The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper

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 latest injury news. Plus, Carson talks about Bret Bielema & Illini football's class of 2026. And we've got our Friday toasts! Cheers! 

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 key pieces. Who wins? Our friend Ravi Lulla covers The Big Ten for Hurrdat Sports. He joins the show to talk about Matt Campbell to Penn State, and the B1G TEN Championship game between Ohio State & Indiana.

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 shares some fantastic personal news with The Drive! And we need some money! Etched in Stone: Championship Weekend Edition.  LET'S GO!

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!

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-year periods in Illinois history, and compared it to the Bielema era. The results are fascinating. A must-listen to segment! And who won our Sitcom Draft? The margin of winning was only 2 votes!

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. 

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.

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-Coms of All Time. And Kurtis throws out those Curveballs!

The Illini men's basketball team competed, but ultimately fell to UConn at Madison Square Garden. What went right and what went wrong? Where will Brad Underwood & Co do ahead of their trip to Nashville before playing Tennessee? Da Bears are Da Number 1 team in da NFC! The Chicago Bears handled the Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday in Philly. Ben Johnson's team has won 9 of their last 10 games and are in the driver's seat the rest of the way. Next up? The Packers in Green Bay.  A handful of texts start this conversation: Why are some Illini fans still unhappy with Bret Bielema and Brad Underwood? 

The All-American J Leman is back after an Illini W! We break down Saturday's win at Geis Memorial Stadium over Northwestern, the defense's bounce-back performance, and much more. How would J sum up the 2025 campaign? How does the coaching carousel impact Illinois? What does Illinois need to do during the offseason? Plus we cover A LOT more from the world of college football. LET'S GOOOO!

Happy Thanksgiving! Here's a special episode of "The Drive" exclusive to podcast subscribers. Brad Underwood and the Illini Men's Basketball team head to Madison Square Garden to take on the #5 ranked UConn Huskies. Tip-off is scheduled for Friday morning at 11:30am. We preview the game and give our predictions. Friday afternoon features the Chicago Bears against the Philadelphia Eagles. Is this the biggest test for Da Bears so far? Are the Eagles vulnerable or is this a "get right" game for Philly?  Bret Bielema leads the Illini football team into their final regular season game for Senior Night on Saturday. Snow, rain, and wind are in the forecast for the game. How will it impact Barry Lunney's offense? Will it help or hinder Aaron Henry's defense? We preview and give our score predictions. We hope you have a great holiday weekend and thanks for listening! - The Drive  

Tristan Thomas from WCIA-3 previews the IHSA State Championship games! Maroa-Forsyth, Tolono-Unity, and Rochester are all playing on Friday.  Local celebrities voted in our Thanksgiving Side Dish draft, and one vote really hurt Kurtis' feelings. It's a familiar name... And who WON our draft? The results are crazy! Plus, our Thanksgiving Toasts!

The Illini wrap up their regular season on Saturday night at Gies Memorial Stadium against the Northwestern Wildcats. Snow is in the forecast - who does that benefit? We talk with Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports takes us around the Big Ten football slate. Ravi previews Ohio State vs Michigan, Washington vs Oregon, and much more. Chris Kwicinski from Fox32 covers Northwestern athletics and the Chicago Bears. He joins us to talk about both.

Bret Bielema met with the media and got emotional while talking about his group of Seniors on the Illini roster. What will you think of when you look back on the 2025 season? Also, should Luke Altmyer play in a bowl game? Kurtis and Evan say "No." And it's our Tuesday Draft! This week we're drafting "Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes." Vote for who won @thedrive935 on Instagram, Twitter, and by texting 217-359-2255!

Illinois Men's basketball beat UT Rio Grande Valley 87-73 last night. Why did Brad Underwood call the performance "Doo Doo?"  Our guy The Great Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joins us to break down the game and preview Friday's match-up with UCONN at Madison Square Garden. Plus Kurtis has a check of the other Illini headlines and throws some serious Curveballs!

The Illini Men's basketball team took care of business on Saturday against Long Island University. Brad Underwood was candid in his post-game presser about the performances of Kylan Boswell and a returning Brandon Lee. Plus, Underwood's comments about what he expects out of Andrej Stojackovic and we preview tonight's game against UT Rio Grande Valley. Also, Da Bears did it again! Chicago now sits at 8-3 after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday. Are they really no longer "the same ol' Bears?" Kurtis announces our next Tuesday draft and throws CURVEBALLS right at Evan.

