Podcasts about Illini

Illinois athletics director Josh Whitman sits down with Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner in his office to reflect on the 2025-26 year for the Illini and what's ahead. Whitman also discusses the state of college athletics and facilities upgrades.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Kyle Tausk react to Illinois one-and-done guard Keaton Wagler going No. 5 overall in the NBA Draft, how he fits with the Clippers and what this means for the Illini program. The guys then discuss the other Illini fallout from a busy start to the NBA week, including Ayo Dosunmu signing a nine-figure deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Kasparas Jakucionis getting dealt to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to the Miami Heat.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

Illinois star Keaton Wagler officially became the second-highest NBA Draft selection in program history Tuesday night when the Los Angeles Clippers selected him with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Wagler's remarkable freshman season included consensus All-America honors, Big Ten Freshman of the Year, the Jerry West Award, and a trip to the Final Four. He now joins an organization looking to build around a talented young core and is the highest Illini draft pick since Deron Williams went No. 3 overall in 2005. We'll break down why the Clippers viewed Wagler as the perfect fit at No. 5, what his NBA role could look like immediately, and how his selection continues Illinois' recent pipeline of NBA talent. Plus, the St. Louis Cardinals announced significant organizational changes as Bill DeWitt III was promoted from President to Chief Executive Officer. Meanwhile, Anuk Karunaratne was elevated to President of Business Operations, while Bill DeWitt Jr. remains Chairman and Principal Owner. The move represents the next phase of the Cardinals' long-term succession plan and further separates baseball operations under Chaim Bloom from the club's business operations. We'll discuss why many Cardinals fans are reacting skeptically to the announcement, what it means for the future direction of the franchise, and whether this signals meaningful change or simply a reshuffling of titles.

Illinois basketball insider Sunny Verma from Locked On Illini joins the show to discuss Keaton Wagler's selection by the Los Angeles Clippers with the No. 5 overall pick in the NBA Draft. How does Wagler fit with the Clippers' roster? What expectations should Illini fans have for his rookie season? And what does another top-five pick mean for the future of Illinois basketball? Later, Pierre Noujaim from Fox9 Minneapolis joins us to break down former Illini star Ayo Dosunmu's new five-year, $112 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. We'll discuss why Minnesota made Ayo a top offseason priority, how his playoff performance boosted his value, and whether this deal could become one of the league's better bargains over the next several seasons. Plus, we reveal the results of our Biggest Draft Busts of All Time Tuesday Draft and debate who got it right. And in today's edition of Intern Pierce vs. The World, we discover that reading a map may be harder than expected. Can Pierce successfully navigate basic geography, or will another challenge end in disaster? Tune in to find out. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook!

Hour 2 of The Drive opened with Illinois football adding another piece to its 2027 recruiting class, securing a commitment from defensive back Tyrone Howard Jr. The talented secondary prospect gives head coach Bret Bielema and the Illini another athletic defender as the program continues to build momentum on the recruiting trail.  The show also highlighted new Illinois wide receiver commit Brody Knowles after he received a video message from NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki. The unique connection sparked conversation about Knowles' athletic profile and why national figures continue to take notice of the Illini's incoming talent. Illinois' recruiting efforts under Bielema continue to generate buzz as the program looks to build on recent success. To close the hour, the crew held its weekly Tuesday Draft, selecting the biggest NBA Draft busts of all time. Names such as Anthony Bennett, JaMarcus Russell, Greg Oden, and Darko Miličić fueled a spirited debate over which highly touted prospects failed to live up to expectations. The discussion weighed injuries, circumstances, and unrealized potential while revisiting some of the most infamous draft decisions. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Live from New York for the NBA Draft, Illini Inquirer publisher Jeremy Werner chats about Keaton Wagler's journey to Tuesday's big moment in Brooklyn, three-star Texas WR Brody Knowles' commitment to Illinois and the Illini's addition of in-state kicker Ulysses Morales. Illini legend Kendall Gill then joins Werner to discuss his NBA Draft moment, Wagler's NBA potential, Kylan Boswell's NBA path and what the Chicago Bulls should do.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

Michigan basketball was rocked by the stunning news that national championship-winning head coach Dusty May is leaving for the Dallas Mavericks, creating a massive shakeup across the Big Ten and college basketball landscape. Reports indicate May is headed to Dallas after leading Michigan to the 2026 national title, opening a transfer portal window and leaving uncertainty around one of the conference's top programs. Alex Kyi of Armchair Illini joined the show to break down the ripple effects of May's departure, including how it could impact the Big Ten title race and potentially benefit programs like Illinois Fighting Illini heading into the 2026-27 season. The conversation also focused on former Illini star Keaton Wagler and the latest intel surrounding the 2026 NBA Draft. According to Kyi's reporting, Wagler is expected to land somewhere between picks 5 and 9, with teams such as the Clippers, Nets, Kings, Hawks, and Mavericks all viewed as potential destinations. Kyi discussed why Wagler remains one of the most intriguing lottery prospects, and what his sources are hearing just days before draft night. The hour also examined how May's exit could reshape the national college basketball hierarchy and what it means for Illinois' championship aspirations entering next season.

Larry Smith, Brad Sturdy & Mike Cagley are the IlliniGuys & this is the Sports Spectacular heard on over 20+ stations in IL, IA & MO weekly. This week they talk: Wagler NBA Draft Illini Football Recruiting Update Illini Basketball Recruiting Update Guest - Ked Prince 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 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! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hour 2 featured a deep dive into the ever-changing Big Ten football landscape with Ravi Lulla of Hurrdat Sports. Ravi examined which conference programs made the biggest strides during the offseason, which contenders may have taken a step back, and where Illinois fits into the 2026 race. The conversation focused on roster development, transfer portal additions, coaching continuity, and the realistic expectations for Bret Bielema's Illini entering a season with heightened expectations. The guys also continued reacting to Team USA's impressive 2-0 World Cup victory over Australia. The Americans moved closer to advancing from Group D thanks to another strong defensive performance and timely scoring, creating plenty of optimism about the squad's chances moving forward in the tournament. Listeners got to know one of the show's biggest supporters during  "Meet Listener Mark," before wrapping up the week with the always-popular Friday Toasts segment, celebrating accomplishments, memorable moments, and everything worth raising a glass to heading into the weekend. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

On Hour 1 of The Drive, Brian Teague of Chicago State of Mind Sports joined the show to discuss Illinois football's newest commitments and recruiting momentum. Teague explained why four-star wide receiver Bennett Konkey reminds him of former Illini standout Pat Bryant, citing similarities in physicality, route-running, and the ability to become a reliable target in critical situations. He also weighed in on the future of Illinois basketball star Keaton Wagler, explaining why he doesn't believe the Chicago Bulls are the best fit for the talented prospect. Brian also broke down the introductory press conference of new Chicago Bulls head coach Thiago Splitter, discussing his vision for the team's future. Plus, the latest Illini Headlines featuring football recruiting updates, tennis news, track & field, and everything Illinois fans need to know as another busy week unfolds in Champaign.

Hour 2 of The Drive featured a deep dive into Illinois football's evolving 3-3-5 defensive scheme, with a special focus on the safety positions and the versatile "Chief" role. The guys discussed how the position functions as a hybrid defender, blending responsibilities of a nickelback, linebacker, and safety while creating flexibility for defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck's aggressive approach. They also examined which current Illini players are best suited for the role and how the position could impact Illinois' defensive success in 2026. The show also previewed Team USA's critical FIFA World Cup matchup against Australia. Kurtis and Evan broke down the Americans' strong start to the tournament, key players to watch, and what a victory would mean for the United States' chances of advancing out of Group D. They also looked at Australia's strengths and potential challenges the USMNT could face heading into the highly anticipated match. Plus, the results are in from this week's Tuesday Draft as listeners crowned the winner of "Best Smells of All Time." From fresh-cut grass and bacon to movie theater popcorn and a new car interior, the guys reviewed the fan voting and debated which scents truly deserve championship status. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner react to Illinois landing commitments from four-star Geneva (Ill.) wide receiver Bennett Konkey and three-star Florida running back Steven Alexis. The guys discuss what they bring to the offense, how Illinois landed them and what's next for the Illini in the Class of 2027.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSCheers Health: For a limited time our listeners are getting 20% off their entire order by using code ILLINI at CheersHealth.com. Just head to CheersHealth.com and use code ILLINI for 20% Off. Omaha Steaks: Visit OmahaSteaks.com right now for 50% off sitewide during their Memorial Day Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use Promo Code ILLINI at checkout.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

Illinois football continued its strong 2027 recruiting momentum by securing a commitment from 4-star wide receiver Bennett Konkey and flipping 3-star running back Steven Alexis, giving Bret Bielema's staff two major offensive additions for the future. The duo adds speed, playmaking ability, and depth to an already impressive Illini recruiting class. On the diamond, the Cardinals received a dominant performance from pitcher Dustin May, who shut down the Padres lineup and delivered one of St. Louis' best starting pitching outings of the season. Meanwhile, the Cubs earned a dramatic 5-4 comeback win over the Rockies behind a historic night from centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. Crow-Armstrong became the first player in Major League Baseball to hit for the cycle during the 2026 season, completing the feat in reverse order (home run, triple, double, single) while helping spark Chicago's late rally at Wrigley Field. The Cubs capped the comeback with a walk-off victory and have now won four of their last five games.

Illini Inquirer's Kyle Tausk joins Jeremy Werner to break down what he learned at the Riverside-Brookfield Shootout watching and talking with Illini Class of 2028 targets Brody Pettigrew and Cole Kelly as well as 2027 commit Mason Martin. Werner then chats with new Illini softball coach Jenna Hall about taking over the program at her alma mater, her vision and the challenges ahead.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOmaha Steaks: Visit OmahaSteaks.com and get an extra $35 off, with Promo Code ILLINI at checkout.Cheers Health: For a limited time our listeners are getting 20% off their entire order by using code ILLINI at CheersHealth.com. Just head to CheersHealth.com and use code ILLINI for 20% Off. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

The Drive kicks off the week with a championship celebration as St. Joseph-Ogden baseball head coach Josh Haley joins the show to discuss the Spartans' incredible run to the IHSA Class 2A State Championship, the key moments from the title game, and what the historic achievement means for the program and community. The guys also break down the New York Knicks winning their first NBA championship in decades, what it means for the league, and where the defeated San Antonio Spurs go from here. Plus, the latest Illinois Fighting Illini football and Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball headlines, recruiting updates, and a recap of Evan Stone's celebrity basketball appearance. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Mike Cagley is joined by Ked Prince to talk Illini hoops and football recruiting updates, NBA Finals & more. Whether you live in Champaign or Chicago, halfway across the country or halfway across the world, IlliniGuys.com keeps you in the know! Share this show on your social media & please give us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed the episode! 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.

Larry Smith, Brad Sturdy & Mike Cagley are the IlliniGuys & this is the Sports Spectacular heard on over 20+ stations in IL, IA & MO weekly. This week they talk: Illini Hoopsters Back in C-U Illini Football Recruiting Update Matt Brown Talks College Sports Craziness 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 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! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Illini softball has its new head coach (2:25), Illini baseball has an All-American (5:00), and track & field is well represented at the NCAA outdoor championships (7:02). Illinois' basketball teams find out their Big Ten draw (11:36) and men's hoops adds another freshman guard (19:47). Illinois football secures a record-setting recruit (27:22) and lands a trio of 2027 commitments (34:23). Finally, I share my thoughts on the Brendan Sorsby saga and what it could mean for the Illini (46:31). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The New York Knicks are 1 game away from the NBA Title and we talk about the craziest comeback in NBA Finals history and an unreal night in NYC on Wednesday. Wemby and DeAron Fox falling short, Memes and Zac gearing up for Game 5 in San Antonio and Hater Hank out in full force (00:00:00-00:44:52). We talk Stanley Cup Final and the Knights might have a Carter Hart problem plus World Cup Day 1 (00:44:52-00:58:34). Spencer Hawes joins us in studio to talk about Game 5 which he attended, what the Spurs can do to get back in the series, what a team talks about after a loss like that and more (00:58:34-01:25:37). Illini Head Coach Bret Bielema joins the show to talk football, Chili's and Pig Farming (01:25:37-02:03:51). Preseason Mt Rushmore with Hanks dad as we do the Mt Rushmore of Non Alcoholic drinks plus Fyre Fest of the week.You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Netflix. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/pardon-my-take

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner discuss the latest commitments for Illinois football, including 2026 Unity QB Dane Eisenmenger and four Class of 2027 prospects: QB Sladen Shack, TE Cade Newman, OL Gavin Ericson-Staton and DL Ryan Paulsen. The guys also preview another weekend of Class of 2027 official visitors before discussing Illinois football players they think deserve more focus heading into the 2026 season.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOmaha Steaks: Visit OmahaSteaks.com right now for 50% off sitewide during their Memorial Day Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use Promo Code ILLINI at checkout.Factor: Head to ⁠factormeals.com/illini50off⁠ and use code illini50off to get 50% off your first Factor box PLUS free breakfast for 1 year.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

