Podcasts about illinois football

Illinois football legend Terrell Washington joins The Drive to look back at his time with the Illini, discuss Hall of Fame Weekend, and break down Saturday's highly anticipated matchup between Illinois and Duke. Plus, Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone deliver a full Illinois vs. Duke preview, including Katin Houser's impressive debut, the Illini offense, concerns about the defense after allowing 194 rushing yards to UAB, key matchups, players to watch, and what Illinois must do to start the season 2-0. Illinois enters the game 1-0 after a 42-23 win over UAB, while Duke is also 1-0 following a 17-3 victory over Tulane. The Illini defeated Duke 45-19 last season in Durham. Topics include:

The Drive is LIVE from Pia's as the show welcomes two Illinois sports legends! Five-time Olympic gold medalist Bonnie Blair joins the show to talk about her legendary speed skating career, Illinois connections, and life as one of the most decorated American Olympians ever. Plus, Illinois Football legend Brandon Lloyd stops by to discuss his Illini career, his time in the NFL, and the current state of Illinois football. It's a packed Hour 1 LIVE from Pia's featuring championship stories, Illini football, and plenty of great conversation with two Central Illinois sports icons.

The IlliniGuys return for episode #612 of I on the Illini! Mike Cagley, Steve Sturm, and Kedric Prince break down Illinois Football's season opener. Is Katin Howser the real deal? We analyze his impressive performance and what it means for the Big Ten season. We look ahead to the crucial matchup against Duke. Can the Illini defense bounce back from tackling struggles to stop the Blue Devils' rushing attack? We discuss keys to the game, the point spread, and why this is a massive test for Bret Bielema's squad. We also dive into the where do the Illini rank in B1G NIL debate: Why isn't Illinois a top five ranked NIL fund despite its massive alumni base? The guys pull no punches on what needs to change. We react to the "Michigan Mess"—the controversial ending of the Michigan vs. Western Michigan game. Did the Big Ten protect its brand? Will rules changes happen? If so, what changes? Subscribe to IlliniGuys for the best University of Illinois sports coverage! Visit IlliniGuys.com for exclusive content. #Illini #IllinoisFootball #KatinHowser #BigTenFootball #IlliniNation #DukeFootball #CollegeFootball #IlliniGuys #EyeOnTheIllini #BretBielema Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Drive welcomes on two very special guests, Josh & Jase, who are famous influencers from England and are currently touring the United States and visiting every college town in the Big Ten. They talk about what they've seen so far in Champaign, discuss soccer with Evan, and promote the Big Ten's current blood drive initiative.   Then, Evan and Cooper close out the show by talking about Illinois Football's upcoming showdown with Duke and get into an early preview of the Chicago Bears and NFL season.

Illinois Football is back in action, and it's time to preview the Duke Blue Devils! Mike Cagley sits down with Josh Cox from Section 17 Media for an in-depth breakdown of Duke football ahead of their week 2 showdown vs the Fighting Illini. From Nate Shepherd's dominant rushing attack to the QB competition after Darian Mensah's shocking Miami transfer, this episode covers EVERYTHING you need to know before kickoff. Topics Covered: Duke RB Nate Shepherd & the ground attack that could give Illinois fits QB controversy: Walker Eggett vs. true freshman Dan Mahan Offensive & defensive line breakdowns Tight end weapons & WR room by committee Special teams update (Aussie punter alert! ) Linebacker depth & secondary improvements Final score predictions for Illinois vs Duke Brett Bielema has Illinois off to one of the best stretches in program history — can the Illini defense contain Duke's run-heavy attack? Josh Cox breaks down every Duke position group, so you're fully prepped for gameday! Want more exclusive Illini content? Subscribe to IlliniGuys.com for just $0.27/day — get access to premium message boards, recruiting insights, and direct interaction with our team! Catch our LIVE Pregame Show 30 minutes before kickoff of every Illini gameday! Don't Miss our LIVE Halftime Show at the half of every Illini gameday! Watch our LIVE Postgame Show 30 minutes after the end of every Illini gameday! ️ Hashtags #Illini #Illinois #FightingIllini #IlliniFootball #Duke #BlueDevils #DukeFootball #BigTen #ACC #CollegeFootball #IlliniGuys #BrettBielema #IlliniNation #Section17Media #CFB #GoIllini #IlliniFootballPreview #NCAAFootball #IlliniVsDuke #CollegeGameday Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Drive gets you ready for Illinois football's season opener against UAB! Former Illini linebacker and Rose Bowl standout Brit Miller joins the show after being named Illinois' honorary captain for Thursday night's game at Gies Memorial Stadium. Miller reflects on his Illinois career, the honor of returning to Champaign, and what it means to represent the program. Plus, The Drive delivers a complete Illinois vs. UAB preview, breaking down the biggest storylines heading into the 2026 season opener, including new quarterback Katin Houser, the Illini defense under new coordinator Bobby Hauck, key players to watch, UAB quarterback Ryder Burton, and what Illinois must do to start the season with a win. Illinois and UAB meet for the first time Thursday night at 8 p.m. CT on Big Ten Network.

The IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular is back! ️ Powered by IlliniGuys.com, Larry Smith, Brad Sturdy, Mike Cagley, and special guests dive into the biggest headlines around Illinois sports—including a full Illinois football season preview. In this episode, we cover: Illinois football expectations heading into UAB (Thursday night opener) Bret Bielema's Year 6 vision and what's changed on offense and defense The new-look 3-3-5 defense + what it means for Illinois vs. UAB and Duke Katin Houser development and chemistry with new teammates Wide receiver depth and key names to watch early in the season Plus, Illini men's basketball updates: injuries, the latest additions, and the Ivisic brothers If you're an Illini fan looking for smart breakdowns and insider coverage, subscribe to the IlliniGuys YouTube channel and join the Illini conversation! Subscribe to IlliniGuys for more: IlliniGuys.com EXCLUSIVE: Brian Barnhart, Voice of the Fighting Illini for 25 years, joins the show! ️ GUESTS THIS WEEK: Matt Stevens – IlliniGuys.com Senior Football Writer & Analyst Brian Barnhart – Voice of the Illinois Fighting Illini (25-Year Anniversary!) Illinois opens Thursday night at Memorial Stadium vs. UAB — don't miss a second of the coverage! Want FULL access to Illini sports coverage, recruiting news, and insider analysis? Subscribe at IlliniGuys.com — Your #1 Source for Illinois Fighting Illini Sports! Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular! #Illini #FightingIllini #IllinoisFootball #BretBielema #IlliniGuys #BigTen #IllinoisBasketball #BradUnderwood #KatinHowser #CollegeFootball2026 #BigTenFootball #UAB #IlliniNation #CollegeFootball #MarchMadness #FinalFour #NIL #TransferPortal #UIUC #ChampaignIllinois #IlliniSports #BrianBarnhart #CollegeSports #BigTenBasketball #IlliniMBB #IlliniGuys #IllinoisFightingIllini #IlliniSports #UAB #Duke #IlliniBasketball #BradUnderwood #NCAA #SportsTalk #FootballSeason #IlliniGuysRadioNetwork Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

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

All-American linebacker and Illini Inquirer football analyst J Leman joins Jeremy Werner to preview the 2026 Illinois football season. Leman breaks down what gives him confidence for the season, what concerns him and players he's most interested in watching.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct Go VIP for just 60% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz

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

The IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular is back with a loaded episode covering everything happening around Illinois Fighting Illini sports! In this episode, Larry Smith, Brad Sturdy, Mike Cagley, Matt Stevens, and Kedric Prince break down the latest from Illinois football, including the massive new Memorial Stadium scoreboard, the upcoming 2026 season, the quarterback transition to Katin Houser, concerns around the defensive line, Bobby Hauck's new-look defense, and the latest on transfer wide receiver Josh Lorick. We also dive into major Illini basketball recruiting news, including Brad Underwood's momentum after the Final Four run, top national prospects visiting Champaign, and the latest buzz around players like Dylan Betts, Navarro Bowman Jr., and more. Plus, the crew talks Illini soccer, the WNBA, the Lakers sale, and the biggest stories across the sports world. Subscribe to both IlliniGuys.com for only 27 cents a day to get inside information first & IlliniGuys.com on YouTube for year-round coverage of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign athletics, including Illini football, basketball, recruiting, analysis, interviews, and insider discussion with our videos. Like this podcast, comment your biggest takeaway, and subscribe so you never miss an IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular episode! #Illini #IllinoisFootball #IlliniFootball #IllinoisBasketball #IlliniBasketball #FightingIllini #UniversityOfIllinois #BigTenFootball #BigTenBasketball #IlliniGuys #SportsSpectacular #CaytonHauser #BradUnderwood #BretBielema #CollegeFootball #CollegeBasketball #NCAA #IlliniRecruiting #MemorialStadium #Champaign #UIUC Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

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

Welcome to I on the Illini LIVE — your #1 source for in-depth Illinois Fighting Illini sports coverage! Mike Cagley, Kedric Prince, and Brad Sturdy break down everything you need to know heading into the 2026 Illinois Football and Basketball seasons! ILLINOIS FOOTBALL TOPICS COVERED: Can Luke Altmyer's replacement, QB Katin Houser, lead the Illini to 9+ wins? ️The defensive line depth concern — who steps up in the front six? How the NCAA eligibility rule changes could impact Illinois football recruiting What it takes for Bret Bielema's Illini to win 9-10 games and cement a Big Ten legacy Who could be the unsung hero on this year's roster? ILLINOIS BASKETBALL TOPICS COVERED: Breaking down Brad Underwood's roster and the European pipeline Why stars like Kasparas Jakucionis, Will Riley, Keaton Wagler & now Quentin Coleman make Illini offenses elite ️The defensive improvements needed after last year's Final Four run Why Stefan Vaaks could be the most underrated player in the Big Ten Five-star recruiting + the European pipeline — can Illinois do both? The importance of staying healthy for a potential national title run SUBSCRIBE for the latest Illinois Illini football, basketball, and recruiting coverage!  LIKE this podcast if you bleed Orange & Blue! COMMENT below — do YOU think Illinois football hits 9 wins this year? Join the IlliniGuys Community:  Visit IlliniGuys.com — only 27 cents a day!  Access exclusive message boards, recruiting news, live game chat rooms & more! Be part of the best Illinois sports fan community online! TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 — Welcome & Intro 0:45 — NCAA Eligibility Rule Changes & Illinois Football Impact 3:30 — What Illinois Needs to Win 9-10 Games 7:00 — Replacing Luke Altmyer — How Big is the Loss? 11:00 — Unsung Heroes on the Illini Roster 14:00 — Bielema's Legacy & Illinois Football's Golden Era 17:30 — Illinois Basketball Preview 19:00 — Defensive Improvements Needed 24:00 — Why Stefan Vaaks is Underrated 28:00 — Five-Star Recruiting + European Pipeline 33:00 — Final Thoughts & Season Predictions   #IllinoisIllini #IlliniFootball #IlliniBasketball #FightingIllini #BigTen #BretBielema #BradUnderwood #IlliniGuys #Illinois2024 #MarchMadness #CollegeFootball #CollegeBasketball #BigTenFootball #BigTenBasketball #IllinoisSports #Champaign #UIUC #GoIllini #IlliniNation #FinalFour Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

