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We're ready for tonight's home opener! Kurtis and Evan recap rosters, a look at last night's Big Ten games, and a preview of tonight's festivities at Memorial Stadium.
The betting line has moved for tonight's game. The Illini are now favored at -48.5. We'll make our score predictions, gameday traditions, tailgating fun, our Friday toasts and Evan gets everyone HYPED!
Here are some of the highlights of our live broadcast at Pia's in Champaign. We get you set for the Illini home opener against WIU, Etched in Stone bets, the Micah Parsons trade, and more! **This is an abbreviated podcast due to Cardinals baseball.
Legendary News-Gazette reporter/columnist Loren Tate joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to discuss his 59th season covering Illinois football. He discusses why he's continued covering the team into his 90s, his perspective on the hype around this football season, his expectations for the 2025 Illini, his thoughts on the 2025-26 Illini basketball roster and the future of college athletics. Then U of I Chief Commercial Officer Tom Moreland joins the podcast to discuss the gameday experience at Memorial Stadium this season. 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 $1: http://bit.ly/3FUGfIj ***** Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code ILLINI at shopmando.com! #mandopod Eat smart at FactorMeals.com/illini50off and use code illini50off to get 50 percent off plus FREE shipping on your first box. Get delicious, ready-to-eat meals delivered—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
(00:00-14:31) Cary Davis in the booth for Illini football this year. Big weekend of college football. College football television scheduling. You never wanna go up against The Shield. The Beau-Me State or Horn Hub?(14:39-37:51) What does Central Arkansas have that concerns you, Doug? Chad Ochocinco joins us and he says he love us. Loving doing his podcast. Wanting to swim with killer whales. His time in New England with Bill Belichick. Playing FIFA with people who talk trash on Twitter. Ocho is an elite gamer. His love of McDonald's. Pre-game Filet o Fish sandwiches for the linemen. Loved playing in hostile environments. He doesn't remember playing at The Dome but he did in '03.(38:01-50:19) Fun with Geography. It's going off the rails. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner recap training camp with things they feel better about, things they're still concerned about and most interesting players. Then the guys make their bold predictions for the 2025 Illinois football season. 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 $1: http://bit.ly/3FUGfIj Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code ILLINI at shopmando.com! #mandopod 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 Kilcoyne Conversation” with Brian Barnhart @BBarn64 talking @IlliniFootball embracing the hype, biggest games, @BretBielema as the right fit, and new @bigten venues Oregon, Washington, etc.
There were a handful of Illini alum that were cut from NFL rosters yesterday. We'll update you on where Tommy DeVito and others landed. Plus, Tristan Thomas of WCIA3 joins us to talk about some of the big high school football games this Friday night. And Evan has 4 bold predictions for this Friday night's Illini game. It's The Drive!
“The Kilcoyne Conversation” with Brian Barnhart @BBarn64 talking @IlliniFootball embracing the hype, biggest games, @BretBielema as the right fit, and new @bigten venues Oregon, Washington, etc.
It's Game Week! To wrap up all the preseason prognostications, Mike Carpenter welcomes Lon Tay onto the show for a wide-ranging discussion about all things Illini football. In Bret Bielema's fifth season at the helm, can Illinois take advantage of a favorable schedule and experienced roster to nab a spot in the College Football Playoff?
Illini OC Barry Lunney had some great things to say about Hudson Clement evolving in the Illini offense. We'll dive into that. Plus, Mahomet Lady Bulldogs flag football coach Adam Schonauer joins the show to discuss the sport growing at local schools. It's a great conversation! Also, a handful of Illini greats were cut from NFL rosters today. We discuss who we think could be claimed off of waivers and their best landing spots.
The Redbirds had a big comeback win last night and a bad one for Wilson Contreras. We'll dive into the schedule. Also, Western Illinois University's play-by-play man BJ Stone joins the show to discuss what the Illini can expect from the Leathernecks on Friday night. And what did Evan say that made Kurtis CRY on the show?? Find out! It's The Drive!
Mike Cagley talks to the Voice of the Western Illinois Leathernecks BJ Stone about the WIU team that is visiting the Illini. Share this podcast on your social media & please give us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed the podcast! 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 & I on the Illini reach more people and establish our position as the leader in entertaining, fast-paced, non-political sports programming. Don't miss our college sports focused podcasts: IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular I on the Illini Mike Cagley's Heat Checks & Hail Marys Thanks for listening!