J Leman is back in-studio to break down what went wrong for the Illini against Wisconsin. J talks Bielema, Barry Lunney, Bart Miller, Aaron Henry, and plenty more! Plus Evan puts the current state of Illini football in a historical perspective and J brings out the "Rage Side" of Kurtis.  We cover it all this hour of The Drive!

The EIU Panthers take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa tomorrow. We talk with longtime EIU play-by-play man Mike Bradd about the game, the state of EIU's program, and plenty more. It's a big weekend in the IHSA Playoffs, including Tolono-Unity vs St. Joe-Ogden. We talk with Tolono head coach Tony Reetz about the game, the community, and the opportunity coach a state championship game at Hancock Stadium in Normal. Plus we give our score predictions for Illini basketball against Long Island University and Illini football against Wisconsin.  AND FRIDAY TOASTS!

It's a busy Friday on The Drive! Joey Wagner from Illini Inquirer joins us this hour to talk Illini vs Wisconsin, Barry Lunney's future, Bears vs Packers, and much more! Plus we get a check of today's Illini Headlines and Kurtis throws some Curveballs!

Kurtis noticed David Mirkovic has an "awesome tattoo" on his right leg. Did you catch it last night during the Illini vs Crimson Tide game?  Da Bears will have a couple of key defensive pieces back as soon as Sunday against the Steelers. Who's in and who's out? We need some money! Evan has those Etched in Stone bets for this week and he's feeling extra generous ahead of Thanksgiving. Plus, wanna feel old? Evan has a few stats that just might do the trick.

The Fighting Illini men's basketball lost against Alabama at the United Center in Chicago. We answer your texts and give our reactions to the 90-86 loss.  Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports joins us to talk Big Ten Football for this weekend and why USC could spoil Oregon's playoff hopes. Mark Stewart covers Wisconsin Badgers football for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He gives us the Badgers perspective ahead of Saturday's showdown with Bret Bielema and the Illini at Camp Randall.

Carson Gourdie from Fox Illinois & WICS joins us this hour to preview Illinois vs Alabama, give his insight, last-minute injury updates from Brad Underwood, and more. Plus, we talk Illini Football ahead of Saturday's showdown at Camp Randall. Who won our Denzel Movie Draft? It wasn't as close as some people thought! We give our final score predictions for tonight's Illinois vs Alabama game. Lets go!

We preview tonight's #8 Fighting Illini men's basketball game against #11 Alabama Crimson Tide at the United Center in Chicago! Who's in and who's out?  We'll talk with Tristan Thomas from WCIA-3 about tonight's game, plus 2 area schools are guaranteed to play for a State Championship. We'll preview Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond vs Maroa-Forsyth and Tolono-Unity vs St. Joe-Ogden. Kurtis throws some serious Curveballs at Evan and more on our Denzel Movie Draft.

Illini Football head coach Bret Bielema met with the media and talks about the upcoming trip to his former stomping grounds in Wisconsin. Plus, Bielema expects a very busy coaching carousel this offseason for college football. And he gives us some insight into the "good problems" that Illinois athletics have right now. It's Tuesday and that means DRAFT DAY! This week's subject: Denzel Washington Movies! Who wins? Vote on our Instagram & Twitter pages @thedrive935 or text your vote to 217-359-2255!

Bret Bielema addressed the media and discussed OC Barry Lunney's potential as a head coaching candidate. We share your reactions. Brad Underwood also met with the media and gave an injury report update before tomorrow night's game against Alabama at the United Center. Who's in and who's out?  It was Field Trip Day at State Farm Center for Illini Women's Basketball and it was LOUD! How crazy did the kids get when the Illini scored "67?" It was over 110 decibels! And an interesting conversation takes off after a texter wants to know "Why don't the Illini practice at State Farm Center?"

David Mirkovic had an all-time performance for the Illini against Colgate on Friday night, finishing with 27 points and 21 rebounds; the first 20-20 game for an Illini in 53 years! We recap the game and look ahead to Wednesday's showdown with Alabama at the United Center in Chicago. Speaking of Chicago...Da Bears are in first place! How did the Bears pull off another stunning win? Are they for real and can they make noise in the playoffs? We go through the remaining schedule. It's Evan's turn to choose our Tuesday Draft category. What will he pick? And Kurtis throws them Curveballs!

