Friday Night Drive

Former Nazareth wide receiver Tanner Koziol, who played tight end at Ball State and Houston, was selected in the fifth round by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 164th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Koziol caught 237 passes for 2,234 yards and 24 touchdowns in college. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

East St. Louis running back Myson Johnson-Cook, one of the top-rated junior players in the state, announced his commitment to Auburn on Saturday afternoon. Johnson-Cook rushed for 1,341 yards and 20 touchdowns while leading the Flyers to the IHSA Class 6A state finals in 2025. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Former Marist linebacker Jimmy Rolder, who recorded 118 total tackles and played in 43 games over his collegiate career at Michigan, was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 118th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Keagen Trost, a 2019 Kankakee graduate, was the 93rd overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Former Marist wide receiver Carnell Tate, who went on to star at IMG Academy and Ohio State, was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the fourth overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday evening. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Friday Night Drive has had its eye on some of the expected top returning players for the 2026 football season. The focus shifts to the secondary this week with 10 defensive backs to keep an eye on this coming fall. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder seemed destined for baseball for most of his time at Marist. But a three-week span switch Rolder's trajectory to likely being selected in the NFL draft this weekend in Pittsburgh. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent is bringing his Offensive Skills Camp to St. Bede on Saturday, May 23, rain or shine, from 7 to 9 p.m. Spots are limited to the first 100 campers. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

In a statement published Tuesday afternoon, Loyola announced the return of John Holecek as head football coach. Holecek went 185-36 and won three state titles from 2006-22. Beau Desherow, Loyola's head coach since 2023, will serve as general manager and assistant head coach. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Friday Night Drive is highlighting some of the top returning players at each position for the 2026 IHSA football season. Here are 10 of the top returning linebackers to watch as the season approaches. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

In a season slowed by injuries and a tough schedule, Marist juniors Conor Hunt and Tommy Hosty made the most of position changes and increased roles. The two are ready to lead the RedHawks back to the playoffs in 2026. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Joe Kubal, an assistant coach at Bradley-Bourbonnais for the last 15 years, was announced as the Boilermakers next head football coach on Monday. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

After a 4-5 season and a first-round playoff exit, Loyola will look to bounce back in 2026. The Ramblers will return a core group of players including junior linebacker Will Mettee and sophomore wide receiver Jordan McKinley, both Power 4 prospects. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Friday Night Drive is highlighting some of the top returning players at each position for the 2026 IHSA football season. Here are 10 of the top defensive linemen to watch as the 2026 season approaches. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Junior running back Brandon Johnson Jr. and sophomore linebacker Jack Schapendonk were each instrumental in St. Rita's run to the IHSA Class 7A state finals in the fall. The two will be key players to watch as the Mustangs prepare for 2026. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Princeton Tigers football fans wanting to see their favorite team early this fall will have to get their road maps out. Five of the Tigers’ first seven games will be on the road, including the Aug. 21 opener at Port Byron Riverdale. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Whether on the football field or wrestling mat, Duke Mays is always active. Now, the junior is on the move again. A native of Joliet, he has returned home. The football and wrestling standout has transferred from Johnsburg to Joliet Catholic Academy. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Montini four-star junior quarterback Israel Abrams announced his commitment to Miami (FL) during a broadcast of The Pat McAfee Show Friday afternoon. Abrams threw for 4,072 yards and 40 touchdowns in 2025, leading Montini to the IHSA Class 4A state title. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Friday Night Drive is highlighting some of the top returning players at each position for the 2026 IHSA football season. Here are 10 of the top returning offensive linemen to watch as the season approaches. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Fenwick junior Jake Thies announced his commitment to Iowa on Saturday. An All-CCL/ESCC selection in 2025, Thies rushed for over 1,100 yards, recorded nearly 60 tackles and helped lead the Friars to an IHSA 6A state title. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

A standout wrestler, Montini junior lineman Gavin Ericson-Staton has emerged as a three-star prospect and will be a top player for the Broncos in 2026. Blake Pohlman, a MaxPreps Freshman All-American, is a player to watch on defense. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Junior linebacker Derrick Pomatto became a two-way threat for Joliet Catholic in 2025, rushing for three touchdowns after taking on the role halfway through the season. Pomatto will be a player to watch as the Hilltoppers look to bounce back from a rare losing season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

After helping St. Laurence reach the 6A semifinals, Sean Rice holds a dozen offers from Division I programs. The junior linebacker/tight end will be a key returning player for the Vikings, who have several seniors planning to play collegiately. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

After 15 seasons as the head coach at his alma mater, Bradley-Bourbonnais' Mike Kohl has resigned. He will remain as the school's athletic director. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Grant Foes has always had ambitions to become a head football coach one day. That dream has been put on fast forward. Foes, 23, a 2021 Princeton High School graduate and former Tiger standout, has been named as the new head coach at Kokomo High School in Indiana. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .