The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper

Rob Connolly of Finlete Sports joins the show to talk Cardinals baseball and explains how you can invest in a player's future MLB earnings. It's a fascinating conversation about the state of Sports Betting in 2026. Isaac Ambrose from The Champaign Room surprises us with a call about the Illini vs. Michigan and the biggest matchups to watch. We wrap it up with score predictions and our Friday Toasts! Cheers!

Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer previews Illinois vs. Michigan Wolverines and breaks down the keys for the Illini to get a big rivalry win. He also shares insight on his ongoing “rivalry” with Rapheal Davis and how it adds extra fun to Big Ten matchups. Plus, we cover the latest Illini Headlines, including roster updates.       

Rapheal Davis from Big Ten Network calls the show and addresses his recent Twitter spat with Illinois fans. Why did Rapheal take exception with a story written by our guy "The Great" Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer? Plus, will Rapheal be in town for Illinois vs Michigan on Friday night? Orange Krush President Kale Rauman joined the show to talk about the atmosphere at State Farm Center and how the student section prepares for big games. He also shared what makes this rivalry so special from a fan perspective and how the energy can impact the team. Plus, we wrapped things up with Draft Day, selecting the best “M” things of all time. Vote for the winner on our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook page, or text 217-359-2255.

Brian Teague of Chicago State of Mind Sports calls in with an update on which Illinois players are making the biggest impressions at the NFL Combine and what it means for their draft stock. Can Gabe Jacas work his way into the First Round? What is Luke Altmyer doing that has impressed coaches? And how bout JC Davis' improvement from the Senior Bowl? Brian also discusses the Chicago Bears potential move to Arlington Heights. Champaign Central head football coach Matt Leskis joined the show to discuss the latest IHSA football rule changes and how they could impact teams across the state. Plus, we covered the day's top Illini Headlines and what fans should be watching moving forward.

Carson Bounds from Orange and Blue News joins the show to preview the huge game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan Wolverines on Friday night. Carson, a former member of the Orange Krush, talks about some of the criticisms the student section has faced this year. We also chat about Altmyer, Jacas, and Davis at the NFL Combine & plenty more. We also discuss where the St. Louis Cardinals are landing in early season rankings and what to expect heading into the year. And we wrap things up with Etched in Stone and our best bets.

Dave Wischnowsky breaks down what went wrong in Illinois' loss to the UCLA Bruins and what the team must clean up moving forward. He also previews a big matchup as the Illinois Fighting Illini get set to take on the Michigan Wolverines. We hit the latest Illini Headlines, including roster updates and key storylines to watch. Plus, Kurtis' Curveballs brings the fun with some off-the-wall sports and pop culture questions.

Tristan Thomas from WCIA breaks down Illinois vs UCLA Bruins men's basketball and shares the highlights from the IHSA Wrestling State Finals. He highlights key matchups, postseason implications, and what to watch as the Illini continue their Big Ten push. Kurtis then takes over Etched in Stone with his top picks and best bets. Plus, Cooper O'Kelly from The Champaign Room joins the show to fill in for Evan and discuss his biggest takeaways surrounding Illinois athletics.

Carson Gourdie from Fox Illinois and WICS breaks down what went wrong in Illinois' loss to UCLA Bruins men's basketball, including late-game execution and defensive lapses. He also shares his biggest takeaways moving forward as the Illini look to regroup during the stretch run. Plus, we run through today's Illini Headlines with updates across basketball and baseball. Kurtis wraps things up with some beer-related Curveballs.

PA announcer Tim Sinclair joins the show to reflect on his broadcasting career and share some of his favorite moments in Illini history. Bob McCoppin of the Chicago Tribune breaks down the latest on the Chicago Bears and the possibility of a move to Indiana. We also give our score predictions for Illinois vs. the Bruins and highlight the key matchups that could decide it. Plus, we wrap it up with another edition of Etched in Stone and our Friday Toasts.

Aaron Heisen of SoCal News Group and Fox Sports joins the show to preview the matchup and break down what to expect from both sides. He also discusses Mick Cronin and the recent apology that has been a major talking point around the program. We dive into key players, tempo, and the biggest matchups that could decide the game. Plus, we wrap things up with today's Illini Headlines and the latest news.

Bracket expert Brad Evans from The Athletic breaks down Illinois' path to a potential National Championship and what the Illini need to do to make a deep March run. He discusses favorable matchups, key players, and the biggest obstacles standing in the way. The conversation also looks at how Illinois stacks up against other contenders across the country. Plus, we wrap up with Etched in Stone bets and the top picks heading into the weekend.