The All-American J Leman is back in the studio after the Illini cruised past Maryland 24-6. J talks about the great performance by the Illini defense,  Luke Altmyer's connection with Hudson Clement, the future of the O-Line, and answers your texts. 

Robert Rosenthal from Illini Board joins us to talk about a big weekend of Illinois sports and why he thinks OC Barry Lunney will stay in Champaign! Plus, how did Robert save Evan on Tuesday night at the Illinois vs Texas Tech game? Kurtis checks the Illini headlines, throws out some wild curveballs, and we get a surprise call-in from Evan. We give your score predictions and Friday Toasts! I-L-L!

It's a HUGE All-Illini Friday with an All-Star lineup. "The Great" Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer talks Illini basketball, Carson Gourdie from WICS-TV has insight into why Mike Locksley is possibly out as Maryland's head coach if they to the Illini, and Cooper O'Kelly from Champaign Room & Big Ten+ joins us in-studio to talk Illini athletics. Lets goooo!

Coach Brad Underwood met with the media today ahead of Friday night's game against Colgate. Get the latest injury news and our reactions. We need some money! Evan gives us this week's Etched in Stone picks and is ready to go 5-0. But will he?  And what Evan's final predictions for this weekend's slate of Illinois football & basketball?

Sam Jane works for The Athletic, previously with the Baltimore Sun & Washington Post, and covers Maryland Football. He joins us to chat about Saturday's game at Gies Memorial Stadium and plenty more! Our guy Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports takes us around the Big Ten football schedule. Can Iowa win at USC? Is this the year Northwestern wins their Wrigley Field game? Kurtis gives us a check of today's Illini Headlines and throws some Curveballs!

Tristan Thomas from WCIA-3 joins us to talk about the IHSA Quarterfinals! It's another big weekend for area schools. We also get Tristan's take on Illinois' win over Texas Tech and find out that Evan stole Josh Whitman's chair last night! Kurtis throws some curveballs and we find out who won our Pro Wrestler Draft! Ohhh Hell Yeah! 

The Illini had an incredible night against Texas Tech, with a 81-77 win! We'll recap Andrej Stojakovic & Kylan Boswell's breakout performances, JT Toppin, and plenty more. Plus we check the Illini Headlines for the day, including National Signing Day for most of the University's athletic programs. Evan took issue with an article that ranked Luke Altmyer as the #16th best quarterback in College Football. We'll dive into the numbers. And our Pro Wrestler Draft is winding down! Who will win?

Hour 2 of our live Veteran's Day broadcast at Pia's with Koerner Distributing & Crown Royal. We talk a little football ahead of Saturday's game against Maryland.  Plus, Kurtis throws some Curveballs and Evan...and then Evan throws one right back! And we give our final thoughts ahead of the Illini vs Texas Tech at State Farm Center.

The Drive is LIVE at Pia's in Champaign ahead of the Illini's showdown with Texas Tech at State Farm Center.  Get our score predictions and more! Plus, our Tuesday Drafts continue and this week's topic: Pro Wrestlers! Who wins? And learn about the Purple Bag Program for Veteran's Day.

The Bears pulled off another stunning win, this time at the expense of the New York Giants and Brian Daboll's job. Plus, how close are Ben Johnson & Caleb Williams to setting a few Chicago Bears records? Brad Underwood held his weekly presser ahead of tomorrow night's showdown with Texas Tech. Which players are in and out? How will the Illini handle the Red Raiders backcourt and Center JT Toppin? Kurtis throws dem Curveballs at poor Evan!

The All-American J Leman is back in the studio after a bye week for the Illini. J and the guys breakdown Illinois vs Maryland, Coach Bielema's press conference; potential coaching changes, and score predictions. Plus, J and the guys learn about a missed scene in the holiday classic "Home Alone."

Illini football have a bye week, but the rest of the conference is in action. Kurtis & Evan break down games and make their predictions. Evan gives an in-depth preview of Illini Wrestling for 2025-2026. Some great information in this segment! Also, Evan asks Kurtis if he could take a punch right now?  And we give our Friday Toasts!