All-American linebacker J Leman joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to kick off the 2025 Illinois football season. Leman discusses what he wants to see from Illinois in Friday's opener against Western Illinois and then breaks down each position group on the team and the next steps for offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. and defensive coordinator Aaron Henry. 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 $1: http://bit.ly/3FUGfIj ***** Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code ILLINI at shopmando.com! #mandopod Eat smart at FactorMeals.com/illini50off and use code illini50off to get 50 percent off plus FREE shipping on your first box. Get delicious, ready-to-eat meals delivered—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
We wrap up our Summer Preview slate just as we do every year, with the battle for the Top Hat and Illinois. The Illini are coming off their best season in a while as they continue to embody the Bret Bielema system. But last year they seemed to come out on the right side of almost every close game they played. Will that luck continue into the 2025 campaign?
Mihailo Petrovic is officially in Champaign and Illini basketball fans are rejoicing. Plus, more from Coach Bielema's press conference. And why things continue to look up for the Cardinals & Cubs. It's The Drive!
It's the first J Leman hour of 2025 and he's breaking down everything Illini football! Plus, we'll get J's reaction to Coach Bielema's press conference from today and much more. He's a force of nature and he's back!
Bill Connelly of ESPN looks at week one as well as discussing his new book. Chuck and Heath discuss news from Florida and Alabama's weekly news conferences. Jake Wimberly of ESPN 105.9 the Zone Central Mississippi previews Mississippi State's game at Southern Miss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Big Ten Network's Yogi Roth joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to discuss his thoughts on Illinois after visiting practice last week. Roth goes in-depth on the operation, QB Luke Altmyer, the wide receiver options, the offensive line and offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. Werner then chats with the newest addition to Illini Inquirer: Kyle Tausk! Kyle discusses his journey into journalism and his time at The Drive with Derek Piper and Lon Tay. The guys then chat about Illinois basketball's 2025-26 roster and reasons for excitement and remaining questions about the team entering fall workouts. Go to https://OmahaSteaks.com to get 50% off sitewide during their Labor Day 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! 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 $1: 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're one week away from the Illini kicking off the 2025 football season. Kurtis and Evan lock in their win/loss picks. Plus, the Bears take on the Chiefs in the last preseason game. How much of the starters do you need to see tonight? And who are the QB's you'd take over Patrick Mahomes? Evan has a few. It's Friday on The Drive!
Larry Smith, Brad Sturdy & Mike Cagley talk: Illini FB - Season Opener Next Friday! Illini BB - Roster Update Phil Steele - Illini FB Evaluation Mike's 40th High School Anniversary Share this podcast on your social media & please give us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed the podcast! We ask YOU to help the IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular 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 sports programming. Don't miss our college sports focused podcasts: IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular I on the Illini Mike Cagley's Heat Checks & Hail Marys Thanks for listening!
247Sports national basketball director Eric Bossi joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to discuss Illinois basketball recruiting. Bossi discusses the Illini's two 2026 commits, Ethan Brown and Landon Davis, as well as several other 2026 targets, including Quentin Coleman, Alex Constanza, Cameron Holmes and Jasiah Jervis. Bossi then hits on 247Sports' process of building international rankings and transfer portal rankings and what he thinks of Brad Underwood's program. Go to https://OmahaSteaks.com to get 50% off sitewide during their Labor Day 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! 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 $1: 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 Basketball nonconference schedule is officially out and there are some intriguing games in neutral zones. We'll break it down. Also, don't miss our conversation with Ravi Lulla of Hurrdat Sports about the B1G TEN football season. Ravi gives us some great insight from around the conference and how outsiders are viewing the Illini.
We follow up on Gabe Jacas being 22 in ESPN's Top 100 College Football Players of the Year. Illini fans should be very excited about Gabe's potential sack totals for this year. Plus, are people writing off the Cardinals postseason hopes a little too soon? Can the Cubs possibly catch the Brewers? The odds might be better than you think. And what's the most you would spend on tickets to see the Illini in a championship game?
Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss the latest from Illini football training camp and the release of the Illini basketball nonconference schedule. The guys then choose their "Sign Guys" for the 2025 Illinois football season, players they're particularly excited about or buying into for now and the future. 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 $1: 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
Mike Carpenter and Trevor Vallese discuss the upcoming Illinois football season, including a deep dive on the schedule and which games will be the most consequential. They also talk about Bret Bielema's five-year reclamation project, taking the Illini program from Big Ten bottom-feeders to College Football Playoff contenders.