Illinois quarterback commit Dane Eisenmenger meets the media for the first time and discusses why he chose the Illini, his fit in Barry Lunney Jr.'s offense, and what he hopes to bring to the future of Illinois football. Plus, Jordan Sigler from Chi City Sports joins the show to break down the next steps in the Bears' proposed move to Indiana, the political and NFL hurdles that remain, impressions from Bears minicamp, the growing buzz around Caleb Williams, and his recent "war of words" with Micah Parsons. We also hit the latest Illini and Bears headlines and react to a busy day across the sports landscape. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

Tristan Thomas joins the show to discuss St. Joseph-Ogden's run in IHSA baseball, the impact of quarterback commit Dane Eisenmenger on the future of Illinois football, and settles the score on whether he or Evan Stone would come out on top in the upcoming charity basketball showdown. Plus, we preview a weekend interleague matchup between the St. Louis Cardinals and Minnesota Twins, as well as the Chicago Cubs taking on the San Francisco Giants. We wrap up the week with another edition of Friday Toasts, celebrating the people, teams, and moments that deserve a raise of the glass.

The New York Knicks are one win away from their first NBA title since 1973 after completing the largest comeback in NBA Finals history Wednesday night. New York erased a 29-point deficit and stunned the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden. OG Anunoby delivered the game-winning tip-in with 1.2 seconds remaining, capping a historic rally that saw the Knicks outscore San Antonio 58-30 in the second half. Carson Gourdie  from WICS-TV & Fox-Illinois breaks down what Illini Football landing Tolono Unity quarterback Dane Eisenmenger means for the future of Bret Bielema's quarterback room, how recent commitments are shaping the Illini's recruiting momentum, and why Lincoln Williams could be a difference-maker for Illinois basketball. Plus, Carson has an update on St. Joe-Ogden baseball as the Spartans prepare for the IHSA Class 2A State Finals, looking to cap another remarkable postseason run with a state championship.

Sunny Verma from Locked On Illini joins the show to discuss why former Illinois star Keaton Wagler potentially landing with the Chicago Bulls could be an ideal situation for both sides.  The conversation also turns to the latest Illinois football and basketball recruiting developments as Bret Bielema and Brad Underwood continue building momentum on the recruiting trail. From quarterback commitments to basketball targets, we discuss the names Illini fans need to know. Later, we take a trip down memory lane and draft our Top 10 Players of the Tim Beckman Era at Illinois. Despite the struggles of those teams, several standout players emerged and left lasting marks on the program. Plus, listeners get introduced to the newest member of The Drive team as we welcome intern Quinn Flavin to the show! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

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

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner talks about the latest commitments for Illini football: DL Ryan Paulsen and QB Sladen Shack. Kyle Tausk then joins Werner to discuss why three-star 2026 wing Lincoln Williams is an intriguing late signing for Illinois basketball and what he could bring to the program. Tausk then breaks down what he saw from five-star Illini freshman Quentin Coleman in the AmeriCup and what it says about how he'll fit on a 2026-27 team with Final Four hopes.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOmaha Steaks: Visit OmahaSteaks.com and get an extra $35 off, with Promo Code ILLINI at checkout.Factor: Head to ⁠factormeals.com/illini50off⁠ and use code illini50off to get 50% off your first Factor box PLUS free breakfast for 1 year.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

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

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

What happens when two gamblers force each other into impossible choices?In this episode of Gambling With Good JuJu, Ryan and Peter put each other through five brutal gambling-themed rounds of Would You Rather. The questions start simple—oxtail soup at the California or hot dogs at The D—but quickly spiral into debates about sports betting, Vegas trips, casino loyalty, craps strategy, Bears fandom, and even marriage-threatening hypotheticals.Along the way, the guys discuss feedback from their Gambling Movies Rankings episode, provide an update on the upcoming Gambling Under the Influence: The Evolution of the Hook documentary project, and reveal what they're willing to sacrifice for gambling.In this episode: Oxtail soup vs. American Coney dogs  Planet Hollywood suite or paying for Circa  Betting against the Illini for life  Sports betting vs. Chicago Bears fandom  First hand pay or an epic craps roll  Paradise Casino vs. the game of craps  Bet Bash, Vegas trips, and friendship tests  Updates on the upcoming Good JuJu documentary series Some choices were easy. Others exposed priorities nobody expected.Good JuJu to your bets!

