Best Columbus Dispatch Podcasts (2026)

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12/08/25 Hour 2: Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer and Adam Jardy from The Columbus Dispatch talk Illini vs Buckeyes; Bears vs Packers Recap 56:19

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18d ago56:19

56:19

We switch gears this hour to Illini basketball. Adam Jardy from the Columbus Dispatch covers Ohio State Buckeyes basketball. He gives us the OSU side of things before tomorrow night's game. How will guys like Bruce Thorton and Amare Bynum match up with Illinois? We also get "The Great" Kyle Tausk of Illini Inquirer's input. Kyle breaks down Illinoi…

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01/05/26 Hour 2: Breaking News: Illini football lands Wisconsin C Jake Renfro, Illini basketball win in Philly, Bears lose to Lions, Etched in Stone 54:46

2h ago54:46

54:46

We found out very quickly who will be protecting Katin Houser next year for the Illini. Bret Bielema's staff land Wisconsin starting Center Jake Renfro through the transfer portal. Renfro has 1 year of eligibility and will anchor the O-Line in 2026. Illini basketball got a win in Philadelphia on Saturday night against Penn State. We recap the game …

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01/05/26 Hour 1: J Leman talks Illini transfer portal, Katin Houser, College Football Playoffs, and more 54:56

3h ago54:56

54:56

It's the final J Leman Hour of this football season and we're going out with a bang! J recaps the Illini's Music City Bowl win, breaks down the Illini transfer portal, and College Football Playoffs. Plus, Katin Houser has transferred from East Carolina to the University of Illinois. J discusses the Illini's new QB, expectations for next season, and…

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How did Ohio State flip the tables in win at Rutgers? 36:03

14h ago36:03

36:03

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy recaps the Buckeyes’ 80-73 win over Rutgers in Friday night’s bout at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey, on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. In this edition, we share takeaways from the game and what’s next for the Buckeyes.…

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01/02/26 Hour 2: Illini Women's Basketball STUN #7 Maryland, Bears vs Lions, Etched in Stone, and Friday Toasts 59:07

6h ago59:07

59:07

Shauna Green's team had a signature win over #7 Maryland last night! Daniel Thompson covers Illini Women's Basketball and joins the show to discuss the win. Plus, a dive into the teeth of the schedule that features games against five ranked opponents. Plus the Bears wrap up the regular season against the Lions. Who won our Tuesday Draft: Best Movie…

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01/02/26 Hour 1: Illini Football Transfer Portal updates, Ravi Lulla discusses College Football Playoffs, and Illini Men's Basketball vs Penn State 55:00

7h ago55:00

55:00

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 a…

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How Ohio State collapsed in early playoff exit 43:03

2h ago43:03

43:03

Ohio State beat reporter Joey Kaufman speaks with Dispatch sports columnist Rob Oller on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXta football podcast. During this edition, we provide our takeaways from the 24-14 loss to the Miami Hurricanes in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoffs.By Gannett

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12/31/25 The Illini Win the Music City Bowl! 8:23

15m ago8:23

8:23

The Illini beat Tennessee last night in a thriller at the Music City Bowl, 30-28! David Olano walked off the game winner and one of the guys predicted it would happen. Listen for a quick recap! Have a safe and Happy New Year from The Drive! Follow on Instagram and Twitter @thedrive935 Like ESPN 93.5 on Facebook!…

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12/30/25 Hour 2: Music City Bowl part 2, Glenn Kinley from WCIA-3 live from Nissan Stadium, Tuesday Draft - Best Movie Sequels 53:02

1h ago53:02

53:02

Glenn Kinley is the Sports Director for WCIA-3 and is live on location at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. He calls the show with last-minute nuggets for the Music City Bowl and more. Plus, we try to complete our Tuesday Draft right before kick-off. Today's topic is "Best Movie Sequels of All Time" and the results get heated!…

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12/30/25 Hour 1: Music City Bowl 2025 part 1, Keys to the Game, Kurtis' Tennessee Curveballs, 55:00

2h ago55:00

55:00

We are ready for The Music City Bowl! This hour features keys to the game, a deep dive into the Vols offense & defense, and more. Plus Kurtis tosses out some Tennessee Curveballs and we talk some Illini hoops.By ESPN 93.5

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Is Ohio State ready for another CFP run? Previewing quarterfinal against Miami 28:08

