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Artwork for The Drive on ESPN 93.5

The Drive on ESPN 93.5

ESPN 93.5
Illinois Basketball
Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois
Chicago Bears
Illinois Football
NCAA Tournament
Big Ten Conference
Brad Underwood
Super Bowl
Illini Basketball
Keaton Wagler
NFL
Basketball
Big Ten
NFL Draft
Transfer Portal
Music City Bowl
College Football Playoffs
Christmas Movies
Luke Altmyer

The Drive is your daily Illini sports podcast from ESPN 93.5. Kurtis Allen and Evan Stone cover Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball, Illinois Fighting Illini football, the Chicago Bears, Cardinals, Cubs and the biggest sports stories in Champaign-Urbana with interviews, analysis, and a lot of laughs. New episodes every weekday. 🎙️

Follow The Drive on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

PublishesDailyEpisodes177Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
SportsFootballBasketball

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The Drive on ESPN 93.5

Latest Episodes

Curt Bishop of Sports Illustrated and Redbird Rants joins the show to discuss the Cardinals’ strong start to the season, what’s fueling their early success, and whether it can continue over the long haul.

The guys also hold a Tuesday Draft featuring... more

Andrej Stojakovic’s NBA Draft stock continues to climb, and Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the show to break down why scouts are becoming increasingly intrigued by his upside and overall fit at the next level. Are the chances of... more

Illinois is well represented at the NBA Draft Combine as Keaton Wagler, Kylan Boswell, and Andrej Stojakovic all look to boost their draft stock in front of scouts and executives.

The guys also react to top in-state recruit Cam Warner committing to ... more

Rick Horton joins the show to break down the Cardinals’ season, including what’s gone right lately and where the team still needs to improve as the summer approaches.

Pierre Noujaim from Fox 9 Minneapolis also stops by to discuss the Timberwolves ev... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Jacob Infante
NFL/Bears writer, guest scheduled to appear to discuss Bears, Cubs, and NFL free agents
The Athletic (sports media)
Episode: 05/07/26 Hour 2: Illini basketball predicted to win National Title in 2027; Illinois Football to win 9 games?; Spurs SPANK Timberwolves in Game 2
Kyle Tosca
Illini hoops analyst, guest scheduled to discuss Illini hoops
ESPN 93.5/Illini sports network
Episode: 05/07/26 Hour 2: Illini basketball predicted to win National Title in 2027; Illinois Football to win 9 games?; Spurs SPANK Timberwolves in Game 2
Brad Dancer
Head Coach, Illini Men's Tennis
University of Illinois
Episode: 05/06/26 Hour 1: Illini Men's Tennis Head Coach Brad Dancer talks Super Regional vs Ohio State; Thunder beat Lakers, and Jordan vs LeBron debate fires up again; Evan vs Jerry West & Bob Cousy
Chris Hine
Timberwolves beat writer from Minnesota Star Tribune
Minnesota Star Tribune
Episode: 05/05/26 Hour 1: Tom Michael returns to the University of Illinois; Chris Hine talks T-Wolves stealing Game 1 from Spurs, TSJ says he'll dunk on Wemby; Cardinals & Cubs get big wins
Tom Michael
Deputy Director of Athletics at University of Illinois (appointed)
University of Illinois
Episode: 05/05/26 Hour 1: Tom Michael returns to the University of Illinois; Chris Hine talks T-Wolves stealing Game 1 from Spurs, TSJ says he'll dunk on Wemby; Cardinals & Cubs get big wins
Chris Block
Sports analyst/guest discussing Kentucky Derby
ESPN 93.5
Episode: 05-04-26 HOUR 1: Recapping a huge weekend of Illini Sports; Cardinals & Cubs Grades after 1 month of the season; Evan Stone's Star Wars Thoughts
Michael Rand
Timberwolves beat writer for the Minneapolis Star Tribune
Minneapolis Star Tribune
Episode: 05-01-26 Hour 1: Michael Rand from Minneapolis Star Tribune talks Terrance Shannon Jr's HUGE night for T-Wolves & win over Denver; EVERYTHING you need to know about The Kentucky Derby with Chris Block
Pierre Noujaim
Fox9 Minneapolis reporter covering the Timberwolves
FOX9 Minneapolis
Episode: 04-30-26 Hour 1: Pierre Noujaim of Fox9 Minneapolis talks Ayo Dosunmu & T-Wolves in the NBA Plaoffs,; Illini Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Announced
Riley Kachaturian
Real Tour with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group
Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group
Episode: 04-29-26 Hour 2: NCAA Tournament expands from 68 to 76 teams - Can they get this right? We read your texts; Tuesday Draft Results - best place to drink a beer!

Hosts

Kurtis Allen
Host of the show, known for engaging discussions on local sports with insightful analysis and a humorous tone.
Evan Stone
Co-host of the show, offering insights and humor alongside Kurtis Allen, enhancing the program's engaging atmosphere.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 188 ratings
  • Senior Bowl Content

    Kurtis and his team do a great job of introducing new voices to the audience. I’ve enjoyed the relaunch of this show.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SovereignWoody
    United States3 months ago
  • Chiefs

    I’m so sick of the chiefs hate on this show

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Bullsfan1991
    United Statesa year ago
  • Fun show

    Living in Atlanta this show is a lifeline that keeps me connected to IL sports. Love the sports content but so enjoy when the guys get down a rabbit hole on other topics too. Good chemistry between Lon and Derek keeps it fresh. And have to say for an 18 year old Kyle more than holds his own on air. Keep it going guys!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Atlanta Illiniman
    United States3 years ago
  • The best show!