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

Illinois football took center stage at Big Ten Media Days, and Doug Bucshon of Orange & Blue News joins The Drive to break down everything Illini fans need to know. The guys discuss Bret Bielema's headline-making comments comparing the Big Ten and SEC, Katin Houser representing Illinois at media day, the biggest concerns and strengths on the defensive side of the ball, and what to expect as preseason camp approaches. The hour wraps up with another edition of Evan's Random Illini Football Players of the Day. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Hour 2 kicked off with Sunny Verma of Locked On Illini, who joined the show for an in-depth look at the Illinois football schedule and what it means for Bret Bielema's team entering the 2026 season. Verma highlighted the most challenging stretches on the schedule, the games that could define Illinois' season, and his concerns about the season. The discussion also focused on the continued momentum surrounding the program and why expectations in Champaign continue to rise after several successful seasons. The conversation then shifted to the latest debate in college football after Nick Saban made comments comparing the SEC and Big Ten, prompting a response from Bret Bielema. Sunny and the crew discussed whether the Big Ten has closed the gap—or even surpassed—the SEC in recent years, how conference strength should be evaluated, and why Bielema has become one of the league's most vocal advocates. The hour wrapped up with the always entertaining Old Man Names Draft Results, as listeners weighed in on which team assembled the best collection of classic names. To close the week, the crew shared their Friday Toasts, recognizing the people, teams, and moments that deserved a celebratory sendoff heading into the weekend.    

Doug Bucshon of Orange & Blue News joins The Drive to discuss why Illinois Football could be poised for another successful season in 2026, highlighting the Illini's biggest strengths heading into training camp. He also shares his thoughts on Athletic Director Josh Whitman's contract extension, what it means for the future of Illinois athletics, and early impressions of Illinois basketball's talented freshman class. Plus, the guys preview the Cardinals' against the Angels as St. Louis looks to bounce back on the West Coast, and what the Cardinals need to do to get back on track. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Hour 1 of The Drive starts with a deep dive into Illinois Football's 2026 schedule as Kurtis Allen and Pierce "The Fierce" Intern break down every game, identify the toughest stretches, discuss potential trap games, and project where the Illini could finish in the Big Ten race. The guys then recap the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to claim its second World Cup championship. They discuss Spain's dominant tournament run, Ferran Torres' match-winning goal, Lionel Messi's emotional final World Cup appearance, and what the victory means for the future of international soccer. Next, attention shifts to Major League Baseball after the Cardinals suffered a brutal collapse, blowing a 7-0 lead against the Diamondbacks. Kurtis and Pierce examine what went wrong, question the bullpen's reliability heading toward the trade deadline, and debate what the loss means for St. Louis' playoff hopes. The hour wraps up with one of the funniest intern moments yet, as Pierce stuns everyone by revealing he doesn't actually know his grandpa's name.

Illinois Football continues to strengthen its off-the-field leadership as Bret Bielema has added Tory Tekyl as the program's new Executive Director, bringing another experienced administrator into the Illini football operation as the program looks to build on its recent success. Meanwhile, Cardinals legend Adam Wainwright is standing up for St. Louis. After Barstool Sports criticized the Cardinals organization, Busch Stadium, and its fan base, Wainwright fired back by passionately defending Cardinals fans, saying they earned the reputation as "the best fans in baseball" through decades of loyalty and knowledge of the game—not because they gave themselves the title. Tonight, the Cardinals open a key series against the Arizona Diamondbacks looking to continue building momentum in the second half. Can St. Louis slow down Arizona's explosive offense while continuing to get production from its young core, including Home Run Derby champion Jordan Walker? Plus, the Cubs begin an intriguing interleague matchup against the Minnesota Twins. Chicago enters the weekend trying to stay in the thick of the National League playoff race, while the Twins are looking to climb back into contention in the American League. We'll break down both matchups, discuss the biggest storylines to watch, and make our predictions for tonight's games.

Illinois football adds defensive back Trezavant Boyd to its 2027 recruiting class, Keaton Wagler continues to impress in NBA Summer League with the Clippers, and Argentina defeats England to advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final against Spain. Hour 1 of The Drive is packed with the latest Illini and international sports headlines. Illinois football continues building momentum on the recruiting trail with a commitment from defensive back Trezavant Boyd, adding another talented piece to Bret Bielema's future secondary. The guys also break down another standout NBA Summer League performance from former Illinois star Keaton Wagler, whose impressive play is reinforcing why the Los Angeles Clippers selected him with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Plus, the World Cup delivered another dramatic semifinal as Argentina stunned England 2-1 to punch its ticket to Sunday's championship match against Spain. We discuss the biggest moments from the match and preview what should be a thrilling World Cup Final between two global soccer powers.