1h ago28:08

28:08

Ohio State football beat reporter Joey Kaufman speaks with Dispatch sports columnist Rob Oller on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra football podcast. During this edition, we preview the Ohio State Buckeyes vs. the Miami Hurricanes in the CFP quarterfinal.By Gannett

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12/29/25 Hour 2: Illini Men's Basketball take care of Southern U, Bears lose to Niners, and our next Tuesday Draft announcement 54:56

3h ago54:56

54:56

Coach Underwood's Illini squad took care of business today at State Farm Center, beating Southern 90-55. The win follows Illinois' drubbing of Mizzou in the Braggin' Rights Game, 91-48. We break down the latest victory and preview the upcoming slate of games against Penn State, Rutgers, and Iowa. Has the magic run out for the Cardiac Bears? Ben Joh…

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12/29/25 Hour 1: We're back and J Leman is in-studio to talk Illini, the Music City Bowl, and Kyle Whittingham at Michigan 54:23

4h ago54:23

54:23

Christmas Break is over and we're back! J Leman is in studio to preview the Illini vs Tennessee in the Music City Bowl! How will a month off affect Illinois' defense against a high-powered Vols offense? How should Coach Bielema & Lunney utilize Luke Altmyer in this particular game? Also, J reacts to Coach Bielema's comments about "the SEC powers-th…

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John Mobley's hot shooting sends Ohio State into break with win 35:13

20h ago35:13

35:13

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy recaps Ohio State’s 89-63 win over Grambling State on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. In this edition, we also talk about John Mobley hitting a corner 3 with four seconds remaining in the game.By Gannett

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How does Ohio State 'break through' after one-point loss to North Carolina? 27:46

5d ago27:46

27:46

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy recaps the Buckeyes’ 71-70 loss to North Carolina in the CBS Sports Classic at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. In this edition, we share takeaways from the game and more.By Gannett

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12/19/25 Hour 2: Ravi Lulla breaks down the College Football Playoffs opening round, Chris Kwiecinski fom Fox32 with the latest on Bears vs Packers, Friday Toasts 56:51

6d ago56:51

56:51

Our guy Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports breaks down the opening round of the College Football Playoffs. Is there an upset brewing? Chris Kwiecinski covers the Bears for Fox32 Chicago and is back on the show. Get the latest info on Bears vs Packers. What is the key to Chicago winning? How will the loss of Rome Odunze and Luther Burden affect the Bear…

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12/19/25 Hour 1: The latest on Illini Wrestling Coach Mike Poeta, Kyle Tausk talks Illini vs Mizzou, Evan's Soccer Minute, and Kurtis' Curveballs 57:34

6d ago57:34

57:34

Josh Whitman placed Illinois Wrestling coach Mike Poeta on indefinite administrative leave. The university said the decision stems from “potential violations of his employment agreement stemming from possible noncompliance with University fiscal control policies.” We have the latest. Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joins us to talk about the Braggi…

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12/18/25 Hour 2: Illini vs Mizzou Braggin' Rights talk with Ally Schneipp & Joseph Pasthila, Etched in Stone bets, Cardinals & Cubs updates, and more Bears vs Packers 53:14

7d ago53:14

53:14

Ally Schneipp and Joseph Pasthila cover Mizzou Basketball for the Columbia Missourian. They join us to talk about Monday's Braggin' Rights game between the Illini and Tigers. Why is this more than a rivalry game for the Mizzou Tigers this year? How will the Illini respond after the home loss to Nebraska? We need some money! Evan has your 5 bets for…

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12/18/25 Hour 1: Andy Villamarzo from Rivals talks IHSA Football Changes, Illini Headlines, Bears vs Packers injury updates, Kurtis' Curveballs 57:55

18d ago57:55

57:55

Andy Villamazaro is a national writer for RIVALS and covers high school sports. He wrote about the new changes to the IHSA Football Playoffs system and how it affects area schools. He joins us to further explain the changes, the pros and cons, and how it affects recruiting. We also check the Illini Headlines, the Bears are down 2 big weapons agains…

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CBS' Gary Parrish joins us to preview Ohio State-North Carolina 45:31

7d ago45:31

45:31

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy speaks with special guest Gary Parrish on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. During this edition, we preview Ohio State’s upcoming game against North Carolina.By Gannett

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12/17/25 Hour 2: Nathalie Jones of ABC-17 talks Braggin' Rights Game, NFL Playoff Picture, and Christmas Movie Draft Results 52:16