    I have listened to nearly every show ever done. I have streamed it for years and was my go to for my commute home in Indy. Very entertaining plus great talk about sports. Lon is the glue that keeps this show going for so many years…..Hopefully for many more years to come!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Illini 29
    United States4 years ago
  • The best show!

    I have listened to nearly every show ever done. I have streamed it for years and was my go to for my commute home in Indy. Very entertaining plus great talk about sports. Lon is the clue that keeps this show going for so many years…..Hopefully for many more years to come!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Illini 29
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many listeners find this podcast to be a crucial source of information about their local sports teams, particularly during basketball season.
Listeners appreciate the entertaining banter and insightful sports commentary that connects them to local sports culture.
Feedback indicates a mix of opinions, with some challenges regarding specific topics but a general love for the content.
The hosts' chemistry is often highlighted, making the show enjoyable to listen to on commutes.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

05/07/26 Hour 1: NCAA Releases new March Madness Bracket; Jacob Infante returns to talk Bears & NFL Free Agency - Joey Bosa to the Bears?; Cubs on an absolute tear over the last 20 games!
Q: What does the new NCAA bracket expansion mean in practice for teams and fans?
The expansion increases championship opportunities and adds more broadcast and sponsorship value, though there is skepticism about the motive and the real financial upside; teams may see more favorable matchups for fans, and the opening round replaces traditional play-ins.
05/06/26 Hour 1: Illini Men's Tennis Head Coach Brad Dancer talks Super Regional vs Ohio State; Thunder beat Lakers, and Jordan vs LeBron debate fires up again; Evan vs Jerry West & Bob Cousy
Q: What are the conditions and matchups going into the Ohio State series?
Brad Dancer explains they've prepared for both outdoor and indoor scenarios, with lineups submitted five days out and the ability to scratch players but not reorder the lineup, so strategic planning focuses on who can adapt as conditions change.
04-28-26 Hour 2: Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports talks Illini at NFL Draft & Chicago Bears; Our Tuesday Draft - Best Places to Drink a Beer
Q: What would you say to someone who gave Gabe Akas a failing grade for the pick?
I'd explain that the Bears had him on their board, the combine and pro days showed measurable value, and the pick fit a long-term plan for the team's needs, especially considering the shifting defensive lineup and Akas's potential contribution.
05-01-26 Hour 1: Michael Rand from Minneapolis Star Tribune talks Terrance Shannon Jr's HUGE night for T-Wolves & win over Denver; EVERYTHING you need to know about The Kentucky Derby with Chris Block
Q: What stood out most about TSJ's performance in last night's playoff win?
Rand highlighted Shannon's burst and ability to attack, finish through contact, and impact the game offensively even when not shooting the 3-ball efficiently, noting the defense and pace he brought to Minnesota's rotation.
4/14/26 Hour 1: Shauna Green joins the show to talk Illini WBB offseason & retention; Kyle Tausk in studio on Illini MBB offseason
Q: How does Divine fit into the roster and what does she bring to the team?
Divine is versatile, long, athletic, and can play from point guard to the four, providing multiple offensive and defensive options and complementing the returning core.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Drive on ESPN 93.5

What is The Drive on ESPN 93.5 about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast focuses on local sports, specifically basketball and football, with an emphasis on the Illinois Fighting Illini. Episodes often feature lively discussions about recent games, player performances, and upcoming matchups, providing listeners with insightful analysis and expert commentary from sports journalists and analysts. Additionally, the hosts engage in candid conversations that explore various topics beyond sports, enhancing the entertainment value of the show. The dynamic between the hosts and their guests often yields a mix of serious insights and light-hearted banter, creating a vibrant atmosphere for fans of local athletics.

Where can I find podcast stats for The Drive on ESPN 93.5?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for The Drive on ESPN 93.5. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to The Drive on ESPN 93.5 and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does The Drive on ESPN 93.5 get?

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What are the audience demographics for The Drive on ESPN 93.5?

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How many subscribers and views does The Drive on ESPN 93.5 have?

To see how many followers or subscribers The Drive on ESPN 93.5 has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to The Drive on ESPN 93.5?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Drive on ESPN 93.5:

1. Illini Inquirer Podcast: An Illinois Fighting Illini athletics podcast
2. The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini Fan Podcast
3. I on the Illini
4. Inside Illini Basketball
5. IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

How many episodes of The Drive on ESPN 93.5 are there?

The Drive on ESPN 93.5 launched 7 years ago and published 177 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Drive on ESPN 93.5?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Drive on ESPN 93.5?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for The Drive on ESPN 93.5 from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

View all the reviews in one place instead of visiting each platform individually and use this information to decide if a show is worth pitching or not.

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What guests have appeared on The Drive on ESPN 93.5?

Recent guests on The Drive on ESPN 93.5 include:

1. Jacob Infante
2. Kyle Tosca
3. Brad Dancer
4. Chris Hine
5. Tom Michael
6. Chris Block
7. Michael Rand
8. Pierre Noujaim

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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