Carson and Evan break down the Illini football schedule. How many wins are on the schedule? We find out Quinn doesn't like popcorn, but she does like crime.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Brad Sturdy from Illini Guys joins the show to break down the latest with Illinois basketball's offseason, the buzz around Andrej Stojaković, and Brad Underwood's new contract extension, plus updates on the Illinois football roster. We also recap the Chicago White Sox taking down the Chicago Cubs, while the St. Louis Cardinals pick up another win.        

In this episode, we get to know the Patriots' newest LB, the 55th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Gabe Jacas. Phil Perry talks with Illinois HC Bret Bielema about Jacas' “desire to be great,” then catches up with former Patriot James White—who spent time coaching at Illinois—about why Mike Vrabel and the Patriots will love Jacas' fit in this defense. 00:00 Getting to know Patriots LB Gabe Jacas 03:00 Illinois HC Bret Bielema on Jacas' “desire to be great” 07:00 James White calls Jacas an “old school, rare breed of football player” 10:30 Which former Patriots LB does Gabe compare to? 17:00 Could the Patriots be following the Seahawks defensive blueprint?  

Could Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball really cut down the nets in 2027? National title expectations are already building in Champaign and one analyst says it will happen. Who do they think Illinois will beat in Detroit next year and why? The conversation also shifts to Illinois Fighting Illini football and whether a 9-win season is realistic heading into the fall. Plus, the San Antonio Spurs completely dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2, evening the series in emphatic fashion. Can the "Champaign T-Wolves" bounce back at home? Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.        

Is Illinois Illini Head Coach Bret Bielema trying to start a war of words with Georgia Bulldogs Head Coach Kirby Smart? The Illinois Football coach pointed a finger at the Georgia Football coach over a misrepresented piece of video. Matt Campbell gets asked where Penn State needs to grow the most before fall camp Division Street Events, in partnership with the Japan Gridiron Association, announced today that it will stage the Tokyo Oregon Football Showcase presented by Flight Club, taking place June 25-27 in Tokyo. This groundbreaking international event will bring the Oregon Ducks football team to Japan, celebrating the deep-rooted historical connection between Oregon and Japanese American Football and tapping into the growing enthusiasm for the sport in the region. Is this Dan Lanning's best Oregon team? Dan Lanning gets asked what he's pleased with about the team after the spring Expectations at Ole Miss - Pete Golding on managing expectations and the target on their back - stop worrying about the wrong shit Can Ohio State get back on top? Ryan Day gets asked about his sense of this year's team - we're a work in progress SUBSCRIBE: @NextRoundLive - / @nextroundlive FOLLOW TNR ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zlofzLZht7dYxjNcBNpWN FOLLOW TNR ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-round/id1797862560 WEBSITE: https://nextroundlive.com/ MOBILE APP: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-next-round/id1580807480 SHOP THE NEXT ROUND STORE: https://nextround.store/ Like TNR on Facebook: / nextroundlive Follow TNR on Twitter: / nextroundlive Follow TNR on Instagram: / nextroundlive Follow everyone from the show on Twitter: Jim Dunaway: / jimdunaway Ryan Brown: / ryanbrownlive Lance Taylor: / thelancetaylor Scott Forester: / scottforestertv Tyler Johns: /TylerJohnsTNR Sponsor the show: sales@nextroundlive.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back with a packed hour, highlighted by a strong showing from Fighting Illini football at the NFL Draft over the weekend. The guys also break down draft grades for the Chicago Bears and what it all means moving forward. Plus, a recap of The Oskees at State Farm Center. Intern Coop was on The Orange Carpet all night. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

WCIA Sports Director Glenn Kinley joins the show to break down the latest developments in the Transfer Portal, including what it could mean for Illinois basketball. He also shares insight on the potential impact of John Blackwell, Keaton Wagler's future, and more. The conversation shifts to Illinois football, highlighting key storylines to watch this offseason. The hour wraps up with our Friday Toasts! Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