9d ago52:16

52:16

Nathalie Jones is an award-winning Sports Director for ABC-17 in Columbia, MO and covers the Mizzou Tigers. She joins the show this hour to talk about the Braggin' Rights Game. This week's draft had more votes than any other so far! So who won our Christmas Movies Draft? Plus we take a look at the NFL Playoff picture and who could be on their way t…

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12/17/25 Hour 1: Dave Wischnowsky talks Illini football and basketball, Illini Headlines, Kurtis' Curveballs 55:06

13d ago55:06

55:06

Dave Wischnowsky returns to ESPN 93.5 to talk Illini athletics! Dave gives his thoughts on Luke Altmyer playing in the Music City Bowl, Illini basketball & the Braggin' Rights game against Mizzou, and much more! A must-listen conversation! Plus we give you a check of today's Illini headlines, a recap of our Tuesday Draft, and Kurtis' Curveballs.…

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12/16/25 Hour 2: College Football Playoffs predictions, Tuesday Draft - Best Christmas Movies of All Time! 50:59

9d ago50:59

50:59

The College Football Playoffs start on Friday night and we make our predictions. Kurtis and Evan both have upsets in their brackets, but who wins the Natty? Tuesday is Draft Day and we're celebrating the holiday season! We're drafting the Best Christmas Movies of All Time! Who won? Which movies did we miss? Vote on Twitter & Instagram @thedrive935,…

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12/16/25 Hour 1: Luke Altmyer's decision to play in the Music City Bowl, IHSA votes Yes on Prop 19, College Football Playoff predictions, and Kurtis' Curveballs 54:57

14d ago54:57

54:57

Luke Altmyer met with the media and discussed his decision to play in the Music City Bowl. We react to Luke's comments and give you a check of today's Illini Headlines. The IHSA voted "YES" on Propsal 19, which will expand the post season from 256 to 384 teams. The news has been met with mixed reactions. We explain the changes and give our reaction…

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12/15/25 Hour 2: Croatian forward Toni Bilić commits to Illinois; Reactions to Illini's loss to Nebraska; Bears dominate Browns, Our next draft, and Kurtis' Curveballs 50:32

10d ago50:32

50:32

Another Balkan is coming to town! Croatian Forward Toni Bilic has committed to Illinois and is eligible to play. What does the 6'9" 20-year-old bring to Brad Underwood's team? Also, reactions continue to pour in after the Illini's loss against Nebraska on Saturday. What's next for the Illini and what adjustments are in the immediate future? The Chi…

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12/15/25 Hour 1: J Leman reacts to Luke Altmyer playing in Music City Bowl; comments on Brad Underwood calling out David Mirkovic 59:09

10d ago59:09

59:09

J Leman is back in studio for a full hour on The Drive! The conversation starts with football and moves to basketball. We talk about the risk/reward of Luke Altmyer playing in the Music City Bowl. Plus, JC Davis and Gabe Jacas are sitting out of the game. The Tennessee Vols are currently sitting at 3 point favorites. Plus, J gives his thoughts on B…

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How did Ohio State survive double overtime vs West Virginia? 43:54

22d ago43:54

43:54

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy recaps last night’s 89-88 victory over West Virginia on that latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. During this edition, we recap our takeaways from this matchup and discuss where the Buckeyes go from here.By Gannett

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12/12/25 Hour 2: BREAKING Luke Altmyer is playing in the Music City Bowl; Carson Gourdie from WICS-TV reacts to the Altmyer news, Previews Illini vs Nebraska; Score Predictions and Friday Toasts 55:48

13d ago55:48

55:48

BREAKING Illini news - Luke Altmyer WILL play in the Music City Bowl. We react to the news and what it means for Illinois vs Tennessee. Carson Gourdie covers the Illini for WICS-TV. We get his reaction to the Altmyer news and his thoughts on Illinois basketball's game against Nebraska. Plus score predictions for Illinois vs Nebraska and our Friday …

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12/12/25 Hour 1: Gabe Jacas Declares for the NFL Draft, Out of Music City Bowl; Brad Underwood Press Conference; Latest on Sherrone Moore; Kurtis' Curveballs 57:05

13d ago57:05

57:05

Illini football's Gabe Jacas has officially declared for the NFL Draft and will not play in the Music City Bowl. We look back on Gabe's career at Illinois and look at potential fits at the NFL level. Brad Underwood met with the media ahead of tomorrow's game against #23 Nebraska at State Farm Center. We have the full press conference this hour. The…