Illinois basketball delivered a dominant, record-setting performance in a blowout win over USC, showcasing one of its most impressive outings of the season. The Illini offense was firing on all cylinders while the defense locked down from start to finish. Today's Illini Headlines also cover key takeaways from the victory and what it means moving forward in the Big Ten race. Plus, Chris Kwiecinski from Fox 32 Chicago joins the show to discuss the Chicago Bears and the latest on their potential move to Indiana.

WCIA 3's Tristan Thomas breaks down the matchup between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the USC Trojans, along with the biggest Illinois High School Association basketball headlines this week. He also discusses the new IHSA football rule changes and what they could mean for teams moving forward. Evan's out for today, so Kurtis takes a crack at Etched in Stone. Plus, we reveal the winner of the Oscars-themed Tuesday Draft..

Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports previews the matchup between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the USC Trojans. He breaks down key storylines, players to watch, and what each team needs to do to come away with a win. We also get Brian's thoughts on Bret Bielema's new coaching staff and more. We also run through today's Illini Headlines, covering the latest news and notes from around Illinois athletics. Plus, why did Kurtis' Curveballs involve billions of hotdogs?

Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer previews Illinois vs. USC and breaks down the biggest matchups to watch. We dive into what the Illini must do to control the tempo and come away with a statement win. It's also time for the Tuesday Draft and since the Illini went to Hollywood, so are we! We pick the best movies ever to win Best Picture at the Oscars. Plus, we need money! Evan gives his bets to Etch in Stone.

Carson Gourdie from WICS and Fox Illinois breaks down the Illini matchup with the Trojans and what to expect on game day. Adam Bradford of Trojans Wire gives the USC perspective and key storylines heading into the showdown. We also discuss how the Trojans match up schematically against Illinois on both sides of the ball. Plus, Jordan Thomas steps in as the new D-Line coach, rounding out Bret Bielema's 2026 staff.

Another award rolls in for Keaton Wagler, as his standout season continues to earn well-deserved recognition. What did he win now? We also highlight Sarah Warren and her performance on the Olympic stage, representing Team USA with pride. Why did she tell her family to NOT wear Illini orange & blue? Plus, Evan shares his latest picks in Etched in Stone as he looks to keep the hot streak going. And don't miss our Tuesday Draft announcement, where we reveal this week's topic and get the debate started.

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.      

Sunny Verma from Locked On Illini joins the show to break down Illinois vs. Indiana and what's at stake in the Big Ten race. Samuel Akem is an All-American wide receiver and played for Bobby Hauck. He delivers a must-listen conversation about Hauck's 3-3-5 defensive philosophy and what it could mean for the Illini. The X's and O's take center stage as we dive into scheme, toughness, and identity. Plus, we wrap it up with our Friday Toasts to close out the week on a high note.

Ronnie Bradford and Roger Cooper are former Defensive Coordinators for Bobby Hauck and they're the latest additions to Bret Bielema's staff. Bielema continues to reshape his new 3-3-5 defense. On the hardwood, Nick Rodecap from WIUX-FM and The Hoosier Network breaks down Illinois vs. Indiana and what the matchup means in the Big Ten race. It's a busy stretch in Champaign as both football and basketball storylines continue to build momentum.

More highlights rolled in from Bobby Hauck's press conference, where he mixed serious football talk with a few personality-filled moments. We also dove into another edition of Etched in Stone, tossing around takes, predictions, and a little friendly debate on tonight's money lines. And we got to know "Newphew" Cooper O'Kelly beyond the bylines, including some fun stories about his path into covering Illinois athletics. Plus, we talked about his work with The Champaign Room and why Illini fans might want to keep an eye on what he's writing next.

Bobby Hauck's introductory press conference highlighted his vision for Illinois' defense and the culture he wants to build moving forward. Cooper O'Kelly shared key updates and takeaways from the event, including early reactions from players and staff. The conversation also shifted to the current state of Illini basketball as the season reaches a critical stretch. Carson Gourdie added analysis on recent performances and what Illinois needs to improve to stay competitive in the Big Ten race.

Ravi Lulla of Hurrdat Sports joins the show to break down the remaining Big Ten basketball schedule and which teams have the clearest path to a conference title. We look at key matchups that could decide the race down the stretch. The conversation also shifts to our draft results for the best Illini players since 2000. Hear which names made the cut and where the biggest debates happened. Who wins - Kurtis, Evan, or Cooper?