Game 2 of the Illini men's basketball season is tonight! Florida Gulf Coast comes to town and we'll preview the game. Plus, Alex Martin from the Naples Daily News calls in to tell us about the FGC roster. And Kurtis has your Friday Curveballs that could injure Evan!

Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema talks with the media as the team heads into an off week. Coach Bielema addresses injuries, the future the quaterback position, transfer portal, and more. Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat sports takes on a trip around the Big Ten football schedule for this weekend.  We need some money! Evan has your "Etched in Stone" bets for this weekend!

Illini Basketball head coach Brad Underwood met with the media today before tomorrow night's game against Florida Gulf Coast. Coach Underwood gave the latest injury report, talked about defensive concerns, and who will be starting week to week.  Plus we check the other big Illini headlines for today and Kurtis throws a Curveball that hits himself!

Round 2 of the IHSA playoffs features a lot of are schools, including Tolono-Unity vs Monticello. We talk with Trista Thomas from WCIA about all of this weekend's games. Daniel Thompson covers the Bulls and the Illini. He joins us to talk about both, and expectations for this year. And the people have spoken! Who won our Roadside Snack Draft?

The Illini Women's Basketball team kicked off the season with a 91-67 win over SEMO. What are the expectations for this season? Plus, Gabe Jacas is about to enter some elite company in Illini Football history. Listen to find out what we mean. What would you do with the Cardinals roster this offseason? How about the Cubs? Hot Stove Talk is underway! And Kurtis throws some serious Curveballs at you!

Zack Pearson does a great job covering the Beas for BearReport and 247Sports. He joins us to talk about the season thus far, Caleb Williams progression, Ben Johnson, and today's trade deadline move.  The Cardinals & Cubs have Gold Glovers on their teams.  More Illini Headlines. And this week's Tuesday Draft is Roadside Snacks!

The Illini Men's basketball team opened the season with a 113-55 win over Jackson State and nearly set a team record of 3's. Tomislav Ivisic and Ben Humrichous each scored 21.  Plus, the Illini Women's team kicks off the season tonight against SEMO and it was a good day for Illini Soccer. We'll check the Illini headlines. It was a BUSY day for the NFL Trade Deadline. The Colts made a blockbuster move for Sauce Gardner, the Bears filled a need, and the Jets are in a fire sale. But who won and who lost the day? We discuss. And Kurtis is throwing some serious CURVEBALLS at Ethan!

The wait is over! The Fighting Illini men's basketball team kicks off the season tonight against Jackson State. We'll hear from head coach Brad Underwood about who's in and who's out. Plus, details on how you can win tickets for an upcoming game. The Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals had one of the craziest games of the year yesterday & Da Bears won! What does this mean for Ben Johnson's team going forward? Will the Bears be buyers or sellers before tomorrow's trade deadline? And Kurtis throws some CURVEBALLS at you!

The All-American J Leman is back in studio to talk about the Illini's huge win over Rutgers on Saturday. J discusses the game Lunney called for the offense, changes made on the defensive side of the ball, and expectations for the rest of the year. Plus, where does Luke Altmyer rank among the all-time great Illini quarterbacks?

Kyle Tausk joins us to talk about the Illini men's basketball home opener on Monday night. Get Kyle's insight on a few key injuries, expectations for the 2025 season, and news on recruits for 2026. The Blue Jays look to close out the World Series tonight against the Dodgers. We give our final predictions for Illinois vs Rutgers, plus our Friday toasts!

It's an Illini Heavy Show! Kendall Bostic joins us to talk about her new role with Illini Women's Basketball radio broadcasts, and the upcoming season. We check out the latest Illini headlines heading into the weekend. Kurtis throws Evan some manly Curveballs and we get your score predictions for Illinois vs Rutgers.

We take a trip around the Big Ten with our guy Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports! Ravi gives his insight on Illinois vs Rutgers, Matt Ruhle's new contract, USC vs Nebraska,  and all the other games on this weekend's slate. We need some money! Evan has those "Etched in Stone" bets for this weekend. Illini Soccer kicks off Big Ten postseason play against Ohio State.

Trey Yesavage had an all-time performance for the Blue Jays in Game 5 of the World Series. The Jays now lead the series 3-2. Can the Dodgers force a Game 7? We check the latest Illini headlines, then take a SPOOKY turn with the Illini sports moments that still haunt us. Kurtis throws his Curveballs and Evan ducks!