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12/11/25 Hour 2: Illini vs Cornhuskers w/ Cooper O'Kelly of The Champaign Room; More Bears vs Browns; Notre Dame in Time Out; Philip Rivers starting for Colts 51:47

14d ago51:47

51:47

Cooper O'Kelly covers the Illini for The Champaign Room and has joined The Drive in an intern role. We dive into the numbers ahead of Saturday's game. Plus more on the conditions at Soldier Field this Sunday, the coldest games YOU have ever attended, Notre Dame upsets the rest of college football, and Philip Rivers is in line to START for the Colts…

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12/11/25 Hour 1: The latest on Sherrone Moore's firing; Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports talks Illini vs Nebraska; -20 Wind Chills for Bears vs Browns; Coldest game you've ever attended 54:55

14d ago54:55

54:55

We have the latest on Sherrone Moore's firing at Michingan, the future of the program, potential coaching replacements, what the university knew, and much more. Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports calls in to talk about Saturday's game between the Illini and Cornhuskers. What will be the biggest challenge for Illinois? And we found out Cooper O'Kelly is…

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12/10/25 Hour 2: Illini Wrestling's Lucas Byrd; More on Sherrone Moore's Firing; Best Board Games Draft Results 53:35

16d ago53:35

53:35

NCAA National Champion Lucas Byrd joins us this hour to talk the 2025-2026 Wrestling Season, his career, and much more. More reactions to Michigan's firing of Sherrone Moore "for cause." More details emerge this hour. The votes have been tallied and we have a winner in our Best Board Games Draft! Who got your vote?…

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12/10/25 Hour 1: Illini Basketball Beat OSU; Isaac Trotter talks Illini & College hoops; BREAKING Sherrone Moore OUT as Michigan Head Coach 54:59

16d ago54:59

54:59

The Illinois Men's basketball team went to Columbus last night and walked out with a W. We break down the game. Also, Isaac Trotter from 247 Sports & CBS Sports joins us to discuss Keaton Wagler's performance, the state of Illini basketball, and Big Ten hoops. And BREAKING NEWS! Sherrone Moore has been fired as Michigan's head coach after an intern…

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Buckeyes come up short in key moments against Illinois 35:53

15d ago35:53

35:53

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy recaps the 88-80 loss to Illinois on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. During this edition, we provide our takeaways from this game and much more.By Gannett

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12/09/25 Hour 2: Evan Stone's Deep Dive into the Illini's Opponents KenPom Rankings; Tuesday Draft - Best Board Games of All Time; Illini vs Buckeyes Predictions 51:33

20d ago51:33

51:33

Evan Stone said tonight's men's basketball game against OSU starts "a 10 game stretch in which the Illini should win every game." Need proof? He did a deep dive into the KenPom rankings for every Illinois opponent before meeting Purdue on January 24th. It's Draft Day! The Drive does a draft every Tuesday and today's topic is The Best Board Games of…

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12/09/25 Hour 1: Illini vs Buckeyes Preview; Philip Rivers to the Colts; Oldest Pro Athletes; Tuesday Draft Announcement 54:59

17d ago54:59

54:59

The Illinois men's basketball team kicks off Big Ten play tonight in Columbus against The Buckeyes. We preview the game, break down the OSU roster, and more. The Colts signed Philip Rivers to their practice squad today. It's been 5 years since Rivers threw in the NFL. Will he actually see the field? Speaking of which...Who are the oldest pro athlet…

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12/08/25 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour gets HEATED over the College Football Playoffs! Plus, J talks Illini in the Music City Bowl. 57:19

18d ago57:19

57:19

It's J Leman vs Evan Stone with Kurtis Allen as the referee! Evan said the committee "got it right" with their playoff selections and J completely disagrees. We dive into the bracket and the debate is incredible. Which team does J think SHOULD NOT be in the playoffs? The answer might surprise you! Plus, we take a look at the Illini vs the Vols in t…

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Reaction to Ohio State's CFP seed and Big Ten title loss 42:37

28d ago42:37

42:37

Ohio State beat reporter Joey Kaufman speaks with Dispatch sports columnist Rob Oller on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra football podcast. During this edition, we recap the Buckeyes’ 13-10 loss to Indiana in the Big Ten title game and discuss Ohio State’s CFP seed.By Gannett

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The Brandon Noel Game leads Ohio State past Northwestern 34:23