The Athletic college basketball writer CJ Moore joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to discuss Illinois basketball's run to the Final Four and his hometown perspective on Keaton Wagler's rise to All-American and projected top-10 NBA Draft pick. Moore then breaks down what stands out about the Illinois staff and why he had Illinois at No. 1 in his post-NBA Draft withdrawal deadline 2026-27 college basketball rankings.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSVisit OmahaSteaks.com and get an extra $35 off, with Promo Code ILLINI at checkout.Factor: Head to ⁠factormeals.com/illini50off⁠ and use code illini50off to get 50% off your first Factor box PLUS free breakfast for 1 year.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

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

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

Larry Smith, Brad Sturdy & Mike Cagley are the IlliniGuys & this is the Sports Spectacular heard on over 20+ stations in IL, IA & MO weekly. This week they talk: Illini Commit Quentin Coleman Killing it with USA Basketball CJ Moore of the Athletics Tells Us Why Illinois is #1 in Hoops Matt Stevens Talks Cruz College Sports Bill   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 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! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

CBS Sports college football writer Tom Fornelli, a U of I graduate, joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to discuss his thoughts on Illinois football entering Year Six under Bret Bielema. Fornelli discusses what Bielema has accomplished, how new QB Katin Houser fits Barry Lunney Jr.'s offense, the hiring of defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck and 2026 expectations. Fornelli also discusses his thoughts on the state of college football and who he's buying and selling in the Big Ten in 2026.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORCheers Health: For a limited time our listeners are getting 20% off their entire order by using code ILLINI at CheersHealth.com. Just head to CheersHealth.com and use code ILLINI for 20% Off. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

Isaac Ambrose joins the show to break down Bret Bielema's recent comments directed toward Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua and what they reveal about college football scheduling, playoff access, and the changing power structure of the sport. The conversation then shifts to Illinois basketball and a debate that continues to gain steam in Champaign: has Brad Underwood already become the greatest coach in Illini history? With multiple Big Ten titles, deep NCAA Tournament runs, and the program's sustained success, the case for Underwood is stronger than ever. How does he stack up against Illinois legends such as Lou Henson and Harry Combes? Plus, the NBA Finals opened with a surprise as the New York Knicks stunned the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1, stealing home-court advantage behind a strong fourth-quarter performance and putting early pressure on the Western Conference champions.

Illinois men's basketball coach Brad Underwood joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner for an exclusive 40-minute interview, in which he hits on the Illini's Final Four run, Keaton Wagler's epic season, an offseason focused on retention, the new additions to the 2026-27 roster and big-picture topics in college basketball.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORCheers Health: For a limited time our listeners are getting 20% off their entire order by using code ILLINI at CheersHealth.com. Just head to CheersHealth.com and use code ILLINI for 20% Off. Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

The baseball season is a grind, and both the Cardinals and Cubs are feeling it right now as each club tries to stop recent losing stretches and stay in the thick of their division races. We break down what's gone wrong, what needs to change, and whether either team should be concerned long-term. Plus, it's time for Illini Headlines as we catch up on the latest news surrounding Illinois athletics, including recruiting, summer workouts, and the biggest stories making waves around Champaign-Urbana. And inspired by a conversation about sports rivalries, we ask: Who are the players from rival teams that you couldn't help but respect? Whether it was their talent, leadership, toughness, or ability to come through in big moments, we share the rivals we admired despite rooting against them. Tune in for baseball talk, Illini updates, and a trip down memory lane with some of sports' most respected rivals. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook!

Mike Mulligan and David Haugh were joined live in studio by Illinois football coach Bret Bielema to discuss his Illini's outlook for the 2026 season, potential College Football Playoff expansion, what he learned in attending Bears practice recently and more.

In the final hour, Mike Mulligan and David Haugh were joined live in studio by Illinois football coach Bret Bielema to discuss his Illini's outlook for the 2026 season, potential College Football Playoff expansion, what he learned in attending Bears practice recently and more. After that, Capitol News Illinois political reporter Brenden Moore joined the show to discuss the latest developments in the Bears' pursuit of a new stadium after their recent efforts stalled in Springfield.

Chris Kwiecinski joins the show to break down the latest on the Chicago Bears' stadium saga as Illinois lawmakers failed to approve a stadium financing bill, leaving Arlington Heights and Hammond, Indiana, as the leading options for the franchise's future home. Plus, Illini Headlines featuring a big performance from Quinten Coleman, Hall of Famer Jenna Hall takes over softball, and Evan takes on the texters in a World Cup-themed edition! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook!