Colleen Kane from the Chicago Tribune joins the show to break down Illinois' tough 92–90 loss to Wisconsin. The narrow defeat had head coach Brad Underwood visibly frustrated as the Illini search for answers late in the season. We discuss key moments that swung the game and what it means moving forward. Plus, some fans are beginning to question the energy and impact of the Orange Krush student section.

The All-American J Leman breaks down the hiring of new Illini Defensive Coordinator Barry Hauck, discussing his scheme and what it means for the defense moving forward. He shares insight into how the Illini roster could fit within Hauck's system and the expectations heading into the season. Tuesday is Draft Day! This week's segment highlights the best Illini basketball players since 2000. Hear debate, analysis, and plenty of Illini nostalgia as the crew builds their all-era lists. Vote for the winner on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

"The Great" Kyle Tausk joins us this hour to preview Illinois vs Wisconsin at State Farm Center. How will the Illini bounce back after a tough loss at Michigan State? Why will the guards determine tonight's winner?  Plus we dive into new Defensive Coordinator Bobby Houck's 3-3-5 Defense; and what are some Olympic athletes injecting into themselves?  

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.

Brad Sturdy of Illini Guys breaks down Illinois' tough overtime loss to Michigan State, a game that left the locker room frustrated after a close battle. He also previews the Illini's upcoming matchup with Wisconsin as the team looks to bounce back quickly in Big Ten play. Meanwhile, former Illini standout Devon Witherspoon delivered a huge performance in the Super Bowl, helping lead Seattle's dominant defense to a 29–13 win. Witherspoon's big plays — including a sack and a game-changing strip — helped seal a championship night for the Seahawks.

Carson Gourdie from Fox Illinois and WICS-TV joins us this hour to talk Illinois vs Michigan State. We also hear from Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press. Get both perspectives ahead of the Illini vs Sparty. And it's Super Bowl Weekend! Kurtis tests your knowledge with Super Bowl trivia, Evan's "Etched in Stone" features Super Bowl prop bets, and we give our score predictions. Plus our Friday Toasts! Cheers!

Doug Bucshon is the publisher of Orange and Blue News, a part of the On3 family, and has covered Illinois athletics for years. He joins us this hour to discuss Illinois vs Michigan State, Jeremy Fears' issues, Underwood vs Izzo, Keaton Wagler, and much more!  We also talk with Doug about some of the changes to Bret Bielema's coaching staff, including the addition of TE Coach Jared Elliot and the loss of D-Line coach Terrance Jamison. Plus, Brad Underwood's presser and more!

The Chicago Bulls traded former-Illini star Ayo Dosumnu to the Timberwolves, which also happens to be the home of Terrence Shannon Jr. We discuss the trade with NBA Insider Dr. Daniel Thompson. Dr. Thompson also does an incredible job covering the Illini women's basketball team for Basketball Society. He helps us break down Illinois' tough loss last night at Oregon. Is Leslie Frazier a candidate for the Illinois defensive coordinator position? What about Kevin Richardson? Both have connections to the Illini and/or Bret Bielema. 

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?

The one and only Lon Tay is back on the Drive for a full hour! Uncle Lon updates us on life, his thoughts on Illinois football, Cardinals baseball, and the incredible run of Illinois basketball! This is a must-listen!

Chris Kwiecinski of FOX32 Chicago joins us to break down the Illini matchup against the Northwestern Wildcats. We discuss key storylines, expectations, and what to watch in the rivalry game. Plus, a look at Keaton Wagler's recent award wins and what they mean moving forward.

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.

Dave Wischnowsky has covered Illini athletics for years. So when he says this year's men's team is as good as the 04-05 squad, you should listen. Check out this great conversation! Plus, the Cardinals moved Brendan Donovan. We look at their current draft stock and farm system.

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 Illinois Men's basketball team got their 2nd road win against a Top 5 opponent in as many weeks, 77-69 over Nebraska. Now the Illini are ranked Number 5 in the country and Keaton Wagler earned his fifth Freshman of the Week award. It's a lot of numbers and our guy "The Great" Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joins us this hour to break it all down!

