2 years and gives us insight into the newest member of the Bret Bielema's roster.  Richie O'Leary is back on the show and this time we're talking Illini vs Rutgers ahead of Thursday night's men's basketball game at State Farm Center. It's been a rough season so far for the Knights and Richie doesn't mince words about it. And Evan announces the topic for today's Draft -  Best NFL Quarterbacks!

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner gets a breakdown of new Illinois quarterback Katin Houser from 247Sports ECU reporter Stephen Igoe and wraps up the season and looks ahead to the offseason with J Leman. Igoe breaks down Hauser's journey at ECU, his strengths and his next steps as a quarterback. Leman then discusses the Illini's Music City Bowl win over Tennessee and standout performance before discussing the keys to Bret Bielema's offseason ahead, transfer portal exits, new QB Katin Houser and the College Football Playoff. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8  Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct   Go VIP for just 30% OFF: http://bit.ly/3FUGfIj   To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We found out very quickly who will be protecting Katin Houser next year for the Illini. Bret Bielema's staff land Wisconsin starting Center Jake Renfro through the transfer portal. Renfro has 1 year of eligibility and will anchor the O-Line in 2026. Illini basketball got a win in Philadelphia on Saturday night against Penn State. We recap the game and look ahead to Rutgers on Thursday. The Bears lost the season finale against the Lions after mounting an improbable comeback. They now turn their attention to the Packers on Saturday night for the 3rd time in six weeks. How concerned are you? Evan's been "riding a cash wave" for a couple of weeks and shares a special bet in today's "Etched in Stone!"

The Champaign Room's Pleas Honeywood & Don Glenn join me to revisit Illinois' Music City Bowl victory versus Tennessee. We also discuss the legacies of Luke Altmyer & Bret Bielema and briefly look towards the 2026 season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jay Greeson and Chris Lee preview the Music City Bowl between Tennessee and Illinois. Topics include: The Vols' 8-4 record was a disappointment, but they'll be playing in Nashville and, perhaps, with a wish to bury a regular-season-ending loss to Vanderbilt and make better memories going into the offseason. Illinois went 8-4 against a tough schedule, and Bret Bielema had the Fighting Illini ready to play last year, when Illinois upset red-hot South Carolina in a bowl game. Key players out for Tennessee include wide receiver Chris Brazzell II, cornerback Jermod McCoy (potential first-rounder who didn't play this season), Boo Carter (Carter was kicked off the team before the end of the regular season), linebacker Arion Carter, running back Peyton Lewis and backup quarterback Jake Merklinger. Safety Colton Hood (potential high NFL Draft pick) has not opted out as of the date of this video, but could. Key players out for Illinois include linebacker Gabe Jacas (its best pass rusher), All-Big Ten left tackle J.C. Davis and starting safety Matthew Bailey. Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar is trying to find eligibility to play in 2026, so he looks motivated to play here. He'll still have a pair of outstanding receivers in Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews available. The Vols' defense wasn't good on the whole, but it did find a pass rush in several games as well as the ability to put points on the board with defensive scores. The Fighting Illini will put their faith in veteran quarterback Luke Altmeyer, who completed 68% of his passes and was picked just six times. Illinois was good against the pass in the regular season on the whole, allowing just 5.9 yards on pass plays after adjusting for sacks. *YEARLY CO* Use promo code SE16KIT for a free sizing kit! https://yearlyco.com/ ROKFORM Use promo code SEC25 for 25% off! The world's strongest magnetic phone case! https://www.rokform.com/ JOIN OUR MEMBERSHIP Join the "It Just Means More" tier for bonus videos and live streams! Join Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv1w_TRbiB0yHCEb7r2IrBg/join FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: https://twitter.com/16Southeastern ADVERTISE WITH SOUTHEASTERN 16 Reach out to caroline.bellcow@gmail.com to find out how your product or service can be seen by over 200,000 unique viewers each month! #sec #collegefootball #predictions Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Luke Altmyer will wrap up his three-year stint as Illinois QB with one last rodeo in Nashville. Mike Carpenter discusses the importance of Altmyer in Bret Bielema's rebuilding efforts, how he stacks up with other Illini QBs, and his most memorable moments. Also, a look ahead to the upcoming Braggin' Rights basketball game against Missouri.

Illinois revenue sports have invaded the city of Nashville! Mike Carpenter discusses #14 Illini basketball's huge 75-62 win over #13 Tennessee, in which Brad Underwood's team turned in their best performance of the year (at least in the second half) Tomislav Ivisic and Keaton Wagler led the way, while Big Z hit two crucial late 3's to help seal the win. Meanwhile, Bret Bielema's squad gets an invite to the Music City Bowl on December 30 to face (who else!) Tennessee.

The Drive welcomes Colleen Kane from the Chicago Tribune to the show! Colleen covers the Illini and gives her thoughts ahead of the game with Tennessee. Carson Gourdie from Fox Illinois and WICS-TV joins the fellas to talk Illini hoops. Carson gives his thoughts on Coach Underwood saying he'd love to play in Dubai, predictions for Saturday, and the latest injury news. Plus, Carson talks about Bret Bielema & Illini football's class of 2026. And we've got our Friday toasts! Cheers! 

Which Illini football players made the All Big Ten team? We'll break it down! Zack Pearson from BearReport joins us ahead of the Bears vs Packers game on Sunday. Who takes control of the NFC North after Sunday? Zack gives us his insight. Plus, Bret Bielema revealed his non-compete numbers and Kurtis throws some Curveballs!

It's National Signing Day for Fighting Illini Football! We'll do a deep dive into the Class of 2026 - the highest ranked class of the Bret Bielema Era (Number 21). Coach Bielema joined ESPN 93.5 to talk about this year's class, bowl season, his family, and if he's receiving offers from other schools. 

Illini Inquirer football analyst J Leman joins Jeremy Werner to discuss Illinois football's 20-13 win over Northwestern and review the 2025 season. The guys then discuss the offseason ahead and what Bret Bielema must do to take the program to another level, including with his coaching staff and roster. The guys also discuss a wild coaching carousel. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8  Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct   Go VIP for just 30% OFF: http://bit.ly/3FUGfIj   To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Illini men's basketball team competed, but ultimately fell to UConn at Madison Square Garden. What went right and what went wrong? Where will Brad Underwood & Co do ahead of their trip to Nashville before playing Tennessee? Da Bears are Da Number 1 team in da NFC! The Chicago Bears handled the Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday in Philly. Ben Johnson's team has won 9 of their last 10 games and are in the driver's seat the rest of the way. Next up? The Packers in Green Bay.  A handful of texts start this conversation: Why are some Illini fans still unhappy with Bret Bielema and Brad Underwood? 

Happy Thanksgiving! Here's a special episode of "The Drive" exclusive to podcast subscribers. Brad Underwood and the Illini Men's Basketball team head to Madison Square Garden to take on the #5 ranked UConn Huskies. Tip-off is scheduled for Friday morning at 11:30am. We preview the game and give our predictions. Friday afternoon features the Chicago Bears against the Philadelphia Eagles. Is this the biggest test for Da Bears so far? Are the Eagles vulnerable or is this a "get right" game for Philly?  Bret Bielema leads the Illini football team into their final regular season game for Senior Night on Saturday. Snow, rain, and wind are in the forecast for the game. How will it impact Barry Lunney's offense? Will it help or hinder Aaron Henry's defense? We preview and give our score predictions. We hope you have a great holiday weekend and thanks for listening! - The Drive  

Bret Bielema met with the media and got emotional while talking about his group of Seniors on the Illini roster. What will you think of when you look back on the 2025 season? Also, should Luke Altmyer play in a bowl game? Kurtis and Evan say "No." And it's our Tuesday Draft! This week we're drafting "Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes." Vote for who won @thedrive935 on Instagram, Twitter, and by texting 217-359-2255!

All-American linebacker and Illini Inquirer football analyst J Leman joins Jeremy Werner to react to Illinois football's 27-10 loss at Wisconsin. Leman breaks down why the game might force Bret Bielema to make a change to his defensive staff and what went so wrong for the Illini offense. Leman then looks ahead to Saturday's regular-season finale against Northwestern and discusses a pivotal offseason ahead for Bret Bielema. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS Go to OmahaSteaks.com to get 50% off sitewide plus an extra 20% off select favorites and more limited-time deals during their Cyber Sale. And use Promo Code ILLINI at checkout for an extra $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply. See site for details. A big thanks to our advertiser, Omaha Steaks! Columbia Street Roastery: Get 10% OFF your 1st order with the code GoIllini2025. Visit ⁠⁠⁠CSRcoffee.com⁠⁠⁠ Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8  Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct   Go VIP for just 30% OFF: http://bit.ly/3FUGfIj   To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illinois football suffers a humiliating 27-10 loss to Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium. Mike Carpenter discusses what went wrong during the sloppy, lifeless performance, and what must happen in the offseason for the Illini program to take another step under Bret Bielema. Next up: that pesky Northwestern team.

Live from Madison, Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to No. 21 Illinois football's 27-10 loss at Wisconsin. The guys discuss what went so wrong in all three phases, what it means for the season and what Bret Bielema must do to correct the issues. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8  Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for just 30% OFF: http://bit.ly/3FUGfIj To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Canty is having nightmares about his first college football game where his Virginia Cavaliers lost to Wisconsin. Is it clear the Eagles don't view Jalen Hurts as a Top 5 QB? It's on the table that the Chiefs have a losing season. Bret Bielema joins the show as he takes his Fighting Illini into Camp Randall this weekend and we play Can He or Canty to wrap up the hour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Canty is having nightmares about his first college football game where his Virginia Cavaliers lost to Wisconsin. Is it clear the Eagles don't view Jalen Hurts as a Top 5 QB? It's on the table that the Chiefs have a losing season. Bret Bielema joins the show as he takes his Fighting Illini into Camp Randall this weekend and we play Can He or Canty to wrap up the hour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeremy Werner previews Saturday's 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff between Illinois (7-3, 4-3 Big Ten) and Wisconsin (3-7, 1-6 Big Ten) with Badger247's Payne Blazevich and Illini Inquirer's Joey Wagner. Blazevich breaks down what's gone so wrong for Wisconsin this season, the vibes in Madison and the keys to Wisconsin upsetting the Illini at home. Wagner and Werner then answer a six-pack of questions on the Illini, including Bret Bielema's comments on the offseason, Luke Fickell hanging on at Wisconsin and keys to beating the Badgers. The guys then give their picks to click and bold predictions for the game. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS GameDay Spirit: Get 15% OFF by using code Illini15 at Gamedayspirit.com. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gamedayspirit.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Columbia Street Roastery: Get 10% OFF your 1st order with the code GoIllini2025. Visit ⁠⁠⁠CSRcoffee.com⁠⁠⁠ Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: ⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/3oMt0NP⁠⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8⁠⁠⁠  Other: ⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct⁠⁠⁠   To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Canty is having nightmares about his first college football game where his Virginia Cavaliers lost to Wisconsin. Is it clear the Eagles don't view Jalen Hurts as a Top 5 QB? It's on the table that the Chiefs have a losing season. Bret Bielema joins the show as he takes his Fighting Illini into Camp Randall this weekend and we play Can He or Canty to wrap up the hour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Canty is having nightmares about his first college football game where his Virginia Cavaliers lost to Wisconsin. Is it clear the Eagles don't view Jalen Hurts as a Top 5 QB? It's on the table that the Chiefs have a losing season. Bret Bielema joins the show as he takes his Fighting Illini into Camp Randall this weekend and we play Can He or Canty to wrap up the hour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Canty is having nightmares about his first college football game where his Virginia Cavaliers lost to Wisconsin. Is it clear the Eagles don't view Jalen Hurts as a Top 5 QB? It's on the table that the Chiefs have a losing season. Bret Bielema joins the show as he takes his Fighting Illini into Camp Randall this weekend and we play Can He or Canty to wrap up the hour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Fighting Illini men's basketball lost against Alabama at the United Center in Chicago. We answer your texts and give our reactions to the 90-86 loss.  Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports joins us to talk Big Ten Football for this weekend and why USC could spoil Oregon's playoff hopes. Mark Stewart covers Wisconsin Badgers football for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He gives us the Badgers perspective ahead of Saturday's showdown with Bret Bielema and the Illini at Camp Randall.

Wisconsin will welcome Bret Bielema back to Madison for a second time since he left for Arkansas in 2012. Zach and Jesse discuss what would have happened if he stayed, their favorite memories from his tenure and more. Then they get into 2026 OL Maddox Cochrane decommitting and play some Overreaction, er No?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bret Bielema addressed the media and discussed OC Barry Lunney's potential as a head coaching candidate. We share your reactions. Brad Underwood also met with the media and gave an injury report update before tomorrow night's game against Alabama at the United Center. Who's in and who's out?  It was Field Trip Day at State Farm Center for Illini Women's Basketball and it was LOUD! How crazy did the kids get when the Illini scored "67?" It was over 110 decibels! And an interesting conversation takes off after a texter wants to know "Why don't the Illini practice at State Farm Center?"

Illini Football head coach Bret Bielema met with the media and talks about the upcoming trip to his former stomping grounds in Wisconsin. Plus, Bielema expects a very busy coaching carousel this offseason for college football. And he gives us some insight into the "good problems" that Illinois athletics have right now. It's Tuesday and that means DRAFT DAY! This week's subject: Denzel Washington Movies! Who wins? Vote on our Instagram & Twitter pages @thedrive935 or text your vote to 217-359-2255!

Illinois football improves to 7-3 with a 24-6 win over Maryland. Mike Carpenter discusses the business-like win spurred on by an inspired defensive performance. No, it wasn't pretty (nor particularly memorable), but this victory gives Bret Bielema the most wins of any Illini coach through their first five seasons. Next up: a trip up to his old stomping grounds in Wisconsin.

The 8am hour of Friday's Mac & Cube continued with Week 12 of MAXX BALL FRIDAY!! We began with the guys saying why Alabama's run game doesn't need fixing; then, the guys get asked if we're not giving Georgia enough credit for what they've done this year; and finally, Cole & Greg breakdown Illinois and how bad they've been before Bret Bielema came to town. "McElroy & Cubelic In The Morning" airs 7am-10am weekdays on WJOX-94.5!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.