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner preview a critical month of June official visits for Illinois football recruiting. The guys discuss how the Class of 2027 is shaping up, the biggest positions of need, the most intriguing positions, the top in-state and out-of-state targets and the potential for a big splash. SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR * Cheers Health: For a limited time, our listeners are getting 20% off their entire order by using code ILLINI at CheersHealth.com. Just head to CheersHealth.com and use code ILLINI for 20% Off. 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 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

Mike Cagley is joined by the Athletic's CJ Moore to learn why CJ elevated the Illini to #1 in the Athletic's preseason rankings. Whether you live in Champaign or Chicago, halfway across the country or halfway across the world, IlliniGuys.com keeps you in the know! Share this show on your social media & please give us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed the episode! 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.

The Athletic's Scott Dochterman joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to discuss the state of college football and tectonic shifts in the sport. Dochterman discusses the push to expand the College Football Playoff to 24 teams and the rising cost of rosters, and then he gives his thoughts on Illinois football under Bret Bielema and the top stories for the 2026 Big Ten football season. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS Columbia Street Roastery: Head to ⁠⁠CSRcoffee.com⁠ and use code IlliniAllTheWay to get 10 percent off your first order and get free shipping on orders of over $45. Cheers Health: For a limited time our listeners are getting 20% off their entire order by using code ILLINI at CheersHealth.com. Just head to CheersHealth.com and use code ILLINI for 20% Off.  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 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz 

Glenn Kinley from WCIA 3 Sports joins the show to discuss the IHSA Track & Field State Championships and what Andrej Stojakovic's return means for Illinois basketball. How real is the hype? We also give our Cardinals vs. Cubs series predictions and our Friday Toasts to wrap up the week! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook!

Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports talks Illini basketball, Andrej Stojakovic, football schedule; Brian Walton previews Cards vs Cubs Series. 

CBS Sports college basketball writer Isaac Trotter joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to discuss Andrej Stojakovic withdrawing from the NBA Draft and officially returning to Illinois for the 2026-27 season. Trotter breaks down why Stojakovic made the decision, what it means for Illinois and how Stojakovic can get better in Year Two with the Illini. Trotter then breaks down the Big Ten landscape following the stay-or-go NBA Draft decisions. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS Columbia Street Roastery: Head to ⁠⁠CSRcoffee.com⁠ and use code IlliniAllTheWay to get 10 percent off your first order and get free shipping on orders of over $45. Cheers Health: For a limited time our listeners are getting 20% off their entire order by using code ILLINI at CheersHealth.com. Just head to CheersHealth.com and use code ILLINI for 20% Off.  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 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz 

Illini Headlines - Andrej Stojakovic is officially BACK with the Illini after withdrawing from the NBA Draft, giving Brad Underwood and Illinois another huge piece for a potential national title contender! Cubs vs Cardinals rivalry renewed with a big weekend series at Busch Stadium. Pierce the Intern will have live updates for us. MLB owners propose the league's first salary cap since the 1994-95 strike — which teams and players would be impacted the most? Plus, Evan Stone ranks the Illini football schedule from least exciting to most exciting. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

All-American linebacker J Leman joins Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner to discuss Illinois football's offseason changes, 2026 roster and expectations. Leman breaks down his thoughts on Bret Bielema hiring Bobby Hauck as defensive coordinator and the 3-3-5 defense, QB Katin Houser's fit in Barry Lunney Jr.'s offense and the talent around him and what this 2026 season means for Bielema's program. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS Columbia Street Roastery: Head to ⁠⁠CSRcoffee.com⁠ and use code IlliniAllTheWay to get 10 percent off your first order and get free shipping on orders of over $45. Cheers Health: For a limited time our listeners are getting 20% off their entire order by using code ILLINI at CheersHealth.com. Just head to CheersHealth.com and use code ILLINI for 20% Off.  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 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz 

Illinois basketball waits for the decision from Andrej Stojaković as he's expected to announce his future at 7 p.m. (he's coming back). Illini Headlines include football TV game times being announced and Quentin Coleman earning a spot on the U.S. U18 National Team. Plus, the St. Louis Cardinals fall to the Milwaukee Brewers while the Chicago Cubs drop their 10th straight game. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner answer listener-submitted Illinois football questions on Bobby Hauck's 3-3-5 defense, expectations for the program moving forward, the offensive line, 2026 personnel, recruiting and much more. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS Omaha Steaks: Visit OmahaSteaks.com right now for 50% off sitewide during their Memorial Day Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use Promo Code ILLINI at checkout. TUSHY: If you're not Team TUSHY, you're not Team Clean. For a limited time, our listeners get 10% off their first bidet order when you use code ILLINI at checkout. That's 10% off your first bidet order at HelloTUSHY.com with promo code ILLINI. 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 50% OFF: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz⁠  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