17d ago34:23

34:23

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy recaps the recent 86-82 victory over the Northwestern Wildcats on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. In this edition, we share our takeaways from this matchup and discuss where the Buckeyes go from here.By Gannett

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12/05/25 Hour 2: Colleen Kane from the Chicago Tribune discusses Illini vs Vols; Carson Gourdie from WICS-TV; Friday Toasts and Game Predictions 47:48

21d ago47:48

47:48

The Drive welcomes Colleen Kane from the Chicago Tribune to the show! Colleen covers the Illini and gives her thoughts ahead of the game with Tennessee. Carson Gourdie from Fox Illinois and WICS-TV joins the fellas to talk Illini hoops. Carson gives his thoughts on Coach Underwood saying he'd love to play in Dubai, predictions for Saturday, and the…

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12/05/25 Hour 1: Brad Underwood's Pre-Game Press Conference (IL vs TN); Chris Kwiecinski from Fox32 talks Bears vs Packers; Ravi Lulla talks Big Ten Championship Game 1:01:40

21d ago1:01:40

1:01:40

Brad Underwood met with the media before the Music City Madness game against Tennessee. We've got the full press conference for you. Chris Kwiecinski from Fox32 Chicago joins the show with great insight ahead of Bears vs Packers. Rome Odunze is out, Christian Watson is in, and the Bears defense is getting healthy while the Packers have lost some ke…

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12/04/25 Hour 2: Robert Rosenthal talks Illini Football & Basketball; Ben McKee from GoVols247 talks Illini vs Vols basketball; Etched In Stone "Championship Weekend Edition" 54:18

25d ago54:18

54:18

Robert Rosenthal from IlliniBoard.com joins us to talk Illini Football recruitment class of 2026, the 2025 season, and Illini basketball ahead of the Music City Showdown against Tennessee. We also get the Tennessee perspective from Ben McKee of GoVols247. Ben breaks down the Vols' loss to Syracuse and how it affects the game on Saturday. Plus Ben s…

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12/04/25 Hour 1: Illini Football Accolades; Zack Pearson talks Bears vs Packers; Bielema's Non-Compete; Kurtis' Curveballs 55:23

1M ago55:23

55:23

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

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Previewing Ohio State-Indiana in the Big Ten championship with the Indy Star 57:36

1M ago57:36

57:36

Ohio State football beat reporter Joey Kaufman speaks with special guest Zach Osterman of the IndyStar on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra football podcast. During this edition, we preview the upcoming matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten title game.By Gannett

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12/03/25 Hour 2: National Signing Day Part 2 w/ Tristan Thomas; A Deep Dive into "The Best Era" of Illini Football; Sitcom Draft Winner 54:21

26d ago54:21

54:21

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-y…

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12/03/25 Hour 1: Bret Bielema talks to ESPN 93.5; National Signing Day Part 1; Tuesday Draft Recap 55:11

26d ago55:11

55:11

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

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As Big Ten play begins, how damaging was that Pitt loss? 30:59

23d ago30:59

30:59

Ohio State men’s basketball beat reporter Adam Jardy talks about the recent loss to Pittsburgh on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra basketball podcast. During this edition, we talk about how damaging this loss was for the Buckeyes and look ahead to Big Ten play.By Gannett

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12/02/25 Hour 2: Tuesday Draft - Best TV Sitcoms of All Time; Who will be Penn State's next head coach; Illini Recruitment Notes 50:50

27d ago50:50

50:50

It's Draft Day! Kurtis and Evan are drafting The Best TV Sitcoms of All Time. Vote for who wins on Instagram & Twitter @TheDrive935 or text your vote to 217-359-2255. Who will be the next head coach for Penn State? It's a mess of a situation and candidates are running out. We discuss the list and your texts. Plus, Illini football recruitment notes.…

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12/02/25 Hour 1: Illini Headlines; What's Your Favorite Season of Illinois Football?; Kurtis' Curveballs; Tuesday Draft Announcement 1:01:13

28d ago1:01:13

1:01:13

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…

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Ohio State wins The Game and ends losing streak to Michigan 44:17

1M ago44:17

44:17

Ohio State football beat reporter Joey Kaufman speaks with Dispatch sports columnist Rob Oller on the latest episode of the BuckeyeXtra football podcast. During this edition, we break down the 27-9 victory over the Michigan Wolverines and share our takeaways.By Gannett