In this episode of the Podcast of Champions hosts Ryan Abraham and David Woods are back in studio for another offseason Podcast of Champions. In this edition, the fellas talk about the start of spring football for Oregon, USC Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, and Purdue, and some of the main storylines from each. As always, they wrap up the podcast by answering listener email and live chat questions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Podcast of Champions hosts Ryan Abraham and David Woods are back in studio for another offseason Podcast of Champions. In this edition, we talk about spring games, Ohio State having the highest paid assistant in college football, Northwestern's new stadium not opening until October, and more. As always, they wrap up the podcast by answering listener email and live chat questions. For the video simulcasts of our POC please subscribe to your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Please follow, give the POC a five-star rating and post a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.      

BREAKING: Illinois Football has named longtime Montana head coach Bobby Hauck as its new defensive coordinator, replacing Aaron Henry and bringing decades of experience to Champaign. Hauck, one of the winningest coaches in Big Sky history, recently stepped down at Montana before making the move to the Big Ten. Meanwhile, Tristan Thomas joins the conversation to break down the latest with Illini basketball as the team continues its push through conference play. He also discusses standout performances and storylines from the local high school basketball scene.

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?

Brian Teague is back on the show to wrap up his coverage of the Senior Bowl and talk NFL Draft. Plus, who does Brian think will replace Aaron Henry as the new Defensive Coordinator for Illinois football? And who should the BEARS draft at the number 25 spot? Tuesday equals Draft Day! Today's draft is The Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows ever. Who wins? Who did we miss? Vote on Twitter, Instagram, and our Facebook page. We have a surprise guest for tomorrow's show. Who is it? Find out this hour.

Our guy the All-American J Leman joins us this hour to discuss Aaron Henry's departure from Illinois football. Henry is headed to Notre Dame to be the new Co-Defensive Coordinator. Who will replace him? J discusses possible replacements and how much it might cost Illinois to pay a new coordinator. Plus, Illinois Athletics had an incredible weekend with ranked wins in basketball, track & field, tennis, and wrestling. This led to an all-timer moment from Evan Stone. Plus, Evan is on a roll with Etched in Stone. Will that continue tonight?

The Fighting Illini football schedule is out for 2026 and we have it for you this hour! Plus, Tuesday is Draft Day! We're drafting our Super Bowl Spreads. Who won? Vote on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. 

Illinois Football had a signature win over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl on December 30th. Now the Transfer Portal is open and some familiar names are leaving town. We have the latest on the Illini roster. Our guy Ravi Lulla from HurrDat Sports joins the show to discuss a WILD quarterfinal round of the College Football Playoffs. The Final Four are set, but who has an advantage the rest of the way and Ravi explains why it's NOT Indiana? Plus, the latest on the Illini Men's basketball game against Penn State.

Our coverage of National Signing Day for Illinois Football continues. Tristan Thomas from WCIA-3 joins us this hour to recap Coach Bielema's presentation to the media and the class of 2026.  Evan Stone did an incredible deep dive into the "Best Era of Fighting Illini Football." Evan went all the way back to the 1950s, covered the most successful 5-year periods in Illinois history, and compared it to the Bielema era. The results are fascinating. A must-listen to segment! And who won our Sitcom Draft? The margin of winning was only 2 votes!

It's a busy day for Illini men's & women's basketball, and Illini football. We dig in with today's Illini headlines. Also, Evan is about to do a deep dive of Illini football over 5 year periods. But before he does that we want to know...What's your favorite individual season of Illinois football? Tuesday = Draft Day! Today's draft subject: Best Sit-Coms of All Time. And Kurtis throws out those Curveballs!

Your texts continue to pour in about Illinois Football's road to different Bowl Games and our conversation continues! Plus, there's a new Continuation Rule that goes into effect this season for NCAA basketball. You'll get your first look at it this Sunday when the Illini men's team has a scrimmage with Illinois State. We also give you our Big Ten + 2 predictions and Friday Toasts!