We break down predictions for Illini vs. Cornhuskers and what to expect in the matchup. Who will handle Pryce Sandifort defensively and will the Keaton Wagler train keep rolling? Plus, news broke this afternoon that the Seattle Seahawks could actually be up for sale with the Super Bowl approaching. Is this a distraction or a nothing before the game? Former UCLA guard Amari Bailey says he wants out of the NBA after 10 games to return to college basketball. He's hired a lawyer and an agent to make it happen. What will this mean for the game? And Etched in Stone & Friday Toasts!

Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins us once again from the Senior Bowl in Mobile. Gabe Jacas continues to be the best defensive player on the field.  Plus, Luke Altmyer and JC Davis had their best practices of the week!  Illini basketball got a solid win last night at home against Washington. Now they head to Nebraska for a showdown that could decide the Big Ten Championship. Ravi Lulla from HurrDat Sports joins us to break down the game.

We've had great guests on this week ahead of the Illinois vs Washington game, with a few people calling it a definite trap game. So how confident are YOU about tonight's game? We answer your texts at 217-359-2255. Have you seen ONE person agree with the decision to keep Bill Belichick out of the Hall of Fame? Neither have we. Evan got things back on track with Etched in Stone last night. He's got 3 new bets for tonight. Lets go!

Brian Teague checks in again from Mobile, Alabama at the Senior Bowl. Is Gabe Jacas still the best player on the field? How did Luke Altmyer's running ability impress coaches? And why did JC Davis have a rough day?  Carson Gourdie from WICS-TV joins us to talk about tonight's Illinois vs Washington game at State Farm Center. Carson tells us why he thinks tonight IS a trap game, but the Illini will ultimately win.

Brad Underwood's squad is coming off their biggest win of the season and an all-time performance from Keaton Wagler at Purdue. Will that success carry over to tomorrow night at State Farm Center against Washington? We talk with Roman Tomashoff from Huskie Wire if this is a Trap Game for Illinois. We take another look at the Illinois 2026 football schedule, who has the easiest and the toughest schedules in the Big Ten. Evan's heater came to a screeching halt last night with Etched in Stone. Let's see if he cooks tonight. And who won the Tuesday Draft for our Super Bowl Spreads?!  

We're traveling the globe this hour and we start at The Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports is live on location with updates on Luke Altmyer, Gabe Jacas, and JC Davis. Which of the 3 did Brian say was "the best player on the field?"  Sarah Warren is representing the United States in speedskating at the Winter Olympics. She's also a U of I grad and called us from Germany! Sarah tells us how she overcame TEN knee surgeries to make the Olympic team. This is an incredible conversation! Illinois football released their schedule yesterday and dive in a little bit more. 

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. 

Our guy The Great Kyle Tausk is back with us! Kyle breaks down Keaton Wagler's historic performance against Purdue and the Illini win. Plus Illini Headlines, Curveballs, and plenty more!

The Super Bowl is now set! The New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks are headed to Santa Clara. Who ya got?! We discuss. Plus, Evan is on a HEATER with Etched in Stone! It's a 20-4 run last week. Will he cash in again?

The Illini men's basketball team got their biggest win of the year with an 88-82 upset over Purdue on Saturday. Keaton Wagler turned in an all-time performance with 46 points, a record for a Freshman and the most ever scored by an opposing player in Mackey. Evan and Cooper are holding it down on Hour 1!

Nick Rodecap covers Indiana athletics for WIUX-FM, The Hoosier Network, and Inside The Hall. Nick was in Miami for their National Championship win and gives us his view of the game. Plus, where does Cignetti & CO go from here? A great listen! Evan was out of the studio, but still called in for "Etched in Stone." He's on a 8-2 heater over the last two days. Will that continue tonight? Plus we preview Championship Weekend in the NFL. Who's going to The Super Bowl? And Friday Toasts! Cheers!

Illinois basketball has its biggest test of the season tomorrow at Purdue! We preview the game with Jimmy Sobeski from the "Flag on the Play" Podcast. Jimmy's been covering Purdue athletics for years and stopped by the studio before heading to Mackey for the game. Brad Underwood met with the media today ahead of the game. We bring you his press conference and get his thoughts on how Illinois will defend Braden Smith. Plus, how much revenue does the Super Bowl actually bring to a city? A new study out today with the answer might surprise you on how the actual dollar amount.

Illini wrestling legend Zane Richards joins us to talk the free RTC clinic after Illinois vs. Rutgers. Evan checks in with his latest Etched in Stone picks after going 4–1, and we debate what the Bears should do with their first-round pick. Like ESPN 93.5 on Facebook and follow us on Twitter & Instagram.