Bret Bielema weighed in on expanding the College Football Playoffs. Kurtis & Evan react. Plus, a deeper into into Illini Football's defense and people are getting WEIRD with Fantasy Football.
(00:00-16:39) Doug got a Cardinal merit badge for going to that game yesterday. Here come the Illini. Here come the Tigers. Cards ranking 19th in MLB in attendance after being 7th last year. Cottleville taking shots at Webster again. Hardo Yankee fans. Sometimes we get attracted to tools and size. Jackson doesn't like doing Man on the Street.(16:47-42:35) Well, the good news is college football is about to start up. A website that exists. Audio of three gentlemen talking about Mizzou not belonging in the SEC because of the rocks. Don't reward that nonsense logic, Doug. Sittin' on the rock is hard on the backside. Doug wants Vandy out of the SEC. Is Outkick a Grifter's Paradise? Don't say rubric. According to Good Bowl Hunting the rankings of the best SEC stadiums. Face painting and student government.(42:45-1:00:21) Smack those chops. When licking isn't enough, you smack. So What'd Your Grandma Think featuring Arkansas coach Sam Pittman. What the hell are we doing? Best racks in the SEC. Hatfishing. The Daily Hog. AJ Clemente's rough sportscast. Audio of Mike Vrabel getting frustrated with a reporter. Not as good as the Pittman thing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
It's an all-new era for The Drive on ESPN 93.5! Stevie Jay Broadcasting welcomes Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone as your new hosts. The first hour of the show addresses the departure of longtime host Lon Tay. Plus we're talking Illini Football expectations and how we can get College Gameday to town.
On this episode I preview the Illini defensive backs along with TCR's Pleas Honeywood & Don Glenn. We break down why the secondary is the true definition of retention (2:42), Illinois' plethora of pro prospects (9:23) and Bret Bielema's long-term approach (15:38). We also discuss the versatility of the secondary (21:48) and our hidden gems for 2025 (32:01).
WCIA's Glenn Kinley and Courtney Layne Brewer are on site for a special edition of the WCIA 3-in-1 Podcast previewing the highly-anticipated 2025 Illinois football season.
It's the 1st show of year 5 on the Sports Spectacular! Illini Football Ranked #12 Huge UFC Contract Guests - Fanstake's CEO Greg Glass & Illini FB Recruit Davon Grant Thank you for listening and sharing our radio show/podcast! For the full interview with Greg Glass please go to: Video: https://illiniguys.com/greg-glass-nil-primer-can-fanstake-com-help-attract-retain-athletic-talent-495-youtube-edition/ Audio: https://illiniguys.com/greg-glass-nil-primer-can-fanstake-com-help-attract-retain-athletic-talent-495/ For the full interview with Davon Grant please go to: Audio: https://illiniguys.com/keds-recruiting-roundup-with-davon-grant/ Share this podcast on your social media & please give us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed the podcast! We ask YOU to help the IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular 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 sports programming. Don't miss our college sports focused podcasts: IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular I on the Illini Mike Cagley's Heat Checks & Hail Marys Thanks for listening!
Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner preview Illinois football's defensive backs and special teams for the 2025 season. The guys discuss whether the secondary is the Illini's strongest position group, how the cornerback rotation will look and some potential breakthrough underclassmen. The guys then discuss the special teams unit, the impact of Purdue transfer punter Keelan Crimmins, kicker David Olano's next steps and the return game. 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 $1: 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
Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner preview Illinois football's outside linebackers and linebackers for the 2025 season. The guys discuss how Gabe Jacas can take another step as a pass rusher, who will win the other starting OLB job and depth at the position. The guys then discuss the impact of LB Dylan Rosiek's return, who will win the other starting spot and an X-factor or two in the position group. 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 $1: 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
Chuck reacts to Tennessee's new deal with Adidas and its provision for NIL deals for UT athletes. Chuck and Heath discuss Pete Golding becoming the highest paid SEC assistant. Joey Wagner of Illini Inquirer looks at Chuck's team number 12 Illinois. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner preview the Illinois offensive and defensive lines for the 2025 season. The guys discuss the level of concern about training camp injuries and depth on the offensive line, a battle at right guard and the next step with five returning offensive line starters. The guys then discuss a new-look defensive line, how transfers impact both nose tackle and the 4i techniques and whether depth at the position has improved. 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 $1: 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
Mike Carpenter is joined by The 200 Level contributor Isaac Ambrose for a wide-ranging discussion of the upcoming Illini football season. They discuss the team's lofty expectations, reasons for optimism and concern, and which games on the schedule will make or break their CFP aspirations.
Brad Sturdy, Ked Prince and Mike Cagley rank the Top 5 Illini Men's Basketball Coaches in IlliniGuy Memory. Share this podcast on your social media & please give us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed the podcast! 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 & I on the Illini reach more people and establish our position as the leader in entertaining, fast-paced, non-political sports programming. Don't miss our college sports focused podcasts: IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular I on the Illini Mike Cagley's Heat Checks & Hail Marys Thanks for listening!
Mike Cagley talks to Fanstake.com CEO Greg Glass. Glass gives Illini fans an NIL primer and talks about how Fanstake.com can help attract and retain athletic talent. Share this podcast on your social media & please give us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed the podcast! 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 & I on the Illini reach more people and establish our position as the leader in entertaining, fast-paced, non-political sports programming. Don't miss our college sports focused podcasts: IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular I on the Illini Mike Cagley's Heat Checks & Hail Marys Thanks for listening!
I'm joined by Brandt Dolce & Pleas Honeywood to discuss Illinois football's many watchlist candidates (4:16). We take extra time to recognize Xavier Scott & Gabe Jacas (12:29) and our appreciation for Luke Altmyer (26:05). We also discuss the Ohio State sellout and the impact the game could have on the national scene (37:24). We end the episode by breaking down Illini basketball's success by uniform (54:07) and reviewing the latest 2026 commits (66:33).
In the Best of Mully & Haugh this week, David Haugh was joined by Illinois football coach Bret Bielema to discuss the lofty expectations for his Illini entering the new season; Haugh and Ruthie Polinsky discussed the big impact that Cubs rookie right-hander Cade Horton has had on the club; and Haugh and Polinsky reacted to Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson continuing to hold out hope that the Bears will build a new stadium in the city rather than in Arlington Heights.
On episode 270 of the WCIA 3-in-1 Podcast, Glenn Kinley and Tristan Thomas are talking all things fall camp as the Illini prep for the upcoming football season, plus a little roster news for Brad Underwood's squad.
Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner preview Illinois football's wide receivers and tight ends for the 2025 season. The guys the intense competition at WRs, including returners Collin Dixon, Hank Beatty and Malik Elzy and newcomers Hudson Clement, Justin Bowick and Brayden Trimble. The guys then discuss a new-look tight end room and the impact of healthy Cole Rusk and transfers Davin Stoffel and Christian Abney. 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 $1: 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 title says it al! The Hysterics go off on how Coach DeVries and his shiny new squad did in their first public exhibition, while also revisiting the raging debate on just how important Year 1 is in a new coaching tenure.After a historic Year 1 in his own IU coaching tenure, Curt Cignetti's peers ranked his Year 2 team as #19 in the pre-season Coaches Poll, a full 7 spots behind those loathsome Illini who are coming to Bloomington in the not-too-distant future. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner preview Illinois football's quarterbacks and running backs for the 2025 season. The guys discuss QB Luke Altmyer's next steps, the backup battle and long-term outlook at the position. The guys then discuss the potential of healthy RBs Aidan Laughery and Kaden Feagin, the importance of Ca'Lil Valentine's next step and the depth at the position. 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 $1: 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
David Haugh was joined by Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema to preview the upcoming season and to react to the Illini being ranked 12th in the USA Today preseason coaches poll.
In the third hour, David Haugh was joined by Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema to preview the upcoming season and to react to the Illini being ranked 12th in the USA Today preseason coaches poll. After that, he listened and reacted to Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' most recent comments as the NFL Network visited the team's training camp.
Illinois football season is just around the corner, and with the latest coaches' poll slotting Bret Bielema's team at #12, expectations are high. Mike Carpenter discusses how the Illini program has been transformed under Bielema - from Big Ten basement dwellers to a sexy pick for the College Football Playoff.
Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner catches up with former Illini All-American offensive lineman Martin O'Donnell gives a deep dive on Illinois offensive and defensive line play as well as a 2025 season outlook. Werner and Joey Wagner then get insight on three of the Illini's most intriguing opponents with USCFootball.com's Ryan Abraham, Bucknuts' Patrick Murphy and Badger247's Nick Osen. 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 $1: 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