Best Ihsa Podcasts (2025)

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Suburban Life-area coaches react to IHSA football playoff expansion: ‘It is a net positive’ 6:19

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6d ago6:19

6:19

As the IHSA announced an expansion of the football playoffs starting next season, Suburban Life-area coaches offered their reactions. "I'm excited about the opportunities our kids might get. It is a net positive for us." Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.…

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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

7d 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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Friday Night Drive’s 2025 Team of the Year 11:43

2d ago11:43

11:43

Here is the 2025 Friday Night Drive Team of the Year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network

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St. Francis senior lineman Jaylen Torres is the 2025 Kane County Chronicle football Player of the Year 4:43

2d ago4:43

4:43

St. Francis two-way lineman Jaylen Torres, who controlled both sides of the line of scrimmage and helped the team to its first state title since 2008, is the Kane County Chronicle football Player of the Year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.…

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2025 Kane County Chronicle Football All-Area team 10:55

2d ago10:55

10:55

Here is the 2025 Kane County Chronicle All-Area football team. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network

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2025 Friday Night Drive Offensive Player of the Year: Montini’s Israel Abrams 6:45

2d ago6:45

6:45

Montini junior quarterback Israel Abrams, who threw for over 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns and led the Broncos to a 14-0 record and the Class 4A state championship, is the 2025 Friday Night Drive Offensive Player of the Year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.…

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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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Notebook: Princeton’s Charlie Waca to be inducted into the IHSFCA Hall of Fame 2:53

7d ago2:53

2:53

Charlie Waca, a longtime assistant with four decades on Bureau County area sidelines, will be inducted into the Illinois Football Coaches Association Hall Fame in the Class of 2026. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network

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2025 Friday Night Drive Defensive Player of the Year: Brother Rice’s Kameron McGee 6:04

7d ago6:04

6:04

Brother Rice sophomore defensive lineman Kameron McGee, a five-star prospect who recorded 21 TFLs and 10.5 sacks while guiding the Crusaders to an IHSA 7A state championship this season, is the 2025 Friday Night Drive Defensive Player of the Year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/suppo…

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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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Presenting the 2025 Herald-News All-Area Football Team 10:34

7d ago10:34

10:34

Here are the best of the best on the gridiron in the Herald-News area for the 2025 season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network

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Herald-News Football Player of the Year: Lincoln-Way East QB Jonas Williams 4:58

7d ago4:58

4:58

USC-bound quarterback Jonas Williams of Lincoln-Way East became the IHSA's all-time leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns. Williams is the 2025 Herald-News Football Player of the Year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network

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‘I want to bring the juice’: Brother Rice’s King Liggins signs with Illinois 5:31

7d ago5:31

5:31

Brother Rice defensive lineman King Liggins, a two-time All-CCL/ESCC player who helped the Crusaders finish 13-1 and win the IHSA 7A state championship this season, has signed to continue his football career at Illinois. "I feel like I can motivate the guys around me..." Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-ni…

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Zach Weigel named as head football coach at Sherrard 3:37

7d ago3:37

3:37

Zach Weigel was approved as the new head football coach at Sherrard High School at Wednesday’s school board meeting. Currently a teacher at Davenport Central High School, Weigel brings a wealth of coaching experience across multiple levels. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.…

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Scheduling relief or false hope? IHSA playoff expansion divides local schools 5:09

7d ago5:09

5:09

IHSA schools split on Proposal 19: Sycamore backs expanded playoffs, Genoa-Kingston resists, DeKalb sees new hope. Scheduling relief or more lopsided games? Local ADs weigh the trade-offs. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network

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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

8d 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

8d 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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Kendall County football coaches react to IHSA playoff expansion: ‘More kids get chance to play one more game’ 6:26

8d ago6:26

6:26

A day after the IHSA announced that a proposal had passed to expand the football playoffs by 128 teams, Kendall County-area coaches reacted to the news. "More kids get a chance to play high school football one extra week.” Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.…

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Presenting the 2025 Times All-Area Football Team 9:44

8d ago9:44

9:44

Forty-four of the top football players from Seneca, Marquette, Fieldcrest, Ottawa, Streator, FCW and Sandwich, here is the 2025 Times All-Area Football Team. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network

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Seneca’s Cam Shriey is the 2025 Times Football Player of the Year 4:25

8d ago4:25

4:25

After stepping into the featured back role for the best football team in the area, Seneca senior Cam Shriey is the 2025 Times Football Player of the Year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network

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Rob Stover named Sycamore football coach 2:13

8d ago2:13

2:13

The Sycamore School District 427 Board on Wednesday announced that Rob Stover will follow Joe Ryan as the head coach of the Spartan football team. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network

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McHenry County coaches react to IHSA football playoff expansion 3:46

9d ago3:46

3:46

The IHSA announced Tuesday that the state football playoffs will be expanding from 256 to 384 teams starting in 2026. The Northwest Herald reached out to several local coaches, and here are their reactions. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.…

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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

9d 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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Podcast: IHSA expands football playoffs: Why, and what happens now? 48:10

9d ago48:10

48:10

Join hosts Steve Soucie and Matt Rodewald as they review the IHSA expansion of the high school football playoffs. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network

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IHSA football playoffs expanded with passage of Proposal 19 4:42

9d ago4:42

4:42

IHSA Proposal 19 was passed by a majority of member schools in an IHSA schoolwide vote. Its implementation will increase the number of playoff qualifiers from 256 teams to 384 teams. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network

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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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Bureau County area schools voice views on Proposal 19 for playoffs expansion 8:15

10d ago8:15

8:15

Of the 16 Bureau County area schools to respond about the IHSA's Proposal 19 calling for football playoffs expansion, six said they are voting in favor of it, while nine voted against it, with one school voting “no opinion.” Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.…

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2025 Northwest Herald Football Coach of the Year: Richmond-Burton’s Mike Noll 5:55

12d ago5:55

5:55

Richmond-Burton's Mike Noll won his 300th game and led the Rockets to within one win of a state championship game berth. Noll is the 2025 Northwest Herald Football Coach of the Year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network

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2025 Northwest Herald Football Player of the Year: Prairie Ridge’s Luke Vanderwiel 6:10

12d ago6:10

6:10

A Day 1 varsity starter as a running back his freshman year, Prairie Ridge senior Luke Vanderwiel developed into an all-state quarterback. He is the 2025 Northwest Herald Football Player of the Year after leading the Wolves to an undefeated regular season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534…

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2025 Northwest Herald Football All-Area team 18:32

12d ago18:32

18:32

Meet the 2025 Northwest Herald All-Area football team. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network

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2025 Daily Journal Football Player of the Year: Bradley-Bourbonnais’ Lyzale Edmon 3:58

12d ago3:58

3:58

One of the most decorated offensive, defensive and special teams players in Bradley-Bourbonnais history, Lyzale Edmon is the 2025 Daily Journal's Football Player of the Year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network

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2025 Daily Journal All-Area Football Team 13:58

12d ago13:58

13:58

Take a look at the players selected for the 2025 Daily Journal All-Area Football Team. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network

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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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Friday Night Drive’s 2025 All-CCL/ESCC Team 20:36

13d ago20:36

20:36

Here is Friday Night Drive's 2025 All-CCL/ESCC football team, with players from all 24 member programs. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network

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Here is the 2025 Record Newspapers All-Area football team 6:43

13d ago6:43

6:43

Here is the 2025 Record Newspapers All-Area football team. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network

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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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Kankakee graduate Keagan Trost named first-team All-SEC at Missouri to lead local college standouts 2:09

14d ago2:09

2:09

Keagen Trost, a 2019 Kankakee graduate, was named a first-team All-SEC offensive lineman earlier this week after a standout season as Missouri's right tackle. His former Kays teammate Jyaire Hill and Manteno native Josh Gesky received All-Big Ten recognition. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3…

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Here is the 2025 Suburban Life All-Area football team 9:09

14d ago9:09

9:09

Here is the 2025 Suburban Life All-Area football team. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network

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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…